Past Southern Medical Association (SMA) President Christopher R. Morris, MD, of Arthritis Associates of Kingsport, has been recognized as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) during ACR Convergence 2025. The honor—one of the highest bestowed by the ACR—recognizes members aged 65 or older who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the field of rheumatology through scholarship, patient care, and professional service.

Over the course of his three-decade career, Dr. Morris has served on numerous ACR committees and made more than 20 visits to Capitol Hill as an advocate for his patients and his profession. Within SMA, he has been a valued leader and educator, serving as President in 2020–2021 and as host of SMA’s popular medical trivia competition, SMArtBowl. He has also served as clinical faculty for three internal medicine residency programs and has mentored nearly 300 residents and medical students through rheumatology rotations in his practice.

“I am honored to have my name included with the pioneers and innovators of the diagnosis and management of rheumatologic disorders,” said Dr. Morris. “I am accepting this award on behalf of the many clinical rheumatologists, including my father, who have devoted their careers to treating patients with arthritic diseases.”

SMA congratulates Dr. Morris on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his continued contributions to advancing medical education, patient care, and professional excellence.