ARMA Chair Tony Woolf receives international recognition

Chair of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance Receives Top Honor from American College of Rheumatology

Professor Tony Woolf was honored with the designation of Master by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) during the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego. Recognition as a Master is one of the highest honors that the ACR bestows on its distinguished members.

The designation of Master is conferred on ACR members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to their patients, students, and the rheumatology profession and are age 65 or older. Honorees have devoted their careers to furthering rheumatology research and improving clinical standards in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

 “It’s an honor to be recognized for my commitment to advancing the health of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Cornwall, across the UK and also globally,” said Prof Woolf. “I am truly humbled to receive this designation and join the ranks of many distinguished rheumatologists.”

ACR Masters must be highly accomplished individuals. Evidence of their achievements can come from many types of endeavors and honors, such as research, education, health care initiatives, volunteerism, and administrative positions. The Master must be distinguished by the excellence and significance of his or her contributions to the science and art of rheumatology.

Prof. Tony Woolf was consultant rheumatologist, Royal Cornwall Hospital from 1987 until 2015 and is currently Clinical Director, National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula.  His work has focused on reducing the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions by influencing policy and practice nationally and internationally through evidence and advocacy. He works with and advises policymakers in UK, European Commission and WHO. The current focus is on the importance of musculoskeletal health in the workplace and in ageing populations.  Prof. Woolf is chair of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance and has held leading positions within various national, European and International organisations – immediate Past Chair and founder member of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health; past Chair, National Osteoporosis Society UK; past member of EULAR Executive Committee as chair of the Education and Training Standing Committee; and past President UEMS (European professional organisation for rheumatology).  He has been appointed Honorary Professor of Rheumatology to University of Exeter Medical School and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and was visiting Professor in Musculoskeletal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden, 2008–2014.

About the American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology is an international medical society representing over 9,400 rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals with a mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. For more information, visit www.rheumatology.org.