Rheumatologists Earn an Average of 180 000 Annually

Rheumatologist

What is a rheumatologist? It is a person who is board-certified (either as an internist or a pediatrician) and has the training and experience " ... in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones" (www.hss.edu). The training to become a rheumatologist is rigorous and lengthy.

The diseases of the joints -- and various kinds of arthritis-related health issues that rheumatologist's treat, include: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, scleroderma, musculoskeletal pain disorders, osteoporosis, gout, back pain, myositis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and vasculitis (www.hss.edu).

What kind of training is required to become a rheumatologist? It includes four years of medical school, three years of additional training in pediatrics or medicine; and in addition, to become a rheumatologist, another two-to-three years (on top of the original seven years) of specialized rheumatology training is required (www.hss.edu). Once all that training is completed successfully, those who wish to become board certified then must pass a "rigorous exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine" (www.hss.edu).

The American College of Rheumatology explains that following those two-to-three years after the initial seven years of education many candidates normally enroll in a "rheumatology fellowship ... to learn about chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions and their treatment" (www.rheumatology.org). In addition, once board certified, a rheumatologist must take the certification exam again every ten years.

Where to rheumatologists usually work? The American College of Rheumatology explains that rheumatologists generally work in outpatient clinics. They don't go out on calls like some doctors, and in fact primary care doctors and other doctors usually refer a patient to a rheumatologist (considered a specialist in this kind of medicine) for an evaluation of the medical condition the patient is struggling with.

What are some of the responsibilities of a rheumatologist? Because rheumatic diseases can be quite complex and not easy to diagnose, the responsibility of the rheumatologist is to " ... gather a complete medical history and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of inflammation throughout the entire body and musculoskeletal system" (www.rheumatology.org). The rheumatologist must also investigate a patient's family history, which can be pivotal in correctly diagnosing the disease.

Moreover, the rheumatologist must be aware that rheumatologic diseases change from time to time and an individualized treatment plan -- with solutions based on laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs -- must be created in order to reach positive solutions.

How many jobs are available for the trained, board-certified rheumatologist in the United States? A quick search of the American College of Rheumatology website shows 124 job openings in the month of February. Many of the positions for rheumatologists are available in Florida, California, and from New Mexico to New York.

What kind of pay can a board-certified rheumatologist expect to receive? According to payscale.com, about 10% of rheumatologists receive $120,000; twenty-five percent receive $150,000 annually; about half of the rheumatologists (depending on the size of the city where they practice) receive $180,000 and seventy-five percent bring home $200,000. There are those in certain places who bring home upwards of $240,000 (www.payscale.com).