The National Initiative For Rheumatoid Arthritis(TM) Launches Educational Efforts On The Latest Innovative Research -- www1.internetwire.com

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The National Initiative For Rheumatoid Arthritis Launches Educational

Efforts On The Latest Innovative Research

Physician-Targeted Programs Now Available

SECAUCUS, NJ -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 10/24/2002 -- Today, the National

Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis announced the introduction of new

educational programs for rheumatologists and other physicians providing care

to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The latest evidence-based

information on RA will be featured through continuing medical education

(CME)-certified programs, audioconferences, home study materials and online

activities.

" We are very pleased to address this need, " said Arthur L. Weaver, MD, MS,

clinical professor of medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and

co-chair of the National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis. " As research

in RA is constantly evolving and new therapies are emerging, we look forward

to providing the latest information to clinicians in formats that are most

convenient for their busy schedules. "

Through educational programs, the National Initiative for Rheumatoid

Arthritis hopes to optimize treatment options and quality of life for

patients living with RA, an autoimmune disorder that affects more than two

million Americans. The effort is designed to educate physicians on the

latest RA research and increase awareness about the importance of early

diagnosis and treatment through several CME-certified programs, including

Dinner Dialogues(SM), Audioconferences and a website,

www.RheumatologyCME.org. Physicians will discuss the impact of RA, disease

recognition, appropriate diagnostic methods, necessity for prompt referral

to local community rheumatologists, and the safety and efficacy of new

therapies.

Highlighted Links

http://www.RheumatologyCME.orgThe launch of www.RheumatologyCME.org, the

National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis website, also will feature

CME-certified programs to help clinicians broaden their understanding of RA

and current treatment approaches. Interactive case studies, key

peer-reviewed articles, resources, and slide indexes will be available each

month to educate and provide current information to medical professionals.

" RA is a devastating and debilitating disease, " said Arthur F. Kavanaugh,

MD, professor of medicine, and director of Center for Innovative Therapy,

Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California,

San Diego, and co-chair of the National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

" This initiative will address important issues and help increase awareness

of the best strategies for treating RA. With early diagnosis and aggressive

treatment, we can significantly improve patient outcomes for those facing

this terrible disease. "

The interactive Dinner Dialogues(SM) series will feature a national thought

leader who will address key issues regarding current and emerging therapies

for the treatment of patients with RA. Programs include case discussions,

during which participants will have the opportunity to present difficult

cases for group analysis and discussion.

Another program, a one-hour interactive audioconference, will also feature a

national thought leader, who will address key issues regarding current and

emerging therapies for the treatment of patients with RA. The program will

conclude with a case discussion and a question and answer session.

Information on the National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis educational

programs, key announcements and additional RA resources will be featured at

an exhibit booth at a key rheumatology meeting from October 25-29, 2002.

About the National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis is an independent

multi-component educational program directed to rheumatologists and other

physicians who diagnose and manage patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the

Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing

Medical Education (ACCME). Jointly sponsored by Thomson Professional

Postgraduate Services® and Thomson GeoMed Global Communications, the

initiative is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott

Laboratories (Abbott Immunology).

For further information on the National Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis,

visit www.RheumatologyCME.org, or contact Bright at 312-240-2701 or

katie.bright@....

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