Rheumatology is the subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of medical diseases of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. After earning a medical degree, doctors complete a residency program in internal medicine, then another two to three years in specialized rheumatology training. Although traditionally thought of as dealing primarily with joint diseases such as arthritis, doctors trained in rheumatology (“rheumatologists”) possess expertise in evaluating and managing a wide spectrum of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, including systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that may also involve other organ systems.
Although many musculoskeletal and related soft tissue diseases are treated by general internists and other specialty doctors, rheumatologists are frequently called upon to help in diagnosing and managing more complex and systemic disease.