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Rheumatologist |
Career OverviewFor those individuals that suffer with arthritis or other pains, aches and problems with chronic joint pain and stiffness a rheumatologist is the specialist that can provide specialized services and treatments. The rheumatologist works with a variety of treatments for patients with arthritis. lupus or joint diseases that may include drug therapies, physiotherapy plans, exercise plans or even diet changes.
Often a rheumatologist is involved in research with regards to arthritis and joint pain. This ongoing research helps the rheumatologist customize and individualize each patient’s needs and treatment plan. Often working as part of a treatment team, the rheumatologist is responsible for controlling and managing the symptoms of joint pain or arthritis including pain management and decreasing the bone loss or joint damage caused by the various conditions.
More and more general physicians are referring patients early to rheumatologists, prior to the severe symptoms of arthritis developing. Often the rheumatologist can work with the general physician to plan a preventative plan for the patient that works on early management and control of the arthritis symptoms. Occasionally the symptoms are not caused by arthritis but rather by another disease or condition that may or may not fall under the treatment of the rheumatologist.
A rheumatologist always works very closely with the patients and will complete in depth interviews and consultations throughout the treatment. Since arthritis is not curable at this time, a rheumatologist will continue to see a patient indefinitely which adds to the patient-specialist relationship. The rheumatologist and the patient work together to determine the best course of action based on research and individual progress. Excellent communication skills and current research based knowledge on the condition is essential for the rheumatologist.
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Career RequirementsA rheumatologist must complete four years of medical school followed by three years of training in internal medicine. Some rheumatologists choose to work in pediatrics for this three-year training and will become pediatric rheumatologists, working specifically with children.
After this three year training another two to three years is completed with emphasis on working in rheumatology, and then the doctor must complete the American Board of Internal Medicine exam to be considered a specialized rheumatologist. This training is very rigorous and difficult and emphasizes the need of the physician to work with the patient and develop individualized treatments.
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Job OutlookWith the increasingly aging population and the increase in the numbers of people that are suffering with arthritis and joint conditions the demand for rheumatologists will continue to increase over the next several years.
The American Board of Internal Medicine and the American College of Rheumatology both anticipate an above average demand for trained rheumatologist both in hospital settings, HMO’s and managed care organizations, as well as in private practices across the United States.
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Career TrackMost rheumatologists begin careers working for either a managed care organization or a hospital or healthcare facility. After several years of experience working in these settings they often choose to move into an existing rheumatology practice or open their own.
Some rheumatologist will transfer into more research based careers and may choose to work for pharmaceutical companies working on drug therapies for those suffering with arthritis and joint problems.
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CompensationA rheumatologist often makes less than many of the other specializations, however they have less demands for emergency treatments and on-call rotations.
The average salary for a rheumatologist is approximately $155,000 and the higher end of the range is approximately $218,000. Those rheumatologists working in private practice may have higher incomes but will also have greater expenses.
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