Spring 2022 (Volume 32, Number 1)

ACR Canada Night

By Brian Feldman, MD, MSc, FRCPC; Nigil Haroon, MD, PhD, DM, FRCPC; and Evelyn Sutton, MD, FRCPC, FACP

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On Wednesday October 6th, 2021, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) held its annual Canada Night event, returning for the first time since 2019. Canada Night has traditionally been held at the site of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence meeting; however, it was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This night was typically intended to bring together all Canadian rheumatologists who were meeting at ACR, as it is a great opportunity for a night of networking and entertainment. In 2021, the decision was made to hold Canada Night virtually to bring together all members of the CRA.

The pandemic caused many to pause and reflect, which was one of the reasons why “The Future of Rheumatology” was selected as the theme of Canada Night. To set the stage, Dan Trommater, who is an illusionist, was invited to kick off the event. Dan Trommater engaged attendees with an interactive presentation to challenge assumptions and boost communication, as well as provide opportunities to have everyone virtually “sit” in a group to discuss difficult topics.

Following this, an accredited session on the future of rheumatology began, led by Drs. Evelyn Sutton, Nigil Haroon, and Brian Feldman. This session was focused on questions, impending challenges, and opportunities that would most impact the future of rheumatology in Canada. All three presenters provided different angles on the topic, including a review of the evolution of rheumatology practice over the years, the major advances in the science and practice of rheumatology, and an exploration of how these trends may influence clinical care in the future.

Clockwise (from top left): Dr. Brian Feldman, Dr. Nigil Haroon, and Dr. Evelyn Sutton.

The session closed with an engaging question and answer period with the audience, which included lively discussions on other related topics, such as artificial intelligence; equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI); and environmental awareness; all critical areas that will affect the way we practice rheumatology in the future.

The CRA thanks all who were involved in the planning of this event, including our speakers, staff, vendors, and supporters. We look forward to seeing our members at the next (hopefully in-person) Canada Night event.

Brian Feldman, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Head,
Division of Rheumatology,
SickKids Hospital
Professor,
Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Health Policy,
Management and Evaluation
Ho Family Chair in Autoimmune Diseases
Toronto, Ontario

Nigil Haroon, MD, PhD, DM, FRCPC
Vice-President,
Canadian Rheumatology Association
Co-Director, Spondylitis Program, UHN
Clinician Scientist, UHN
Scientist, Krembil Research Institute
Associate Professor,
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Evelyn Sutton, MD, FRCPC, FACP
President,
Canadian Rheumatology Association
Associate Dean,
Undergraduate Medical Education
Professor of Medicine,
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia