Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg says the support the Foundation gives to professionals across the career spectrum is something that does not exist elsewhere in rheumatology.
“Without the Foundation, there wouldn’t be career development awards for those pursuing research as a profession. The Foundation offers grants and research awards that engage medical students in rheumatology research early on,” she explains.
Kahlenberg is currently leading Foundation-funded research to investigate why lupusLupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that... patients develop sun rashes. Throughout her career, she’s witnessed the Foundation’s wide-reaching impact, including its role in bringing patients to meetings for direct interaction with researchers.
“I think it’s incredibly valuable when patients ask questions during our presentations. It helps us understand what matters most to them, ensuring that patient needs remain at the forefront of our work,” she says.
Kahlenberg stresses the importance of engaging future healthcare professionals early in their education, making them aware of the opportunities rheumatology offers, particularly in light of the current workforce shortage.
“Without the educational grants the Foundation provides to fellowship programs, we’d be training half as many fellows as we do now. Beyond supporting research, it’s crucial to maintain and grow the workforce pipeline.”
Kahlenberg also attributes her own career success to the Foundation, not only because of its financial support for her research but also because of the networking opportunities it creates within the broader rheumatology community.
“The Foundation connects people from all areas of the field—whether they’re working on health services, patient engagement, or basic and translational science. It’s incredibly enriching to learn from professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with rheumatic diseases,” she adds.