Conferences

Clinical case conference
Clinical case conferences consist of a presentation and discussion of the diagnosis and management of difficult or interesting cases seen on the inpatient consultation service or in the outpatient clinics. The format consists of a brief presentation followed by a formal discussion of the case by fellows. The presenter reviews a limited number of relevant articles to provide context to the case and provides an instructional hand-out. 

Invited Speaker conference
A guest speaker from outside the division or University is invited once a month to participate in the Rheumatology Grand Rounds Conference.

Multidisciplinary conference
Fellows are encouraged and mandated to present at least two of their clinical case conferences as a multidisciplinary case where they invite other subspecialties to discuss relevant features pertaining to their field.

Neuromuscular conference (monthly)
Patients with inflammatory myopathies and neuromuscular disorders are discussed with interpretation of EMG and muscle biopsy findings with a neuromuscular specialist.

Interstitial lung disease conference (monthly)
Patients with ILD and underlying autoimmune disease are presented in a joint conference with the pulmonary and rheumatology divisions.

Radiology Conference (monthly)
This conference is held monthly to discuss the approach to reading musculoskeletal plain x-rays, MRI, and CT scans; cases seen in the outpatient and inpatient OP and IP settings with interesting findings and clinical questions are presented. These sessions are led by a radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal radiology.

Rheumatology Journal Club (monthly)
Journal Club encompasses discussion of current clinical and basic science research articles led by fellows with an assigned faculty mentor providing guidance and additional expertise of topics with an appropriate background literature review in order to interpret the results of the study. Methodology and conclusions reached by the authors are examined critically.

Clinical Didactic Conferences (July, August, September)
This lecture series provides an introduction and exposure to a variety of topics of clinical relevance at the start of the academic year.

Research Integrity Discussion Series
A University mandate requires those involved in biomedical research to attend discussion sessions (3 scheduled throughout the year) related to issues of research integrity and conduct in clinical and basic research. Topics discussed include peer review, mentoring, the use of proprietary information, and scientific misconduct. Online certification in research integrity and ethics is also required for individuals conducting research at the University.

Practice Improvement Conference (monthly)
Fellows and faculty present short discussions on questions that arise during patient care that are pertinent to improving patient care, outcomes measurement and QI. Review of x-rays and CARE questions from the American College of Rheumatology are reviewed by fellows and faculty that are based on the most current literature and detailed discussion in preparation for the board exams.

ROSCE (Rheumatology Objective Structured Clinical Exam)
Second year fellows are required to attend the Pennsylvania Rheumatology Society meeting each September where they are enrolled in a ROSCE. The division supports their attendance at this conference. First year fellows who are not on-call are encouraged to attend.

ACR Annual Meeting
Second year fellows are required to attend the ACR Annual Meeting in the fall; first- year fellows who are presenting or not on-call are also encouraged to attend. Fellows may also attend the ACR State of the Art Clinical Symposium. The division covers a substantial portion of the costs of travel and stay in the second year.