Dr. Jonas said many PAs and NPs say they have received very little education in the area of rheumatic diseases. “Even when they’ve completed their training, graduated and are going into practice, they have a knowledge deficit. So one of the goals of this program is to help bridge that gap. Our hope is that this meeting will give the attending PAs and NPs foundational knowledge, so when they are working alongside rheumatologists, they will understand the basic underpinnings of our diseases, how to work with the patients, how to do a careful physical examination and be comfortable with the application of sound non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic care of patients with rheumatic diseases.”
That was exactly what Elizabeth Pinta, PA-C, with Columbus Arthritis Center, Ohio, experienced. “The meeting not only reinforced things I’ve already learned and served as a confidence booster in that way, but it also made me aware of areas I need to learn more about, which is very helpful.”
Initially, organizers of The Training Rheum planned to close enrollment at 35 students, but as the waiting list grew, they decided to expand the group to 55, without compromising the personal, hands-on, interactive attention the students and faculty wanted. The group ended up with close to identical numbers of PAs and NPs.
The curriculum proved valuable for PAs and NPs new to the profession and those transitioning to a rheumatology practice. It was also ideal for Chris Barrett, MSS, PA-C, from Salud Medical Center, Woodburn, Ore., who has been a PA focused on rheumatology since 2010. “While I’ve taken a couple of CME courses in rheumatology, much of my rheumatology knowledge comes from books, journals and my own hands-on experience,” she said. “To hear experts talk about many of the issues I’ve faced has been refreshing and reassuring. It has also helped me focus on the things I’ve learned that are important and things that are not so important. All the speakers have been impressive, and I’m leaving here much more confident.”
In addition to Dr. Jonas, The Training Rheum comprised six faculty members with varying backgrounds from across the country. They included MDs, PAs and NPs.
During the three days, students learned about the foundational concepts for rheumatology—including the most common conditions they can expect to encounter, plus barriers to care. A wide variety of case studies prepared the students for types of situations they can expect to face some day.
