Susan Bartlett, PhD, Professor in the Department of Medicine and scientist with Arthritis Research Canada, has been awarded the Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA) Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her important contributions to the field of rheumatology.
This prestigious award honours an AHPA member who has made a significant impact during their work career in clinical practice, research, education, academics and/or administration. For Prof. Bartlett, the Association expressly acknowledged her outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology as a clinical psychologist, educator, mentor, and researcher profoundly impacting the arthritis community. Her advocacy for the inclusion of patients as partners in research and for the collaboration of health professionals in the care of rheumatology patients has been instrumental in elevating the role of interdisciplinary care in the field.
Prof. Bartlett received the award at the 2025 Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Annual Scientific Conference in Calgary, Alberta, on February 28.
“I am honoured to receive the AHPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” Prof. Bartlett said. “This award underscores the essential role arthritis health professionals – including psychologists, epidemiologists, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists, among others – play in improving arthritis research and care. I’m deeply committed to patient-centred research and care addressing the well-being and quality of life of children and adults living with arthritis.
Prof. Bartlett will also receive the AHPA’s Carolyn Thomas Award for the year’s best scientific abstract. At a CRA plenary session, she will present her research on anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and how it influences response to treatment. The study is entitled “Distinct Symptom Clusters Predict Initial Response to Methotrexate in Adults with New Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort.”
“Arthritis Research Canada is thrilled to see Prof. Bartlett’s hard work recognized by the Association. Her incredible dedication to improving the mental health and well-being of people living with arthritis is a true inspiration, and her contributions to patient engagement in research have set an example worldwide,” said Dr. Diane Lacaille, Arthritis Research Canada’s Scientific Director.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille, leads a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with eight major Canadian universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatments, and improving quality of life.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Heather Caulder
Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
604-207-4010
hcaulder@arthritisresearch.ca