United Rheumatology Announces The Establishment Of The Frances M. Hamburger Ph.D. Institute For Community Rheumatology
New Institute Will Support Research and Education to Improve Quality and Value of Community-Based Care Provided to Patients with Rheumatologic Diseases
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- United Rheumatology, the pre-eminent service organization optimizing the practice of community rheumatologists, announced the establishment of the Frances M. Hamburger Ph.D. Institute for Community Rheumatology dedicated to pursuing initiatives that provide insights and raise awareness about improvements needed in payment and formulary policies, outcomes research, and treatment for individuals diagnosed with rheumatologic diseases.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Institute will fund patient-focused scientific, clinical, and health economic research related to rheumatologic diseases and the development of public awareness and physician education to improve access to the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatology patients.
Dr. Fran Hamburger devoted her professional life to serving patients, first as a therapist, and later, as co-founder and President of the Miller Professional Group, a medical education company that counted the American Society of Clinical Rheumatologists as one of its clients. Dr. Hamburger also served from 2005 until 2017 as the Executive Director of the New York State Rheumatology Society. Fran's passion and entrepreneurial energy for improving health care and rheumatology services continued in 2013 when she co-founded Medical Data, Inc., a company specializing in gathering rheumatologist's clinical data, and also co-founded United Rheumatology, LLC in 2014, serving as its Executive Vice President and as a member of its Board of Advisors.
The Institute will reflect a continuation of Fran's lifelong passion and commitment to helping and teaching patients and physicians – professional pursuits that were cut tragically short by her passing in March of 2017.
"I am grateful that so many colleagues, friends, and family members have stepped forward to honor Fran's work and legacy in supporting patients with rheumatologic diseases," said Dr. Max Hamburger. "She would be proud that the Institute was launched with such strong mission and direction."
Friends and family of Dr. Fran Hamburger contributed generously to establish the Institute, with United Rheumatology matching donations leading up to the launch of the Institute.
"Fran contributed tremendously to the education and purpose of so many rheumatologists currently in practice," said Dr. Charlie Birbara, a practicing rheumatologist and member of United Rheumatology. "Her loss is not only a profound loss for Max and her family, but also for the many physicians, including myself, who knew her."
The Board for the Institute will be named shortly.
About United Rheumatology:
United Rheumatology is the pre-eminent service organization optimizing the practice of independent rheumatologists on behalf of patients. Founded in 2014, and with over 380 members in 30 U.S. states, United Rheumatology helps rheumatologists advance the standard of care, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and manage the challenges of preserving an independent rheumatology practice.
SOURCE United Rheumatology
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