Ode to Our Editor: Honoring Dr. Jack Cush Save

Editor’s Note: This article comes as a surprise to its subject, our own founding editor, Dr. Jack Cush. His colleagues thought it was time he received a little recognition of his own. 

For someone who has spent so much of his career recognizing the work of others, it is fitting that Dr. John J. “Jack” Cush should have his own moment in the spotlight.

Jack has received the American College of Rheumatology’s Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award, recognizing a career devoted to advancing rheumatology through patient care, research, education, and service. He will be recognized on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at ACR Convergence 2026 in Orlando. For those of us who have worked alongside him, learned from him, or turned to him for advice on a difficult case, this recognition is richly deserved.

Putting his contributions into words was both easy and difficult: easy because there is so much to celebrate, and difficult because a career with this breadth and influence cannot be adequately captured in a few pages.

A Scientist With a Clinician’s Perspective

Like many rheumatologists of his generation, Jack began his career in the basic immunology laboratory. His early work produced important publications that advanced our understanding of the immunology and pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

His commitment to patients and trainees ultimately drew him toward clinical and translational research. He entered the field as biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis were emerging and devoted much of his career to understanding the efficacy and safety of biologic agents and small molecules.

Jack became a trusted voice in interpreting clinical trial findings and explaining what they mean for patient care. He brings together an understanding of the underlying science, the ethical questions, and the regulatory considerations that shape how treatments reach our patients. Through his work on local, national, and international panels, he has helped rheumatology navigate profound changes in treatment.

The Colleague You Call

For all his scholarly accomplishments, Jack’s work has always been grounded in caring for patients.

He has long been the colleague rheumatologists call when a case is particularly challenging. Whether the question involves rheumatoid arthritis, Still’s disease, gout, or another complex rheumatic disorder, Jack brings deep knowledge, sound clinical judgment, and a willingness to help.

His dedication to patients has earned the respect of colleagues, coworkers, and staff—and, most meaningfully, the patients themselves. For the many trainees who have worked with him, his approach to patient care has provided an enduring example of what it means to be a physician and an advocate.

A Teacher Without Walls

If there is one thread running through Jack’s career, it is his commitment to teaching.

He has taught medical students, residents, fellows, practicing rheumatologists, and younger faculty with the same enthusiasm and dedication. His gift is making complex information understandable, relevant, and useful. He does more than convey knowledge; he helps clinicians think through difficult problems and apply what they learn to the care of their patients.

That commitment to teaching also led Jack to create RheumNow.

With RheumNow, he took the clinical experience, curiosity, and directness that characterize his approach to rheumatology and built a platform that reaches well beyond the traditional classroom. RheumNow brings timely news, clinical perspectives, and practical insights to rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals, helping them stay informed in a field that never stands still.

Just as importantly, Jack created a place for other voices. By inviting colleagues with diverse expertise to share their knowledge and perspectives, he has helped build a community around the ongoing exchange of ideas. RheumNow reflects something fundamental about Jack: his commitment to sharing what he knows, learning from others, and helping the entire rheumatology community become better informed.

His influence as a teacher extends far beyond the people who have sat in his lectures or worked directly with him. Through RheumNow and his many other educational efforts, that influence continues to grow.

A Career of Service

Jack’s contributions also include years of service to his universities, patient-focused and charitable organizations, and the ACR.

He has chaired the ACR’s Committee on Communications and Marketing, Sponsored Programs Committee, and Corporate Relations Committee. He also served as editor of the ACR’s Hotline and created and wrote the ACR’s Drug Safety Quarterly. These roles reflect his longstanding commitment to helping rheumatologists stay informed and better equipped to serve their patients.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

The Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award recognizes an exceptional career. For those who know Jack, it also recognizes the person behind the accomplishments: a devoted physician, a trusted colleague, a generous teacher, and someone who has consistently found new ways to share knowledge and move rheumatology forward.

Jack, you have spent a career helping our profession advance and helping its practitioners do their work better. It is a pleasure to see the ACR recognize how much you have contributed to rheumatology, and how many people you have brought along with you.

Congratulations, Jack, and thank you.

Colleagues shared the following thoughts in celebration of Jack’s award. We invite the entire community to join in congratulating him by adding a comment below.

I had no social media presence until Dr. Jack Cush convinced me to tweet an ACR mtg for @RheumNow. I didn’t even know how to tweet back then. The rest is history. Jack’s enthusiasm and consistency in teaching peers by mixed media has led the way in rheumatology adult education. He planned hybrid annual rheumatology mtgs way before the pandemic. I am proud to be a small part of the RheumNow team!  Congratulations Jack. – Dr. Janet Pope

Everytime I enjoyed your witty and insightful comments in ACR highlight sessions and TREG meetings. And I remember that you told me "I will tell my colleagues I met the author of JESMR study in Japan" after a small meeting in Tokyo. Congratulations! – Dr. Hideto Kameda

Congratulations on the ACR 2026 Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award! I am truly delighted for you. It is impossible to imagine just how challenging it must be to consistently publish the most timely and noteworthy topics every week over such a long period. It is also impossible to imagine just how much your impartial, highly appropriate, and insightful updates and perspectives have helped so many rheumatologists. However, it is easy to imagine that your efforts to date have saved many patients and made an immense contribution to the advancement of Rheumatology. I sincerely wish you good health and continued success. Once again, congratulations!! – Yoshiya Tanaka, MD, PhD, MACR

If rheumatology has a DJ, it’s Jack Cush: on the air every week, spinning the hits, skipping the duds, and never once lowering the volume. A master of his craft, an artist. He does the heavy lifting of sifting through the latest research so we don’t have to. With wit and wisdom, he tells us what matters, what doesn’t, and what should have stayed in the abstract book. He knows the field’s past better than most, grounds the present in that history, and generously turns the spotlight on the work of others, helping us all see where the future lies. Congratulations, Jack. Encore, please. – Andrea Fava, MD

Such a well deserved honor for someone who pioneered new ways to keep abreast of our rapidly changing specialty! –  Michelle Petri, MD, MPH

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Every single week, I can count on you to bring me the most important and up-to-date information on the latest studies in Rheumatology.  And you do this with tremendous heart, wit, and humor. Thank you for teaching us all so much and bringing such joy into our lives. – Maria Dall'Era, MD

Dr Cush, many congratulations on receiving the Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award. I am delighted to see you receive this recognition, which is so well deserved.

I feel very fortunate to be part of the RheumNow community you have built. I have enjoyed learning from you over the years, especially how to communicate even the most complex topics in a way that is understandable, engaging and fun. Your ability to bring clarity and humour to rheumatology education has shaped how I share knowledge with others. Working with you through RheumNow has made me a better clinician, educator and researcher, and I am very grateful. Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm and everything you continue to do to educate the rheumatology community and beyond! – Dr Mrinalini Dey, MA (Hons) Cantab., MBBChir, MRCP, FHEA

Jack (akaFB3) – Congratulations on receiving the Distinguished Clinical Scholar Award from the ACR. It is most well-deserved! You exemplify all the best characteristics in a physician: dedication to patient care,  medical education and advancing the knowledge of our specialty. You've left a lasting impression on generations of our colleagues and trainees , and they will carry your insights into their own daily efforts on behalf of their patients. Kudos! With respect and admiration. – Gibo (aka FB1) Allan Gibofsky MD JD MACR FACP FCLM

Jack is an absolute pillar of our rheumatology community, blending brilliant clinical insight with a razor-sharp wit and unmatched charisma. Since joining the faculty at RWCS several years ago, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with him—and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, especially participating in his famous "Hot Seat" sessions where he presents (and grills) the faculty with challenging cases. What makes Jack truly remarkable is his inclusive spirit, ensuring pediatric perspectives are taken into account. Whether he’s sharing his keen, unfiltered reflections, his unique style, or a classic "Jackism" like "It takes a special kind of stupid to ....." Jack always keeps me learning and laughing. He is just as kind and thoughtful as he is smart. In addition, watching him develop RheumNow completely from the ground up into an absolute force to be reckoned with in our field has been incredible!  Congratulations, Jack, on this well-deserved Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award. Thank you for making our specialty immeasurably better, smarter, and a lot more fun. – Susan Shenoi MD, MS

Congratulations to Jack, very much deserved. I first met Jack at his conference in Maui, back when I was just starting to experiment with science communication on social media. He was remarkably generous with his time and genuinely encouraging about what I was trying to do. He also gave very thoughtful advice and helped me avoid some early pitfalls in my own career.  I think the most important thing for me at that point and over the years is that Jack is a big tent guy. He is always trying to bring trainees into the fold and has been so supportive of me and so many people like me who are trying to find their place in the world. In person he is just the same as he is on stage, balancing comedy and kindness with big opinions that he isn't afraid to share.  Countless trainees and rheumatologists have learned from his work, and the whole field owes him a great debt of gratitude. Really glad to see this - congrats again!! – Michael Putman, MD, MSci

Congrats, Jack, on the 2026 Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award. A well-deserved honor to recognize the incredible reach in rheumatology education and positive impact on clinical care resulting from RheumNow.  – Bryant R. England, MD, PhD

I am very grateful to Jack for his role in my career development. Jack is incredible at giving opportunities to young career investigators and physicians. I, for one, really appreciate the visibility he has given me in the rheumatology world. After appearing on RheumNow, I have received invitations to give talks that I wouldn’t have had it not been for Jack’s RheumNow. Congratulations, Jack, on the well deserved award! Thank you for all that you do for the field of Rheumatology! – Elena K. Joerns, MD, MPH

Congratulations Jack! The Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award is very well deserved and long  overdue. You are one of the brightest lights in rheumatology. Your work is appreciated by thousands of us rheumatologists.  ….and to think a boy from Sayville could reach such heights! Amazing! - Herbert S. B. Baraf, MD, FACP, MACR

Congratulations, Jack, on this very well-deserved ACR award. Having had the pleasure of speaking at two RheumNow events, I’ve seen firsthand your remarkable ability to bring the rheumatology community together around education, discussion, and, of course, no shortage of opinions. It is wonderful to see your many contributions to our field recognized in this way. Congratulations on a truly well-earned honor! – Elena Myasoedova, M.D., Ph.D. 

Jack, congratulations on being named the 2026 American College of Rheumatology Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award recipient — a truly well‑earned recognition of your exceptional clinical excellence and scholarly contributions. Your dedication to advancing rheumatology care and research is inspiring, and I’m thrilled to see your hard work recognized on such a prestigious stage. Wishing you continued success in the years ahead.  – Orrin Troum, MD

Congratulations Jack! You have been an exemplary teacher since I first met you in 1998 when you taught 300 members of industry how to do a joint exam! We never looked back and relied on you for insights and education ever since. You are more than deserving of this award as you continue to ensure excellent education and debate in Rheumatology.  – Chris Lindsay, PharmD

Congratulations, Jack! I’m so grateful for the time we spent practicing together with Kat in Dallas and feel incredibly fortunate to have had you not only as a colleague, but as a mentor and coach. Your passion for clinical medicine, dedication to teaching, and commitment to advancing our specialty embody everything the 2026 ACR Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award represents. What you’ve continued to build through RheumNow, along with the countless clinicians you’ve influenced and inspired along the way, speaks to the extraordinary impact you’ve had on rheumatology. This recognition is so well deserved, and I’m personally grateful to have learned from you and to have been part of your journey. Congratulations, JC, and I'm hoping this award will spark more "Cushisms"! – Rachel Tate, DO

Congrats, Jack for a well deserved award. I first heard you speak when I was a fellow, and I still remember how effortlessly you kept the entire audience glued to your talk. Your delivery is truly unique, and you inspire me with your innovative ideas and perspectives. Beyond your extraordinary talent as an educator, your kindness, versatility, and generosity of spirit are equally remarkable. You have made a lasting impact on generations of rheumatologists, and this recognition is a wonderful testament to your contributions to our field. Congratulations again on this richly deserved honor. – Marina Magrey MD

Congratulations on your 2026 Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award, Dr. Jack Cush! You are a true visionary and trailblazer. I will always be grateful for the opportunity you gave me to become a RheumNow faculty reporter—you taught me such an innovative, fun and highly engaging way to learn and share conference updates with colleagues, which opened up incredible new opportunities and friendships for me. Wishing you continued success on this well-deserved recognition! – Dr. Sheila Reyes

Jack, we go back a long way , it's now almost 50 years and have remained friends. You have become many things in those years. You are a scholar, educator, researcher, clinician ,

author and now a publisher. You have made us proud and one of most Outstanding alumnus at SGU. Your selection to receive this special honor is well deserved. All the best sorry I can't be there. – DANIEL RICCIARDI m FB2

Congratulations, Dr. Cush on your ACR Distinguished Clinical scholar award.  Your profound and personal impact on the field of medicine and in particular the Rheumatology specialty will never be duplicated. You have expanded the reach of medicine beyond traditional boundaries and made knowledge more accessible, impactful, and human. Once again, congratulations on this award of true excellence. – Stan Read

Jack, congratulations on this richly deserved honor. You have advanced our field not only through innovation but also through your willingness to question the status quo. By challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging us to examine our assumptions, you have made rheumatology a more thoughtful and better discipline. Thank you for all you do. – Jeffrey Curtis, MD MS MPH 

Huge congrats to Jack for this very well-deserved award. He could also have received additional awards for “Best Storyteller” and “Most Likely to Make Me Laugh Before 7am”. Thank you for always keeping the rheumatology community educated on the latest developments! You are one of a kind! – Jeffrey Sparks, MD, MMSc

Big congratulations to Dr. Jack Cush! I first joined the RheumNow team to cover rheumatology conferences during the pandemic, when Dr. Cush helped transform these virtual gatherings into meaningful communal events. Through RheumNow, he has built a network that fosters education, discussion and networking amongst a large community of trainees, physicians, and advanced practice providers. Dr. Cush often advises reporters to avoid humor because it can backfire, yet somehow he consistently manages to make rheumatology both fun and entertaining without ever sacrificing educational value. His passion, creativity, and ability to bring rheumatology together has made a lasting impact, and I am grateful to have been part of it. – Eric Dein, MD