27th Annual Congress of Clinical Rheumatology

Dear Colleagues,

The Organizing Committee would like to invite you to attend the 27th Annual Congress of Clinical Rheumatology to be held May 12-15, 2011 in Destin, Florida. We are very pleased to offer an exciting, comprehensive and unbiased scientific agenda this year that contains leading edge, innovative and evolving issues relevant to the practicing rheumatologist and that are applicable to their daily practice. The 27th CCR recognizes the necessity for clinical rheumatologists to keep abreast the explosive developments within the healthcare field and consequently our program has expanded to meet this need.

The 27th CCR is very fortunate to have secured an exceptional faculty from the United States and abroad to discuss and debate current concepts in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic options in the rheumatologic field. We are delighted to include; Xavier Mariette, MD from France; and Annegret Kuhn, MD from Germany as well as Robert Inmnan, MD and Edward Keystone, MD, FRCP from Toronto, Canada as members of our 2011 International Faculty. Topics encompass the long-term safety of TNF blockers; the pathogeny of Sjogren’s; updates on spondyloarthritis, and the cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus. Additional topics address the treatment alternatives in RA, SLE, and cutaneous lupus and scleroderma; cardiovascular risk in RA; updates in celiac disease, Behcet's, gout and metabolic syndrome; pain and aging; opioid rotation; Vitamin D and Calcium intake; the possible association of Vitamin D with cancer and cardiovascular disease; osteoporosis and long-term bisphosphonate use. Since each of our faculty members is considered an expert in their respective field, the extensive knowledge and background of our faculty provides a very diverse and thorough scientific program with a global perspective.

This year, The Congress of Clinical Rheumatology will offer 25.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for the primary program and will continue to offer attendees opportunities to expand their educational experience and obtain further CME, if they so desire. Whether to become familiar with current advances in rheumatology, meet with colleagues or collaborate with experts in the field, the 27th Annual Congress of Clinical Rheumatology can provide the clinical rheumatologist with an ideal opportunity for professional enhancement.

We hope that you will be able to join us this year for an outstanding educational experience as well as to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Destin and see why Destin has been voted #5 as a Spring Seaside getaway in the Western Hemisphere.

David McLain, MD, FACP, FACR
Symposium Director, 27th CCR