Summer 2026 (Volume 36, Number 2)

Passing the Torch

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Dear CRA Members,

It is hard to believe that two years have flown by so quickly! To have my term culminate in a fantastic meeting in my home city at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Halifax was especially meaningful. As I reflect on the last two years as your Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) president, I am filled with gratitude for your engagement, and pride in what we have accomplished. Serving as your president has been an incredible honour, and I thank you for trusting and supporting me in this role. 

During the last two years we have endeavoured to engage as many rheumatologists as possible across the country to better understand the needs of our diverse community and improve support for our members. This work has been essential in informing our new strategic plan with a focus to improve our offerings for community-based members while, of course, continuing our strong support of our academic-based membership. 

The work and offerings of the CRA are only possible through your contributions. Our board, staff, and members have spent an incredible amount of time and energy on committees and in leadership roles to advance our mission to represent and nurture the diverse community of rheumatologists by enabling efficient delivery of care, fostering collaboration, and supporting education, research and advocacy. 

As my term comes to a close, I am delighted to introduce Dr. Stephanie Tom as the new president of the CRA. Stephanie’s extensive experience in board and leadership roles at the CRA and Canadian Rheumatology Association Foundation (CRAF) make her well suited to take the helm. Her understanding of the organization and visionary leadership will undoubtedly serve the CRA well in reaching our vision of empowering professional excellence and personal fulfillment for rheumatologists in Canada. It is my pleasure to pass the torch to such a thoughtful, capable leader. I am excited to see what the future has in store for us under her guidance!

Sincerely,

Trudy Taylor, MD, FRCPC
Outgoing President,
Canadian Rheumatology Association