Taiwan College of Rheumatology
In 1982, due to the increasing number of patients with rheumatism and the rising demand for more clinical research, a group of specialists whose work involves rheumatology (including internists, pediatricians, orthopedist, and rehabilitation physicians) founded the Rheumatology Association of the Republic of China. The founders’ meeting took place on October 1, 1982.
After that first meeting, the Rheumatology Association of the Republic of China was officially established on November 27, 1982. The original founders were Dr. Zheng-yen Chen, Dr. Han-ting Chen, Dr. Tang-gui Liu, Dr. Chao-hai Huang, Dr. Yi-nan Lian, Dr. Hua-cang Liu, Dr. De-heng Gao, Dr. Ke-yong Shao, Dr. Jun-xong Shi, Dr. Shi-pei Li, and Dr. Gui-tang Lin. On April 28, 1989, with the approval of the Ministry of the Interior, the association changed its name to Taiwan College of Rheumatology (TCR).
TCR joined South East Asia and Pacific Area League against Rheumatism (SEAPAL) as an observer member in 1980 and became the formal member of APLAR in 1988.
The purpose of the TCR is to provide an education and research platform for Taiwan’s physicians, medical institutes and research institutes; to facilitate the exchange of information between Taiwan and rheumatology associations of other countries; and to promote the health of the citizens of Taiwan.
Currently, the association has more than 400 members, including more than 300 rheumatologists. Biennially, it evaluates hospital training programs that train rheumatology specialists and holds the annual rheumatologist qualification exam to ensure that the association’s specialists have the core knowledge and skills to care for patients with rheumatic diseases. The association also holds quarterly meetings in northern, central and southern Taiwan, hosts a spring meeting and conducts annual national meetings to provide continuing education for rheumatologists and to ensure the health of all citizens.
