As the largest network of young rheumatologists in the world, the Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET) is looking forward to this year’s European Congress of Rheumatology to continue to build on what it set out to do as part of its mission – to give young rheumatologists and researchers an active say in education and research.

The rationale for the birth of EMEUNET in 2009 was to provide a network where European young rheumatologists and researchers, no matter where they were based, could access mentoring programs, research funding, and education initiatives, Alessia Alunno, MD, PhD, chair-elect and EMEUNET steering committee member, said in an interview.

“This was the main rationale for the creation of EMEUNET, and it remains its main goal now,” said Dr. Alunno, assistant professor and rheumatology consultant in the rheumatology unit at the University of Perugia (Italy).

Since its creation, EMEUNET has already achieved its goal several times over, but there’s certainly no intention for the network to rest on its laurels. One of its major achievements has been to secure a voice in the EULAR Strategy for the next 5 years.

“We are now able to sit at the table with the other EULAR pillars so that the educational offering of EULAR is tailored to meet the needs of young rheumatologists and researchers across Europe,” Dr. Alunno said.

And if the success of an organization can be measured by its membership numbers, then it’s clear that EMEUNET is on the right track.

Each year, membership continues to grow, and at 1,909 members, the 2,000 member milestone is tantalizingly close. This makes EMEUNET the largest network of rheumatologists and researchers, which Dr. Alunno said made the steering committee proud because it is a sign that what EMEUNET offers to members is suitable for more and more people.

So what is it that EULAR congress attendees can look forward to, apart from a bike tour around the canals of Amsterdam and an abundance of museums to visit?

Elena Nikiphorou, MD, chair of EMEUNET, said the steering committee was working hard to bring young clinicians and rheumatology researchers together at this year’s congress.

“As always, we aim to foster collaboration, encourage educational activities and participation in them, to grow our network and increase our reach,” she said in an interview.

“It’s really an opportunity to attract as many young people as possible through our many educational initiatives, not just during the actual congress but also all year long.”

One of the congress highlights that’s been running successfully for a few years is the EMEUNET mentor/mentee meetings where young and upcoming clinicians and academics are given the opportunity to meet with a mentor, discuss their careers, and get some advice and coaching.

EMEUNET also will be bringing some crowd-pleasing initiatives to Amsterdam, such as its popular networking event that attracted more than 70 attendees in Madrid last year.

“We are very proud of our networking event. Opportunities for us to meet all together are very few, so we have the opportunity at EULAR to provide a platform where people can get together and create their own contacts that can be helpful in their everyday life,” Dr. Alunno said.

The networking event usually involves a relaxed local sightseeing tour followed by a chance to talk, network, and strengthen bonds.

The EULAR/EMEUNET ambassador program is also an important and popular initiative that has received positive feedback from past congress attendees. The program is set up to help first-time attendees who may need some support to get the most out of what can be an overwhelming scientific program.

Fellows are invited to apply for the program (for more information visit www.emeunet.eular.org) and successful applicants will receive congress mentorship from EMEUNET EULAR congress “veterans” on how to make the most of the 4 days.

It goes without saying that EMEUNET is also contributing to the congress’ scientific program.

EMEUNET also invites everyone to check out the Young Rheumatologists sessions in the scientific program, which will take place during the course of the congress.

These will include sessions on basic statistics; understanding the language of basic research, epidemiology, and health services articles; and conducting effective patient-physician communication in routine clinical settings.

“The Young Rheumatologist sessions may be a small grain in the large congress program, but they always gain a lot of interest,” Dr. Nikiphorou said.

EMEUNET network of young rheumatologists keeps moving forward