An elderly lady places her hand on her husband's shoulder.

Pathways

Rheumatology Research Foundation Pathways Logo.

Volume 4  Issue 6 • June 2015 • Rheumatology Research Foundation

 

Working Together to Fill the Funding Gap

A group of Rheumatic Disease Leaders at the Partners in Rheumatology Leadership Summit.
Partners in Rheumatology: Leadership Summit attendees pose for a picture.

Federal funding given to researchers who study arthritis and other rheumatic diseases has dropped significantly over the past five years, according to a report from the Rheumatology Research Foundation. As federal funding has dropped, private organizations are working to fill the gap. 

At the same time the Foundation unveiled a first look at its report on funding for arthritis and rheumatic disease research, leaders from a variety of groups with strong interests in the topic gathered in San Diego. The first-ever Partners in Rheumatology: Leadership Summit was held June 25 and 26 and brought together representatives from 15 private organizations and federal institutes. They discussed ways to collaborate in their efforts to fill the growing gap in federal funding and encourage lawmakers to support rheumatology research through the NIH. (See a full list of participating organizations below.)

“By bringing together these different organizations, we hope to encourage participants to connect with each other, share resources and practices that are helpful, and build a more effective support system for the rheumatology community,” says Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAE, executive director of the Foundation. “We believe this is a major step in cultivating an environment where rheumatology research and training can thrive, providing better treatment options and more specialists for people with rheumatic diseases.” 

In Analysis of Funding for Rheumatology Research and Training for the Period 2010-2014, the Foundation collected data on research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and 12 private foundations with interests in rheumatology from fiscal year 2010 through fiscal year 2014. The Foundation then determined how much of that funding went to rheumatology professionals†. According to the report, funding given to rheumatology researchers fell from more than $1.1 billion in 2010 to less than $700 million in 2014, amounting to a 40 percent drop in federal funding. 

With federal support for rheumatology research decreasing, the burden of filling the widening gap falls in part on private organizations. From 2010 through 2014, private foundations infused more $95.3 million into arthritis and rheumatic disease research, which equals about 20 percent of the overall drop in federal funding. David Karp, MD, PhD, president of the Foundation says, “While funding from private foundations doesn’t completely offset the loss in federal support, we are excited to see that our combined efforts are making a big difference in ensuring scientific discovery within the field continues.” The Foundation’s full report on funding for rheumatology research will be released in July.

Organizations that Participated in the Partners in Rheumatology: Leadership Summit
Alliance for Lupus Research
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis National Research Foundation
Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP)
Foundation for Physical Therapy
Health Research Alliance
Lupus Foundation of America
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Psoriasis Foundation
Osteoarthritis Research Society International
Rheumatology Research Foundation
Scleroderma Foundation
Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation

 
Rheumatology Research Foundation 30th anniversary logo.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Rheumatology Research Foundation! To celebrate 30 years of advancing treatment of rheumatic diseases, the Foundation will profile 30 people who have made a significant impact in the world of rheumatology through their work with the Foundation. Please feel free to email us if you would like to contribute a story about how the work of the Foundation has directly impacted your life, or if you would love an opportunity to share your story or brag about your rheumatologist. We would love to hear from you!


30 Over 30: Stanley Cohen, MD

Stanley Cohen - private practice at Rheumatology Associates in Dallas.
Stanley Cohen, MD

Stanley Cohen, MD, is currently a clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and is in private practice at Rheumatology Associates in Dallas. Dr. Cohen has witnessed the Foundation’s growth and impact since his time as a volunteer when the Foundation was still very small and then, serving as the president from 2000 until 2002. 

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Cohen believes the Foundation has played a major role in the field of rheumatology and continues to provide important funding for research and training. Through its support for the training of future rheumatologists and the efforts of young investigators up to established researchers, the Foundation continues to showcase its success. “The Foundation has had an incredible impact,” said Dr. Cohen. “I don’t know where rheumatology would be without the organization.”

Dr. Cohen feels the Foundation does a remarkable job of investing in actual research and supporting trainees. “The Foundation is a good shepherd with their money. They really do raise money and give it away and support trainees,” he said.  As for the next 30 years, he hopes to see continued growth in fundraising and more people affected by rheumatic diseases getting involved so the Foundation is able to provide even greater grant funding. 

 

Give today and help transform the future for millions of people living with rheumatic disease.