Dr. O’Dell honored by American College of Rheumatology

James O’Dell, M.D., recently was honored with the designation of Master by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) during its annual meeting in San Diego. Recognition as a Master is one of the highest honors that the ACR bestows on its members.

The designation of Master is conferred on ACR members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to their patients, students, and the rheumatology profession. Honorees have devoted their careers to furthering rheumatology research and improving clinical standards in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Dr. O’Dell, who is chief of the UNMC division of rheumatology and immunology and chief of rheumatology at the Omaha VA Medical Center, said he’s honored to receive the award.

“It is at the same time profoundly humbling and tremendously rewarding to have people who I greatly respect believe that I have made important contributions to the specialty (rheumatology) that I love so much,” Dr. O’Dell said.

ACR Masters must be highly accomplished individuals and are distinguished by the excellence and significance of contributions to the science and art of rheumatology. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

Dr. O’Dell has received teaching awards. He is active in research and national societies, including past president of the American College of Rheumatology. In addition to being residency program director of internal medicine for 33 years, he’s advanced the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis through research. His work has been published in prestigious journals like the New England Journal of Medicine.

One of his major discoveries was a less expensive combination of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs which provides the same clinical benefits as much more expensive biological treatments. The drugs are used worldwide by patients.

The ACR is an international medical society representing more than 9,400 rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals with a mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty through education, research, advocacy and practice management support.