Rheumatologist (MD/DO)
Position Summary
The Rheumatologist provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and long-term management of patients with autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. This role emphasizes evidence-based medical management, chronic disease care, patient education, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to optimize function, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Evaluate and manage patients with rheumatologic and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, gout, osteoporosis, and connective tissue diseases
- Perform comprehensive histories, physical examinations, and longitudinal patient assessments
- Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans
- Prescribe and manage disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, and immunomodulatory therapies
- Monitor treatment response, medication safety, and disease progression
- Interpret diagnostic studies including laboratory testing, imaging, and bone density scans
- Perform office-based procedures such as joint aspiration and injection, consistent with training and privileges
- Provide outpatient rheumatology care and inpatient consultation services as needed
- Collaborate with primary care providers and specialists such as orthopedics, nephrology, pulmonology, dermatology, and infusion services
- Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, medication use, and lifestyle considerations
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
- Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and outcomes initiatives
- Supervise and educate residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, or trainees as applicable
- Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school
- Completion of an accredited Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency program
- Completion of an accredited Rheumatology fellowship program
- Board-eligible or board-certified in Rheumatology
- Ability to obtain and maintain unrestricted state medical licensure
- DEA registration or eligibility
Skills and Competencies
- Expertise in rheumatologic disease diagnosis and management
- Strong clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning skills
- Ability to manage complex, chronic conditions longitudinally
- Excellent communication and patient counseling abilities
- Commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care
Work Environment
- Outpatient rheumatology clinics with possible inpatient consultation responsibilities
- Schedule typically includes clinic hours with limited call depending on practice structure
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout clinical environments
- Manual dexterity for musculoskeletal examinations and joint procedures
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment and diagnostic interpretation