Time is clearly a culprit here, as well as money. Physicians may not have the time (busy office/EMR work) nor the funds (time away from office) to go to meetings. But whats the solution. If they dont make the time or sacrifice then there's the loss of commaraderie, learning and advancement. Atlanta's MARS group was a leader in the effort to bring rheumatologists together for great interchange -- I hope MARS continues to lead and find ways to meet and bring people out!