Key elements of AWIR’s mission include advocating for widespread access to the highest quality health care and promoting the most effective, evidence-based management of patients with rheumatic diseases.

We work to advance EDI in patient care because:¹

• Access to care is limited for large numbers of patients due to distance, transportation barriers, cost, and insurance status
• Racial and ethnic minorities frequently have worse health outcomes for rheumatic diseases
• Appropriate referrals and treatment regimens are not provided equally to all racial and ethnic groups

As physician shortages exacerbate access to specialty rheumatology care, AWIR also works to increase the recruitment of fellows and advanced practice professionals into the field of rheumatology, to secure access to care for all patients in the future. We are also at the forefront of embracing physicians and patients from all walks of life, including gender-diverse backgrounds.

_{1. Lopez MA. Racial and socioeconomic disparities in rheumatology. Rheumatology Advisor. 11 Aug 2023. Accessed May 2024.}