Subspecialty Careers: Rheumatology
The Discipline
From the Greek word rheuma, "that which flows as a river
or stream." In ancient medical writings, "rheuma" was used to
describe any thin discharge from a body surface or orifice. This
term was eventually applied to an infection of the joints,
presumably because an effusion of the joint space marks the various
forms of arthritis.
Rheumatology deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of crystalline diseases, systemic rheumatic diseases, spondyloarthropathies, vasculitis, inflammatory muscle disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, recreational sports injury, soft-tissue diseases and trauma. The goal of the rheumatologist is the early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions to prevent disability and death.
Procedures
Important procedural skills include diagnostic and therapeutic
joint aspiration, and joint and soft tissue injection of
corticosteroids. Rheumatologists are expert in the interpretation
of joint fluid analysis, including crystal identification, and the
interpretation of serology associated with rheumatological
disorders.
Training
Rheumatology fellowship training requires two years of accredited
training beyond general internal medicine residency. Of the two
years, a minimum of 12 months must include clinical training in the
diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of medical diseases.
Dual certification in Rheumatology and Allergy and Immunology
requires a minimum of three years of training which must include
(a) at least 12 months full-time clinical rheumatology, (b) weekly
attendance for 18 consecutive months in a rheumatology ambulatory
care program which must include continuity of patient care, and (c)
at least 18 months of full-time allergy and immunology.
Certification
The American Board of Internal Medicine offers certification in
Rheumatology. Dual certification in Rheumatology and Allergy and
Immunology requires completion of the entire three-year
program.
Training Positions
For the 2011-2011 academic year, there are 112 ACGME-accredited
training programs in Rheumatology with 407 on-duty residents.
Major Professional Societies
-
American College of Rheumatology
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta GA 30345
Phone: (404) 633-3777
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550
Arlington Heights IL 60005
Major Publications