Summer 2026 (Volume 36, Number 2)

Spotlight on the 2026 CRA Abstract Award Winners

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IAN WATSON AWARD for the Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the Lupus Society of Alberta
Winner: Lucia Zhu, McGill University
Abstract Title: Trajectories of NT-proBNP in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Supervisor: Dr. Sasha Bernatsky

PHIL ROSEN AWARD for the Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the Arthritis Society – Phil Rosen Memorial Award
Winner: Lana Mackic, University of Manitoba
Abstract Title: High-Resolution Thermography and Artificial Intelligence to Evaluate and Classify Rheumatoid Arthritis
Supervisor: Dr. Liam O'Neil

BEST ABSTRACT by a Rheumatology Resident
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Leigha Rowbottom, Mount Sinai/University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Enhancing Immunology Education for Rheumatology Trainees Using Artificial Intelligence: A Pilot Quality Improvement Initiative
Supervisor: Dr. Ahmed Omar

BEST ABSTRACT on Basic Science Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Kathleen Dyer, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Abstract Title: Assessing Genetic Factors Influencing the Variability in Psoriatic Arthritis Onset Among Patients with Psoriasis
Supervisor: Dr. Proton Rahman

BEST ABSTRACT by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Reem Farhat, McGill University
Abstract Title: Increased Risk of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Exposed to Azathioprine
Supervisor: Dr. Evelyne Vinet

BEST ABSTRACT on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Timothy Kwok, University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Health Care Utilization Patterns Among Patients Presenting to Emergency Department for Gout Flares in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Retrospective Observational Study

BEST ABSTRACT by a Medical Student
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Kaitlyn Ng Tung Hing, University of Edinburgh
Abstract Title: Phonophoresis for Enthesitis-Related Pain: Real-World Outcomes from a Retrospective Single-Centre Study
Supervisors: Drs. Melissa Holdren and Carter Thorne

BEST ABSTRACT by an Undergraduate Student
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Madeline Beron, Queen's University/University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Extremely High Maternal Anti-Ro/La Antibody Titers Predict Non-Cardiac Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus Manifestations
Supervisor: Dr. Linda Hiraki

BEST ABSTRACT by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Greta Mastrangelo, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children
Abstract Title: Confirming the Validity of the New EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for Pediatric Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Supervisors: Drs. Brian Feldman and Ron Laxer

BEST ABSTRACT on Research by Early Career Faculty
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Liam O'Neil, University of Manitoba
Abstract Title: Citrullination of Neutrophil Serine Proteases Enhances Proteolytic Activity, Stability and Autoantigenicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

BEST ABSTRACT on Pediatric Research by Early Career Faculty
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Piya Lahiry, McGill University
Abstract Title: Impaired Dnase1L3 Activity from a Novel Mutation Identified in Monogenic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BEST ABSTRACT on Spondyloarthritis Research
Sponsored by the Canadian Spondylitis Association
Winner: Nam Nguyen, University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Evaluation of the Performance of Candidate Enthesitis Ultrasound Scoring Systems for Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis – Duet Study
Supervisor: Dr. Lihi Eder

BEST ABSTRACT on Equity Diversity and Inclusion in Rheumatology
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Alec Chu Ming Yu, University of British Columbia
Abstract Title: Improving Care for People Living with Rheumatic Disease and Extreme Poverty: An Interim Analysis of a Prospective Study on Honorarium and Outreach Supports
Supervisor: Dr. Brent Ohata