The voice of patients becomes institutionalized as an active part of all areas of the organization
Active patient participation has been a central axis in PANLAR's evolution over the last decade. In 2025, this vision took a decisive step: the JUNTOS Group, which had previously been a study and advocacy group for patients with rheumatic diseases, was officially recognized as a transversal organization within PANLAR, with permanent functions integrated into all the League's strategic areas.
Dr. Carlo Vinicio Caballero, the driving force behind patient inclusion in PANLAR's activities, states:
“JUNTOS has earned its place within the PANLAR community through its constant commitment to activities that have a tangible impact on the quality of life of rheumatic patients. Its work has been recognized as a model within the global rheumatology community.”
This decision, announced by PANLAR's president, Dr. Antonio Cachafeiro Vilar, during the 8th Congress of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases, held as part of PANLAR 2025, represents a concrete opportunity to transform PANLAR into a truly patient-centered organization.
“We will build the future of the organization with our primary goal being to improve the quality of life for our patient community. We believe we have matured enough to, from PANLAR's structure, foster these spaces and empower patients to have a more participatory role in the organization,” said Dr. Cachafeiro.
“This shift from viewing patients as just another actor to placing them at the center has required joint leadership from both doctors and patients, under the philosophy that together we can achieve a transformation in how care is provided.”
In the past year, patients have been protagonists of significant achievements. Dr. Dora Pereira, coordinator of the JUNTOS Group, highlights:
- The publication of the Expert Patient Self-Care Program Evaluation, an educational tool developed in collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.
- The 7th Virtual Congress and 4th In-Person Patient Meeting, which for the first time included the initiative “Rheumatology to the Streets”, a community extension that brought education, screening, and awareness to peripheral healthcare centers.
👉 Watch the video of “Reumatología a la Calle”
- The PANLAR 2025 Patient Congress, which gathered more than 1,500 registered attendees, consolidating this space as a key platform for dialogue, training, and visibility for the patient movement. In this context, Enma Pinzón (Panama) was announced as the president of the 2026 Patient Congress, further strengthening the regional leadership and sustainability of the process.
Verónica Molinares, spokesperson for the Pan American Association of Rheumatic Disease Patients (ASOPAN), said:
“We’ve come a long way, and now more than ever, we believe that the active inclusion of patients is not just a policy but an act of justice and vision. A PANLAR centered on the patient is a more humane, stronger, and closer PANLAR for those living with rheumatic diseases.”
The next milestone will be the 4th In-Person Patient Meeting, to be held on April 26th in Mexico City as part of PANLAR 2025. During this meeting, the new operational structure of the group will be presented, its strategic lines will be defined, and collaborative working mechanisms with other areas of the organization will be established.
The consolidation of this structure not only responds to a global health trend but also positions PANLAR as an organization committed to more equitable, collaborative, and people-centered models.
