Rheumatology deals with issues related to autoimmune disorders. Often a rheumatologist will be called upon to diagnose conditions that perplex a patient and have, up until that point, gone undiagnosed. They are, in effect, a sort of medical detective.

What is a Rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a physician trained first as an internist, and then who receives further training to diagnose and treat a number of conditions that effect their patients' muscles, joints and autoimmune systems.

Diseases Diagnosed

Among other things, a rheumatologist will diagnose conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and scleroderma.

Training Required

After a physician has been board-certified as an internist, she will be required to secure another three years in specialized training that fully covers disorders that affect the autoimmune system.

Board Certification

Upon receiving the training necessary to practice as a rheumatologist, many physicians then decide to become board certified. The governing body that certifies them is the American College of Rheumatology.

Expert Insight

According to the American College of Rheumatology, practicing as a rheumatologist is much more agreeable in terms of daily demand. Rarely, for example, will a rheumatologist be required on an emergency basis. For this reason, the quality of life for them and their families is often highly desirable.

Source:

www.rheumatology.org: Rheumatology Specialty

www.arthritis.org: Rheumatoid Arthritis

www.usc.edu: Rheumatology Division