For the past 36 years the Annual Seminar “Frontiers of Rheumatology” has honored the memory of Carl M. Pearson, M.D., the founding chief of rheumatology at UCLA, by gathering a distinguished faculty for three days of interactions, presentations and educational discussions of current topics, recent advances and impending progress of importance to physicians and other providers of care to patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions. The course has been well-reviewed by participants and by visiting faculty who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, challenging queries from participants and many opportunities for interactions. Many have repeatedly returned to subsequent seminars. Participants rate the quality of each presentation and of the overall course each year. In 2017, of the 198 attendees, 95.4% thought the program taught or verified important information; a gratifyingly high 94.6% felt the information would impact their practices; 99.1% thought the program fulfilled the course objectives; and 100% would recommend the course to others. As before, 95% felt an annual update is needed.

Participants also record their suggestions for future topics and speakers. Their suggestions are used by the organizers, along with comments from the faculty and knowledge of current literature and areas of need, to develop each year’s program. The basic purpose of the course is to maintain and improve the skills of the participants and to improve the care and outcomes of their patients.

Target Audience
This program is intended to provide rheumatologists, interested physicians, health care professionals, and rheumatology fellows with the most current information and insights on treatment of rheumatic disease.