Winter 2021 (Volume 31, Number 4)

The Annual Canadian Arthritis Research Conference Returns for a Third Year

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The third annual Canadian Arthritis Research Conference (CARC) is once again giving researchers, clinicians and consumers the opportunity to network and learn about the latest arthritis research.

The conference, co-presented by the Arthritis Society, the Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA), takes place virtually on February 7th and 8th, 2022. CARC brings together multidisciplinary stakeholders to explore perspectives, advance knowledge and enhance Canadian leadership in the world of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

This year’s theme, Research with Impact, features a range of presentations, discussions and networking opportunities with experts, researchers, patients and emerging leaders from the arthritis community.

CARC will feature two keynote speakers and 18 presenters (all program details are available online at arthritis.ca/carc) delivering talks on a range of topics. In addition, the conference provides a forum for investigators to share “Best Research” presentations.

Last year’s presentations covered medicine and rehabilitation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a range of topics from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of young people with rheumatic disease to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for intervertebral disc degeneration and back pain. There were also several “Ask Me Anything” panels, where presenters and attendees discussed presentation topics in more detail.

Dr. Jackie Whittaker of the CARC Scientific Committee says the conference is not only a great opportunity to hear about the latest arthritis research, but also an opportunity to share ideas with a goal of improving the health of people living with arthritis.

“The challenges of arthritis are varied and vast. Building on the success of the previous two conferences, we are assembling experts and stakeholders to further advance research to better the health of Canadians living with arthritis and rheumatic diseases,” said
Dr. Whittaker. “Opportunities like CARC allow us to collaborate and share learnings among clinicians, scientists, patients and stakeholders nationally and internationally. We look forward to some very engaging discussions.”

In addition to the two-day conference, the second annual Research Presentation Day takes place on January 25 and 31, 2022. Research Presentation Day provides a public platform for research presentations including systematic reviews, all types of original research, and evidence synthesis. This day is more intimate and allows brief conversations and questions about the research with the CARC Scientific Committee and other research presenters. There will be expert tips for all presenters.

For more information about the conference or to register, visit arthritis.ca/carc.