EULAR - Standing Committee on Education and Training

Standing Committee on Education and Training

Ongoing initiatives

Annual EULAR Congress
The role of the ESCET with regard to the annual congress is limited in giving advice with regard to the educational content and structure of the congress. ESCET is especially interested to see a balanced number of "state of the art", "educational hands-on", "basic science explained" sessions. ESCET is also committed to evaluate whether all relevant topics within the field of rheumatology are covered within the context of the congress at least once every 3 years.
ESCET is involved in two special educational issues within the annual congress:

A young rheumatologist's track, including educational lectures specifically designed for trainees and fellows, where in a safe atmosphere "stupid questions" can be asked. At the Paris congress again three sessions were organised: "Biologicals explained", "Frame of the new curriculum explained"and "Immunity explained".
The second activity is the organisation of a "Meet the standing committee session" dedicated to an educational topic for trainees and trainers. In Paris the the new guidelines on training of rheumatologists in Europe were discussed, based on the structure of competencies. The session was organised in cooperation with UEMS.

EULAR on-line courses

In recent years, EULAR has made substantial efforts and investment in building e-learning offers. While the 2-year Online Course on Rheumatic Diseases offers a comprehensive introduction to and update on all aspects of rheumatology, a number of shorter online courses (especially on CTD and Scleroderma) offer flexible learning for the specialist.
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EULAR courses
These courses deal with topics which are not sufficiently covered by the EULAR congress or other educational events. They cover topics that are specific for the field of rheumatology, such as cappillaroscopy, crystal examination, ultrasound, epidemiology, assessment of rheumatic diseases, etc. EULAR also feels commitment to education on infrequent rheumatic diseases (e.g. scleroderma).

EULAR scientific endorsement of courses and meetings
Courses/meetings in the field of rheumatology, which are not organised by EULAR itself, may apply for a scientific endorsement by EULAR.

EULAR Compendium on Rheumatic Diseases
As a side product of the EULAR On-line Course on Rheumatic Diseases the updated version of each chapter became part of the book: EULAR Compendium on Rheumatic Diseases. The first version was launched at the annual congress in Copenhagen 2009.

EULAR learning tools for undergraduate students and general practitioners
Rheumatologists in Europe are involved in training of medical students and general practitioners. It is not the task of EULAR to take over these activities, but EULAR could help these rheumatologists by developing good quality learning tools, such as books, interactive DVDs or online courses. The ESCET has set up a task-group on this subject. Good quality undergraduate training of medical students and GPs will have a positive effect on future rheumatology in Europe.

Bursaries / Sponsorship
The chairman of ESCET is involved in the selection of training and travel bursaries as well as different awards and prizes.