Depending on whether someone wants to treat children or adults, there are several approaches to a career in rheumatology, a medical specialty that focuses on the joints and soft tissue. In either case, attending medical school and receiving specialized training in rheumatology will be required to become a rheumatologist. Working in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities is possible once qualified. Because many conditions involving the joints and connective tissue are highly elusive, work in this branch of medicine can be quite varied and sometimes very challenging.
Attending medical school is the first step. A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field is usually required to attend medical school, demonstrating a commitment to the sciences and interest in the field of medicine. Medical school applicants are frequently required to submit standardized tests, as well as letters of recommendation, essays, and other supporting materials. The sooner people start thinking about medical school, the better, because work experience, a demonstrated interest in medical studies, and extra credit courses will all help bolster a medical school application.
The student will need to apply for a residency in either internal medicine or pediatrics after four years of medical school. To become a rheumatologist, you’ll need to complete a two- or three-year fellowship in rheumatology after three years of residency. Rheumatologists can be either medical doctors (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (DOs), and students applying to medical school should think about the differences between the two approaches to medicine when deciding how they want to practice.
A rheumatologist often pursues board certification with a professional organization after completing their training. Board certification increases a doctor’s employability and assures patients that the doctor is up to date on new research and is committed to providing high-quality care. Attending continuing education courses and conferences is also required so that a rheumatologist can keep up with changes in the field and learn about new approaches to various medical conditions.
A rheumatologist may collaborate with other doctors, including general practitioners, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. People with joint problems can be irritable and frustrated, especially when their treatments don’t seem to be working. It helps to have a cooperative attitude and a lot of patience. This is a problem that is exacerbated in children, especially those who are preverbal or have developmental disabilities.