Page 2 of 5: Rheumatology Rapid Access Clinic

*Sent on behalf of Dr. Rachel Shupak*

Dear all

It has been a pleasure in developing and running the Rheumatology Rapid Access clinic here at SMH. The clinic has been running weekly for the past 26 months and we have seen approximately 350 new patients largely referred from RRC/GIM, ER, and FHTs here at SMH. The RRAC  has served as an excellent teaching opportunity for our Rheumatology PGY4s who have seen a wide spectrum of semi-urgent consults. Patients deemed to require ongoing Rheumatology care, after initial assessment and initiation of therapy, were transferred to one of our Rheumatology colleagues for longitudinal care.

It is with some sadness that I have decided to retire after 43 amazing years at SMH. However, I am delighted to announce that I will be passing this torch to my outstanding colleague Dr. Lauren Glick who will continue to run this important clinical service. The RRAC will continue on Wednesday mornings and I have attached the original announcement from the summer of 2022 with all the pertinent details which have not changed.

During my retirement, I plan to publish the data collected from the past 26 months to inform the results of our work in the RRAC.

I thank Lauren for agreeing to take over the RRAC and I thank all of my colleagues for their referrals and collegiality in allowing us to improve the care of our patients at SMH.

Please share this information with your respective faculty.

With kindest regards to all

Rachel Shupak