Congress of Clinical Rheumatology – West 2026

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September 17th - 20st, Huntington Beach, CA

Clinically Relevant & Engaging

Join Us at CCR West 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA

Since 1983, the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology (CCR) has been the premier destination for healthcare professionals seeking cutting-edge education and meaningful connection in the field of rheumatology.

Returning to the iconic shores of Huntington Beach, California, CCR West 2026 offers an immersive experience featuring 25+ hours of CME/MOC credits, dynamic presentations from internationally recognized pioneers, and a collaborative environment built to fuel your professional journey.

 

Top Reasons To Attend CCR WEST 2026

Renowned speakers

Featured talks from renowned speakers from around the world, providing attendees with the latest information on treatments and advancements in the field of rheumatology.

Engaging and clinically relevant

Agenda designed to be engaging and clinically relevant, ensuring that attendees leave with a wealth of new information and knowledge.

Networking opportunities

Provides attendees with the opportunity to network with their peers, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships.Valuable opportunities for collaboration, learning, and support

Stunning location

Held at the stunning Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, just steps from the ocean. World-class conference facilities offering immersive learning experience in one of California’s most iconic and family-friendly destinations.

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CCR West 2025 Agenda

Our Esteemed Faculty

Daniel Aletaha, M.D., M.Sc.

Daniel Aletaha, M.D., M.Sc.

Medical University of Vienna

Professor
Department of Medicine
Head Division of Rheumatology
Medical University of Vienna
Vieenna, Austria

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Blue - Lindsey (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2025 (September 18, 2025 8:00 am - 9:00 am)
  • Undifferentiated Arthritis and Pre-Rheumatoid Arthritis (September 19, 2025 9:50 am - 10:50 am)
Matthew C Baker, M,D., MS

Matthew C Baker, M,D., MS

Stanford University School of Medicine

Dr. Baker is the Associate Division Chief in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. He received his bachelor's degree from Pomona College, his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and his master's degree in Epidemiology and Clinical Research from Stanford University. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital and his Rheumatology fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Baker has established a clinical research program that is focused on clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and bench-to-bedside translational research, with a focus on IgG4-related disease, Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Orange - Merrill (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Current Treatment of IgG4-Related Disease (September 19, 2025 10:50 am - 11:50 am)
  • Sjögren's Disease: Are There Effective Treatment Options? (September 19, 2025 1:55 pm - 2:55 pm)
Leonard H. Calabrese, D.O.

Leonard H. Calabrese, D.O.

Cleveland Clinic- Lerner School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • A Targeted Approach For Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (EGPA) (September 17, 2025 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm)
  • Preventing Serious Infections in Patients With IMIDs (September 18, 2025 11:20 am - 12:20 pm)
Martin D. Cheatle, Ph.D.

Martin D. Cheatle, Ph.D.

Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Sessions:

  • Biopsychosocial Approach to Assessing and Managing Patients with Chronic Pain (September 20, 2025 11:50 am - 12:50 pm)
  • Opioids and Chronic Pain: Myths, Facts and Practice Conundrums (September 21, 2025 7:15 am - 8:15 am)
Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D., MPH

Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D., MPH

Duke University School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • The Pregnant Rheumatic Disease Patient (September 18, 2025 2:25 pm - 3:25 pm)
Alan L. Epstein, M.D.

Alan L. Epstein, M.D.

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Green - Baker (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Thieves` Market (September 18, 2025 4:35 pm - 5:35 pm)
Joerg Ermann, M.D.

Joerg Ermann, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Harvard Medical School

Sessions:

  • What's New With Spondyloarthritis? (September 20, 2025 9:50 am - 10:50 am)
E. Michael Lewiecki, M.D.

E. Michael Lewiecki, M.D.

Director, New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center

UNM Health Sciences Center

Dr. Lewiecki is Director of New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center and Director of Bone Health ECHO at University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, NM. He is a consultant in osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases, supervisor and interpreter of bone density studies, and an educator with a special interest in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. He has been principal investigator for many osteoporosis clinical trials and is author of over 380 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals with more than 39,000 citations, as well as books, book chapters, and online publications. He is past president of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and founding president of the Osteoporosis Foundation of New Mexico (OFNM). He is program director of the annual Santa Fe Bone Symposium, the flagship activity of the OFNM. He is Review Editor for Osteoporosis International and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Densitometry. He has participated with development of ISCD Official Positions (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2023), International Workshops on the Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (2009, 2014, 2022), and osteoporosis treatment guidelines of the National Osteoporosis Foundation / Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (2008, 2014, 2022) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (2016, 2020), as well as with many other workshops and consensus statements in the field of metabolic bone disease. He has received national and international awards that include the 2021 “Dr. John P. Bilezikian ISCD Global Leadership Award”, and the 2021 “Lawrence G. Raisz Memorial Lecture Award” with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, and the 2025 “Santa Fe Bone Symposium Award” in recognition of pioneering contributions to improving skeletal health. He was listed by Expertscape as the #1 osteoporosis expert in the world during the years 2011-2021. ScholarGPS currently lists him as #3 worldwide osteoporosis scholar for the previous 5 years.

Sessions:

  • Osteoporosis Challenges in the Rheumatology Practice (September 20, 2025 10:50 am - 11:50 am)
  • Osteoporosis Update (September 21, 2025 9:25 am - 10:25 am)
SL

Stephen M. Lindsey, M.D.

Louisiana State University Health School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Red - Epstein (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
Anne-Marie Malfait, M.D., Ph.D.

Anne-Marie Malfait, M.D., Ph.D.

Rush University Medical College

Sessions:

  • Osteoarthritis: Old Thoughts and New Tricks (September 21, 2025 10:25 am - 11:25 am)
Philip J. Mease, M.D.

Philip J. Mease, M.D.

University of Washington School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Purple - Mease (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Reaching Beneath the Surface-Exploring a treatment that addresses multiple domains with a well-documented safety profile for adult patients with active PsA - AbbVie Non CME Dinner - Salon A (September 18, 2025 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis Update Difficult to Treat PsA: Concepts and Strategies (September 20, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am)
Peter A. Merkel, M.D., MPH

Peter A. Merkel, M.D., MPH

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of of Pennsylvania

Sessions:

  • Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (September 18, 2025 10:20 am - 11:20 am)
  • Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis, Takayasu's Arteritis, and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (September 18, 2025 1:25 pm - 2:25 pm)
Joan T.  Merrill, M.D.

Joan T. Merrill, M.D.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Professor of Medicine Arthritis & Clinical Immuology Research Program. OMRF Professor of Medicine
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Pink - Volkmann (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Non-Nephritis? ... Like From a Different Universe? (September 18, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am)
  • Lupus Nephritis in 2025 (September 20, 2025 7:30 am - 8:30 am)
  • Update on CD19-Targeted CAR T-cell Therapy to Treat Severe Refractory Lupus - Separate CME - Academic CME - Grand Ballroom (September 20, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
Julie J. Paik, M.D., MHS

Julie J. Paik, M.D., MHS

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Sessions:

  • Diagnostic Pearls in Myositis (September 21, 2025 8:15 am - 9:15 am)
Ruth Ann Vleugels, M.D., MPH, MBA

Ruth Ann Vleugels, M.D., MPH, MBA

Harvard Medica School

Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology
Director, UCLA Scleroderma Program
Founder, Co-Director UCLA CTD-ILD Program
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Sessions:

  • Skin in Rheumatic Diseases (September 18, 2025 3:35 pm - 4:35 pm)
  • What's New and Hot in the Derm-Rheum Clinic (September 19, 2025 7:30 am - 8:30 am)
Elizabeth R. Volkmann, M.D., MS

Elizabeth R. Volkmann, M.D., MS

University of California Los Angeles

Sessions:

  • Poster Rounding - Yellow - Aletaha (September 19, 2025 3:10 pm - 5:20 pm)
  • Predicting Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis (September 19, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am)
  • What's New in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (September 19, 2025 11:50 am - 12:50 pm)

Experience paradise at the
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Our host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, offers beachfront luxury just steps from the conference. Overflow accommodations are available at The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, in Huntington Beach. Click the link for more information on rates and availability

The Poster Rounding Session at the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology (CCR) West on Friday, September 18, 2026, offers presenters the opportunity to receive detailed feedback on their research or clinical cases from engaged attendees. This interactive discussion in a group setting allows for a deeper understanding of the material, promotes networking, and facilitates potential collaborations.

Presenters can showcase their work to a broader audience, increasing the impact of their research or clinical cases. To submit a poster, individuals must be registered for the CCR event and follow the 2026 submission guidelines.


Key Benefits of the Poster Rounding Session

  • In-Depth Feedback: Presenters receive comprehensive feedback on their research or clinical cases from a group of interested and engaged subject matter experts.

  • Interactive Discussion: The group setting fosters interactive dialogue, enhancing the clinical and scientific understanding of the material presented.

  • Networking Opportunities: Presenters can connect with other researchers or clinicians with similar interests, facilitating professional relationships and potential future collaborations.

  • Broad Exposure: The session provides a platform to showcase work to a wide audience of conference attendees, increasing visibility and professional reach.

  • Increased Impact: Active engagement from attendees ensures that the clinical cases and research findings have a lasting impression on the rheumatology community.


Submission Note: Abstract and case submission portals for 2026 typically open mid-year. Ensure you are registered for CCR West 2026 in Huntington Beach to be eligible for participation.

CCR Thieves’ Market

Present Your Case at This Year's Conference

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, CCR will host the annual Thieves’ Market, moderated by Dr. Alan Epstein, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania. We are currently soliciting cases from all registered attendees.

This session is a highlight of the conference, where the most challenging and intriguing clinical cases are brought to light. Submissions are due 30 days prior to the start of the event.


Points to Note

  • The Format: Cases must be presented as “stumpers” in the traditional Thieves’ Market style.

  • Timing: Each presenter is allotted 15 minutes, which includes time for audience discussion.

  • Recognition: An award will be presented for the Top Case Presentation, as selected by the audience.

  • Eligibility: You must be a registered attendee of CCR West 2026 to present.

  • Submission: Email your completed case to thieves@ccrheumatology.com.


Thieves’ Market 2026 Submission Guidelines

To be considered, please submit your case as a PowerPoint file including the following details:

  • Contact Info: Full Name, Mailing Address (City, State, Zip), and Phone Number (Day/Evening).

  • Email Address: Your preferred contact email.

  • Abstract: A brief paragraph describing the proposed presentation and a compelling title.

  • File: The full presentation in PowerPoint format.


Access: This event is included as part of your CCR 2026 Conference Pass. We look forward to seeing your most challenging cases in Huntington Beach!

Dr. Alan Epstein, M.D. Clinical Professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

The following rules apply:

  • Submit a truly unique case with extremely high educational value.
  • Presentations must be in PowerPoint© format and should be 10 minutes in length, allowing 5 minutes for questions.

While there is an emphasis on pictorial displays of interesting physical findings or imaging studies, each case should include:

  • A brief introduction
  • A summary at the end of the presentation
  • A limited number of relevant references at the end of the case

Cases that are excessively long or in formats other than PowerPoint© cannot be reviewed.

Note: Fellows need to register to present a case. A fellow may present the same case at both NYRIF and Thieves’ Market, but the format would need to be adapted accordingly.

Premier

Premier Sponsors

Diamond

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum

Platinum Sponsors

Amgen/Tavneos
Amgen/Uplinzna
Gold

Gold Sponsors

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation - Immunology
Silver

Silver Sponsors

Bronze

Bronze Sponsors

Exhibitor

Exhibitor Sponsors

Eli Lilly and Company - Medical
Novartis Ilaris
Non Profit

Non Profit Sponsors

Recent News Articles

Of all of the rheumatology meetings I‘ve attended over 41 years in practice, and 2 years in fellowship, including 40 ACR annual meetings, I enjoyed and learned more at CCR” – Allen Morton, M.D.

Congress of Clinical Rheumatology – West 2026

Price range: $0.00 through $585.00

Registering For:
Myself
Group / Someone Else

Additional information

Attending

Onsite, Online

Accrediation

25+ Hours CME/MOC

Date

September 18-21, 2025

Venue

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

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