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The subspecialty of rheumatology includes a wide array of autoimmune, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and other organ systems. A working knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences that relate to musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease is fundamental to the practice of rheumatology. Recognition of normal and pathogenic processes of the immune system form the basis of reliable diagnosis and the development and use of an increasingly sophisticated range of immunomodulatory treatments for the rheumatic diseases.
Similarly, knowledge of the basis for and use of laboratory tests of immune activity is a principal asset of the practicing rheumatologist. Rheumatology trainees must also have practical understanding of the approaches and modalities used by other specialists and health professionals (Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, etc.) for the treatment of rheumatic diseases in order to manage the care of their patients effectively. Training programs must teach and emphasize the cognitive skills that are necessary to apply this detailed knowledge to problem solving for diagnosis, treatment and research of the rheumatic diseases.
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