Dr. Christiaan Scott is a Professor of Paediatric Rheumatology at the University of Ottawa and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He is the former head of pediatric rheumatology at the University of Cape Town and the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the former director of the University of Cape Town’s Clinical Research Centre. His research and education work focuses on the care of patients with rare and rheumatic diseases in less resourced communities. He has a special interest in education and access to care in musculoskeletal conditions, especially in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). He is the Chairperson of the Global Task Force for Paediatric Musculoskeletal Health and Medical Director of Tin Soldiers Global, a rare disease identification program. He is a member and former Chair of the International Clinical Council for FOP. He serves on the editorial board of Paediatric Rheumatology Online Journal and Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology.
At this year's 4th annual Dr. Peter B. Dent Memorial Lecture, Dr. Scott explores the global landscape of pediatric rheumatology and musculoskeletal health—how far the field has come and where it is headed. He reflects on lessons learned from rare diseases such as Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) and highlight key international initiatives—including PGALS, PMM, the Global Task Force for MSK Health, and Tin Soldiers—that are improving access to care for children worldwide. Participants will gain insight into the progress, challenges, and future directions shaping equitable care for children with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions across the globe.