McMaster and Abbott partner to create education chair in rheumatology

Abbott, a global, broad-based health care company, and the Michael G.
DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University have announced the creation of an
endowed chair to focus on teaching the next generation of
rheumatologists for the growing number of Canadians living with arthritis.

Abbott has given funds to McMaster to create an education
chair of rheumatology, which will be matched by the Department of
Medicine of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

The chair holder is Dr. Alfred Cividino, a rheumatologist and clinical
professor who in 2010 received the Canadian Rheumatology Association
Clinician Educator Award for his work in educating both students and
doctors about the field of rheumatology.

“The best way we can ensure better care for people with arthritis is to
attract more doctors to become rheumatologists and teach more family
doctors how to better care for their patients with arthritis,” said Dr.
Cividino. As an example, he said doctors have to become more comfortable
with assessing muscular skeletal disorders, which are more difficult to
evaluate than measurements such as blood pressure.

“That's my goal: We
need better awareness because if we can treat patients appropriately and
earlier, they'll have better quality of life.”

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, arthritis is among the
top three most common chronic diseases in Canada. In 2007, more than 4.2
million Canadians (16%) aged 15 years and older reported having
arthritis. With an aging population, this number is expected to
increase to approximately 7 million (20%) by 2031.

In Canada, there are only 300 rheumatologists. The number of diagnosed
cases is steadily increasing, making arthritis the leading cause of
pain, work disability and healthcare utilization in Canada. The economic
burden of arthritis in Canada is estimated at $7.7 billion annually.

“Abbott is helping to address the evolving needs of the Canadian health
care industry stakeholders,” said Felipe Pastrana, general manager,
Abbott Canada. “A small number of specialists are serving a growing
population and arthritis incurs high financial costs and decreased work
productivity. Our goal as an organization is to serve our patients and
the partnership with McMaster University is a concrete example that will
surely make an impact to those living with rheumatic diseases.”

John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster's Faculty of Health
Sciences said the focus puts a dedicated spotlight on a chronic problem.

“At McMaster, we're known for our innovative ways of education, so we
particularly appreciate Abbott's generosity in supporting this new
position.”

John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
adds: “McMaster University's new education chair in rheumatology will
help to ensure that we continue to have some of the best-trained doctors
and one of the best health care systems in the world.”