A rheumatologist is a board-certified internist or pediatrician who has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of the joints, muscles, and bones. There are more than 100 types of rheumatic diseases and other conditions that rheumatologists treat. These can include but are not limited to: osteoarthritis, myositis, tendonitis, osteoporosis, and vasculitis.

A rheumatologist typically collaborates with other doctors, occasionally serving as a consultant to give advice on a particular diagnosis and course of action. In other instances, the rheumatologist manages the patient's care with the assistance of other knowledgeable specialists, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers.

After four years of medical school and three years of residency in either internal medicine or pediatrics, rheumatologists commit an additional two to three years to specialized rheumatology training. The majority of rheumatologists who want to care for patients decide to pursue board certification. They are required to pass a rigorous exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine after completing their training in order to be qualified.

What is a rheumatologist? What diseases do they treat?: HSS. Hospital for Special Surgery. Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://www.hss.edu/rheumatology-rheumatologist.asp