The Choose Rheumatology Experience Encourages Med Students, Residents to Pursue Rheumatology Careers

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Medical students and residents are choosing careers in rheumatology, thanks in part to the annual Choose Rheumatology Experience hosted by the Rheumatology Research Foundation during the ACR/ARP Annual Meeting.

The Choose Rheumatology Experience is a special half-day program designed to help future physicians and rheumatology professionals navigate the Annual Meeting. Cultivating interest in rheumatology is essential to ensuring medical and graduate students and residents pursue careers in the field and helping fill shortages, both academically and geographically. Past attendees say the experience taught them much about the field and helped shape their future plans and goals for treating patients.

The Foundation developed the Choose Rheumatology Experience to ensure an adequate supply of rheumatology providers are available to meet the needs of children and adults with rheumatic diseases. According to the ACR’s most recent workforce study, demand for adult rheumatology care exceeded supply by 36% in 2015—and the gap is only expected to grow in the future. This is particularly alarming when you consider the arthritis prevalence report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which shows the number of Americans living with arthritis is at an all-time high. Currently, one in four Americans lives with some form of arthritis, and by 2040, that number will reach more than 79 million.

Students and residents who have attended the event in the past say they are ready to be part of the solution. During the half-day program, experienced rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals discuss the reasons they chose the field and speak to the crowd about their subspecialties, such as pediatric rheumatology. Attendees also tour the poster hall and attend recommended talks to learn more about the latest discoveries and research transforming rheumatic disease care, as well as clinical applications that will improve the health of patients.

To learn more about how the Foundation is advancing research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease, visit www.rheumresearch.org.