Thea Vliet Vlieland, MD, PhD, Named 2025 ARP Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

CHICAGO – The Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), the interprofessional division of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), is proud to announce that Thea Vliet Vlieland, MD, PhD, has been awarded the 2025 ARP Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor recognizes her exceptional accomplishments in advancing rheumatology through research, education, leadership, and sustained contributions to improving the lives of individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Born in Leiden, The Netherlands, Professor Vliet Vlieland trained as both a physical therapist and physician at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). She earned an MSc in Epidemiology, an MBA in Health, and a Ph.D. in 1996. She currently serves as Professor of Rehabilitation Processes and Physical Therapy at LUMC, with additional appointments at Basalt Rehabilitation The Hague/Leiden and the Leiden University of Applied Sciences.

Her research group has made transformative contributions to the development, evaluation, and implementation of rehabilitative strategies for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Their work has established the evidence base for both single-focused interventions, such as exercise programs, and complex interdisciplinary care pathways. Employing an integrative approach—from understanding patient needs to large-scale implementation—her leadership has ensured that patients play an active role in shaping research priorities and outcomes.

Professor Vliet Vlieland has authored more than 425 scientific publications, advancing the knowledge base in rehabilitation science and ensuring its translation into clinical practice. She has been instrumental in creating training programs and international guidelines, including European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations on the non-pharmacological management of osteoarthritis and on physical activity for those with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Dedicated to strengthening the role of health professionals in rheumatology, she has (co) supervised 40 PhD trajectories, two-thirds of which were completed by non-physician health professionals, highlighting her commitment to interprofessional research and mentorship.

Her influence extends through leadership roles at both national and international levels. She has long been an active ARP member, serving on the Research Committee and editorial boards, and presenting at ACR/ARP Convergence meetings, including recent addresses on implementation science. Within EULAR, she has contributed extensively as chair and vice president of Health Professionals and currently serves on the Advocacy Committee.

In recognition of her remarkable career, Professor Vliet Vlieland has previously been honored with the EULAR Health Professionals in Rheumatology Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), the Rheumatology Medal of the Dutch Society for Rheumatology (2018), the ARHP Distinguished Scholar Award (2008), the Dutch National Rheumatism Prize (2004), and the Goslings Prize (1997). She was named an Honorary Member of EULAR in 2014.

“Thea Vliet Vlieland has devoted her career to ensuring that the voices and needs of patients are central to rehabilitation research and practice,” said Dr. Adam Goode, President of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals. “Her leadership and groundbreaking work have not only advanced science but also empowered generations of health professionals and researchers worldwide.”

Professor Vliet Vlieland will be formally recognized at ACR Convergence 2025 during the ARP Awards of Distinction session.

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002

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About ACR Convergence
ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, is where rheumatology meets to collaborate, celebrate, congregate, and learn. With hundreds of sessions and thousands of abstracts, it offers a superior combination of basic science, clinical science, business education and interactive discussions to improve patient care and advance the specialty. For more information about the meeting, visit the ACR Convergence page, or join the conversation on X by following the official hashtag (#ACR25).

About the Association of Rheumatology Professionals
The Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) is a division of the American College of Rheumatology built by rheumatology professionals, for rheumatology professionals. Our goal is to empower rheumatology professionals by providing education, advocacy, and practice management tools. For more information, visit rheumatology.org/about.