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Pediatric Rheumatologist |
Career OverviewA pediatric rheumatologist diagnosis and examines diseases and disorders of the immune system for autoimmune disorder and the musculoskeletal system such as muscles, tendons, joints and bone disorders, along with other arthritis symptoms.
Pediatric rheumatologists are committed to the care and well-being of their pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and arthritis symptoms. More and more cases of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are turning up in teenagers and children. This is no longer a disease found just in adults and the elderly.
Some of the many autoimmune disorders a pediatric rheumatologist treats are:
- Lupus
- Kawasaki disease
- Inflammatory disorders of the eye, muscle or other organs
- Chronic inflammation of a blood vessel
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-infectious arthritis
- Scleroderma
Pediatric rheumatologists also assess and treat other disorders and conditions such as unexplained complaints of weakness, loss of skills or functions, chronic musculoskeletal pain, possible inflammatory diseases, poor appetite and fatigue. They research, diagnose and then treat unexplained symptoms such as anemia, joint swelling, rash, and weight loss.
When necessary, pediatric rheumatologists also interact with other physicians, specialists and health care professionals regarding their patients. Some of the professionals they work with are orthopedists, nephrologists, surgeons, pediatric ophthalmologists, rehabilitation professionals such as occupational, expressive or physical therapists as well as psychologists, nutritionists and social workers.
Many pediatric rheumatologists are conducting research and looking into causes and improved treatments for these crippling and sometimes deadly diseases. Not only do they work with the family doctor and other physicians to diagnose and manage these diseases but a pediatric rheumatologist also provides the necessary information to patients and/or families.
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Career RequirementsTo become a pediatric rheumatologist, a person requires four years of medical school and an additional three years of general pediatric training.
A pediatric rheumatologist takes another three years training entirely on adolescent and childhood illnesses and conditions affecting the muscles, connective tissue, bones and joints. The American Board of Pediatrics then certifies them in pediatric rheumatology and pediatrics.
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Job OutlookPediatric rheumatologists are highly trained professionals whose services are always in great demand. Due to the ever-growing need for physician’s services and the expansion of health care industries, they expect employment for surgeons and physicians to continue growing faster than average over the next eight years.
Along with the employment growth of the health care industry, new job opening will result from the demand to replace surgeons and physicians who retire over the 2006 to 2014 period. The use of telemedicine and electronic medical records allows physicians to treat and consult patients remotely and with improved physician productivity. Overall, the job outlook and opportunities for a pediatric rheumatologist is extremely promising.
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Career TrackThe career opportunities for pediatric rheumatologists are numerous. Many move into private practice or teach at universities and colleges. In addition, some pediatric rheumatologists choose to enter into research-based careers either within the private sector or for large pharmaceutical companies. Others further their education to become surgeons.
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CompensationAcross the United States the average annual salary for a pediatric rheumatologist range from approximately $190,200 to over $235,000 depending on years of experience, size of employer and location.
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