VCU news

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Professor Lenore M. Buckley, M.D., has been appointed to a three-year term on the national board of trustees for the Arthritis Foundation.

Buckley, a professor in internal medicine and pediatrics in the rheumatology, allergy and immunology division, will play a vital role in the national nonprofit health agency as it helps 70 million Americans with arthritis take greater control of the country’s leading cause of disability.

“Dr. Buckley has already demonstrated great leadership abilities at VCU Medical Center in her roles as medical director of MCV Physicians at Stony Point and as a member of the VCU Health System board of directors,” said Sheldon M. Retchin, M.D., VCU vice president for Health Sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System. “She is respected on campus and by her peers nationally for her expertise with this disabling disease. I am confident she will make great contributions to the Arthritis Foundation.”

Buckley has served in a variety of volunteer positions with the Arthritis Foundation on the local level. Her experience as a volunteer with the American College of Rheumatology, the Lupus Foundation of America’s Richmond chapter and as a practicing rheumatologist were important factors in her selection. In her role on the Arthritis Foundation board of directors, Buckley will be a guiding force in establishing and implementing nationwide policy and strategic direction and in advancing the efforts of volunteers and staff in chapters across the country, according to the foundation.

“Having already proven herself as a passionate physician, educator, and advocate for people living with arthritis, Dr. Buckley will be able to have a tremendous impact on the direction the Arthritis Foundation needs to be heading in order to continue to improve lives through the prevention, control and cure of arthritis,” said Annie Magnant, president of the Arthritis Foundation’s Virginia chapter. “Dr. Buckley clearly stands out as an excellent choice to serve at the highest level of our organization.”

Buckley has more than 20 years of experience in medical care, research and education related to arthritis. In 2004 she was recognized twice, first by her peers in Richmond Magazine’s “Top Docs” survey and then with a listing among the notable pediatric specialists in the 2004 Best Doctors in America database. She is board certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, rheumatology and pediatric rheumatology. Her clinical specialties also include treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, management of rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. She is a member of the VCU Health System Authority board of directors and is medical director of MCV Physicians at Stony Point.

Buckley earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her medical degree from the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. She also earned a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University.