With an Aging State Population, California Rheumatology Association Prepares to Increase Its Rheumatology Workforce

With California’s over-60 population projected to grow faster than any other demographic group, the California Rheumatology Alliance (CRA) is closely looking at how rheumatology professionals can best care for the state’s older adults. By 2030, 10.8 million Californians—one-quarter of the state’s population—will be older than 60.

Even as its population ages, California—like many states— simultaneously has a shortage of rheumatologists. Samy Metyas, MD, MSc, FACR, FACP, current president of the CRA, says the state association is actively addressing this shortage through several initiatives and events.

“One of these initiatives is the Advanced Practitioner Provider (APP) meeting that we’ve been thrilled to offer annually since 2023,” he says. “This meeting is designed to educate and train advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in rheumatology care. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of these professionals, the CRA aims to fill the gap caused by the shortage of rheumatologists, ensuring that patients continue to receive high-quality care. “

Shanna Castro, the CRA’s executive director, says the recent APP meeting also attracted many rheumatology students, as well as physicians and APPs from various specialties outside rheumatology.

In addition, Dr. Metyas says the CRA has supported the development of future rheumatologists by funding a pediatric rheumatology fellowship through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

“This initiative is crucial [because] it helps increase the number of trained specialists in the field, particularly in pediatric care, where the demand for rheumatologists is also high,” Dr. Metyas says. “Through these efforts, the CRA is making significant strides in mitigating the impact of the rheumatologist shortage and improving access to specialized care for patients across the state.”

Celebrate the Past While Looking to the Future

One of the largest and most active state rheumatology associations, the CRA held its milestone 20th annual meeting in May.

“The feedback we received about our annual meeting was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the high quality of the presentations and discussions,” says Ms. Castro.

Dr. Metyas adds, “Our distinguished speakers provided invaluable insights, offering updates and new perspectives and knowledge to rheumatologists and healthcare professionals.”

Among the speakers at the annual meeting were Gary Feldman, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, who discussed private practice survival, and Arthur Kavanaugh, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Center for Innovative Therapy, University of California San Diego, who gave an update on the latest treatments for psoriatic arthritis.