About the society
Dear colleagues,
The Czech Society of Rheumatology (České revmatologická společnost, ČRS), a professional society within the Czech Medical Association of J. E. Purkyně (ČLS JEP), is a non-profit organization founded in 1969. It brings together Czech rheumatologists, healthcare professionals, and researchers with a shared interest in rheumatic diseases.
Following the regular elections in November, the new executive committee of the Czech Rheumatology Society began its work on January 13, 2022, during its first official meeting. The committee members, elected by secret ballot, include:
- President: Prof. Ladislav Šenolt, MD, Ph.D.
- Vice President: Prof. Jiří Vencovský, MD, DSc.
- Scientific Secretary: Prof. Pavel Horák, MD, CSc.
- Treasurer: Assoc. Prof. Michal Tomčík, MD, Ph.D.
- Chair of the Audit Committee: Šárka Forejtová, MD
Strategic Goals of the New Committee
The primary objective of the new ČRS Executive Committee is to build upon the successful initiatives of its predecessors. This includes:
- Expanding postgraduate education programs
- Publishing the Czech Rheumatology journal
- Organizing successful annual Czech-Slovak congresses, conferences, and traditional symposia
- Strengthening collaboration with patient organizations
- Engaging with health insurance companies and the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL)
A key priority will be the expansion of biologic treatment centers and the enhancement of the Czech national registry ATTRA, ensuring the long-term monitoring of the efficacy and, most importantly, the safety of biologic and targeted synthetic therapies in clinical practice. The committee will also support young rheumatologists by providing travel grants for major international conferences and awards for outstanding scientific publications.
Among our primary goals is the advancement of high-quality care for Czech patients with rheumatic diseases, along with providing continuous education, professional development, and research support for our members. The ČRS will continue its close cooperation with the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), actively sending Czech representatives to EULAR committees, which coordinate international projects. EULAR represents scientific and professional societies, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations across Europe, promoting research, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases. An essential role of the ČRS Executive Committee is to adapt these international initiatives into the Czech healthcare environment and translate them into practical diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations, ultimately enhancing patient care.
Organizational Structure
To ensure the smooth functioning of the society, several specialized committees have been established, focusing on:
- Drug policy and negotiations with health insurance companies
- Liaison with patient organizations and the public
- Development and maintenance of the ČRS website
- Education, science, and research, including rare diseases
- Collaboration with other medical societies
A Shared Vision for the Future
I firmly believe that intensive cooperation among all committee members, along with strong partnerships with patient organizations, will further enhance the visibility of rheumatology. This field has undoubtedly become an increasingly dynamic and exciting medical specialty, and together, we will continue its growth and advancement.
Ladislav Šenolt
President of the Czech Society of Rheumatology
January 2022