Biography for Dr Gwenesta Barnum Melton Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, traveling as a military brat enhanced my development of self assurance, resilience, and flexibility. Returning to my family roots, New Orleans, Louisiana , I graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine 1979. Internal Medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas 1979-1982 followed by 2 years as an Internist in Seoul, Korea and Fort Meade, Maryland. Rheumatology training was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 1984-1986. Returning to Brooke Army Medical Center as Assistant then Chief of Rheumatology ensued and my military obligation was completed 1989. Establishing the first rheumatology practice in Fayetteville, North Carolina I remained over 30+ years. Transitioning from clinical practice to teaching, mentoring, consulting, networking and advocating for rheumatology occupies my time now. Academic affiliations have included: Assistant Consulting Professor, Duke University Medical Center Rheumatology, Durham, NC ; Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC; Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buies Creek, NC still active; Teaching Preceptor/Instructor for Womack Army Medical Center, Family Practice Residency Southern Regional Area Health Education. Educational endeavors for medical students, physician assistants, residents and fellows are a passion. With the development of the PA program at Methodist University I developed the musculoskeletal standards for the initial class and continued teaching core rheumatology lectures with preceptorships in my practice. Introducing first year medical students to clinical rheumatology I give their core musculoskeletal lectures annually. Establishing rheumatology as a core selective for Family Practice and Internal Medicine training for the residents in Fayetteville, NC I have taught and developed core curriculum for multitudes of residents to include the basics of appropriate rheumatology care for co- management and appropriate referrals. As a preceptor for Duke Rheumatology Fellows scholarly discussions from a community practice perspective was taught to several generations of fellows as well give advise about private practice options. Utilizing Advanced Practitioners in rheumatology practice, I developed a practice strategy for onboarding the APP and a core curriculum for rheumatologist to quickly educate their APPs and integrate them in their practice. As Co- founder, VP , Co- Chair of Advocacy, Chair of Local Chapters for the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR), I am mentoring, coaching, teaching, advancing and creating female leaders to render excellence in rheumatic care across the country and globally. Advocating for our rheumatic patients as a former President of the NC Rheumatology Association (NCRA) and current Board member I continue advancing excellence for all of our patients locally and federally. I have been recognized as the first lifetime achievement inductee of NCRA. I have received multiple Teacher of the Year awards from my residents. Currently, I am the Chair of the Affiliate State Council for ACR and recently a member of the Women’s task force.