November 2025

RHEUMATOLOGY

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: THE ROLE OF LAURA C. ARNESON, MD, AT THE CENTER FOR BEDSIDE MEDICINE

Laura C. Arneson, MD, is helping shape the future of clinical education in her role as director of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Skills in the newly launched Center for Bedside Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Led by Brian T. Garibaldi, MD, the Center for Bedside Medicine is working to reimagine the clinical encounter for the 21st century by strengthening physicians’ hands-on clinical skills and incorporating new technology into everyday practice. It was established to meet the evolving needs of patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare systems, placing bedside medicine back at the heart of medical education and care.

Advancing rheumatology education at the bedside
Dr. Arneson brings a strong foundation in medical education and a passion for improving access to care. Her contributions include:
  • Completion of the Northwestern Medicine Medical Education Clinical Scholars Program
  • Development of a rheumatology curriculum for residents and educational programs for RheumMadness and the American College of Rheumatology
  • Musculoskeletal Problem-Based Learning group leader for medical students
  • Recipient of the Gerald Grumet, MD Teaching Award
  • Certified in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RhMSUS)
  • Co-leader of the Feinberg School of Medicine Health Equity and Advocacy curriculum

As the director of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Skills, Dr. Arneson leads workshops for residents and faculty on physical examination techniques, incorporating ultrasound and clinical reasoning. These skills are essential for delivering precision care for patients with complex rheumatic diseases.

Her work supports the center’s mission to cultivate thoughtful, skilled and compassionate clinicians, especially in rheumatology, where bedside evaluation remains a cornerstone of diagnosis and management.
 
Clinical skill and assessment goals
The Center for Bedside Medicine aims to:
  • Improve bedside clinical skills for students, residents, educators and clinicians
  • Empower faculty and trainees to effectively teach and assess clinical skills
  • Create scalable clinical skill assessments across learner groups and specialties
  • Apply precision education to improve bedside skills at all training levels
  • Incorporate point-of-care technology into modern clinical practice
  • Refine skills in performing physical examinations and using point-of-care technology
  • Promote health equity through the bedside encounter
Laura Arneson, MD, Assistant Professor of Rheumatology at Northwestern Medicine

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