Rheumatologist

A Rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases like arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases. 

What is a typical day as a Rheumatologist? 

-Diagnosing rheumatic diseases and conditions through comprehensive evaluation of patients’ medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures.

– Develop personalized treatment plans for patients with rheumatic diseases

– Prescribe and manage medications for patients with rheumatic disease

– They monitor patients for medication side effects, drug interactions, and treatment response, adjusting treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes while minimizing risks.

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Educate patients about their diagnosis, treatment options, and self-management strategies to empower them to take an active role in managing their rheumatic conditions. 

– Collaborate with other healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, to coordinate comprehensive care for patients with rheumatic diseases.  

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

– Become a licensed Medical Doctor (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree plus 1 year internship).

– Complete Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine program (3 years) plus 2 years supervised practice.

– Complete a 1 year fellowship in rheumatology followed by 1 year supervised practice to be recognised as a Rheumatology Specialist in Kenya.

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Analytical personality to match a patient’s symptoms, tests and narrated experience to an actual diagnosis.

– Attention to Detail: Essential for diagnosing nuanced conditions.

– Empathy: Important for patient-centered care.

– Communication Skills: For effective collaboration and patient education. 

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? 

– Enjoy solving complex problems (Thinking)

– Prefer practical, hands-on problems and solutions. (Building)

– Enjoy interacting with people and helping out (Helping)

Holland Codes: Thinking (I), Helping (S), and Building (R).  

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required? 

-Critical Thinking: To assess and integrate diverse clinical information.

– Emotional Resilience: To manage chronic patient conditions. 

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Resource Limitations: Especially in rural or underfunded healthcare settings.

– High Patient Load: Leading to potential burnout.

– Continuous Learning: Keeping up with evolving medical knowledge. 

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

– Kenya & Africa: Growing demand due to increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases. Opportunities in teaching hospitals, private clinics, and research institutions.

– International: Potential roles in global health organizations, research collaborations, and advanced clinical settings.  

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Gain exposure to medical practice by volunteering at local hospitals

– Subject selection must include Biology and Chemistry, Math or Physics at senior school level. 

– A strong performance, especially in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili. 

– High grade requirement for all Medical programs locally and abroad.

– Gain exposure by volunteering at Healthcare facilities to ascertain interest

– Develop a mindset for lifelong learning.

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Paediatric Rheumatologist

– Sports Medicine Specialist

– Autoimmune Disease Specialist 

– Metabolic Bone Disease Expert