CRAJ Winter 2021

Winter 2021 (Volume 31, Number 4)

Abstract Review Committee Update

By Marinka Twilt, MD, MScE, PhD

The abstracts have been submitted and the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Abstract Review Committee has begun the hard work of reading and scoring the abstracts, ably supported by Virginia Hopkins, Manager, Research & Innovation. The committee selects the abstracts worthy of poster or podium presentation. Our meeting will be converted to a virtual meeting this year, and the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) team supported by Claire McGowan (Manager, Educational Programs and Events) has worked hard to retain the multiple opportunities the CRA & Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA) ASM offer on an ongoing yearly basis. Our meeting continues to garner interest from researchers, clinicians, trainees and industry. Even during these unprecedented times, more than 200 abstracts were submitted. Each abstract will be scored by three reviewers, and the best in each category are chosen based on the average score; the chair will break any tie for a spot on the virtual poster tour and podium presentation. Thank you, reviewers!

The top 14 podium presentations will be presented. There will be 12 virtual poster tours during which the top-ranked abstracts will be presented. There will also be interactive virtual poster sessions where attendees will be able to discuss posters with the presenters. The top five abstracts in each award category will be judged during the poster session for the following awards:

Best Abstract on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology
Best Abstract on Research by Young Faculty
Best Abstract on Pediatric Research by Young Faculty
Best Abstract on Basic Science Research by a Trainee
Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee – Phil Rosen Award
Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee – Ian Watson Award
Best Abstract by a Medical Student
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Resident
Best Abstract by an Undergraduate Student
Best Abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research Award

We look forward to seeing you all during the CRA & AHPA ASM!

Marinka Twilt, MD, MScE, PhD
Chair, CRA Abstract Review Committee
Pediatric Rheumatologist, Clinician Scientist,
Alberta Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics,
Cumming School of Medicine,
University of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta