So, you want to become a rheumatologist! Rheumatology jobs in the United States are in high demand. An article published in the December 2014 issue of the American College of Rheumatology’s journal, “The Rheumatologist,” states that by 2025 there will be an estimated shortage of 2,500 practicing rheumatologists. This means that there will continue to be numerous unfilled vacancies around America.
So, what makes the field of rheumatology different from other medical specialties? Becoming a rheumatologist requires critical thinking and analysis skills that allow physicians to accurately diagnose, treat, and manage rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include a variety of illnesses, such as arthritis, that cause inflammation. Typically, the inflammation effects joints and causes pain. But, it can also occur in other areas such as those involving the internal organs as well as the vascular and neurological systems of the body.
Some of the most common types of illnesses that are treated by rheumatologists include: arthritis, autoimmune diseases, bursitis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, Lyme disease, osteoporosis, pseudogout, spondyloarthropathies, tendonitis, and vasculitis. Many individuals who suffer from a rheumatic illness experience chronic pain and require complex treatments that may include orthopedic intervention that can range widely from physical therapy to surgery.
The specific required qualifications for rheumatology jobs varies within the United States, depending on the state wherein the physician is practicing. The standard mandatory requirements include receiving a medical degree, such as an M.D. or D.O., and successfully passing the appropriate board examination for the rheumatology sub-specialty.
For adult medicine, this includes becoming board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine within the sub-specialty of rheumatology. For those who prefer to specialize in pediatric rheumatology, there is a similar certification exam administered by the American Board of Pediatrics. Like other physician jobs within a specialized field of study, those within rheumatology also engage in a fellowship study and other extensive field training.
There are numerous opportunities available for potential candidates who would like to conduct a physician job search for a position as a rheumatologist. Such job seekers can work with recruitment agencies, such as Doctor’s Choice Placement Services Inc., who are able to establish a comprehensive profile of the job candidate’s requirements and assist them to find the perfect new job. We will communicate with you, the job seeker, on an ongoing basis and help you to build a better resume, establish interview skills, and find a company that matches your requirements – all free of charge to the job seeker! With so many possibilities, Doctor’s Choice is a shining beacon in a wide ocean of possibilities, as we can succinctly guide job seekers to rheumatology jobs that perfectly match exactly what a candidate is looking for.