Rheumatologists and Trainees > Training
> About Advanced Training in Rheumatology
> Advanced Training Requirements
> Training Opportunities
> News and Events
> A Career in Rheumatology - Training Articles of Interest
> Rheumatology Clinical Workforce
> Victorian Workforce Survey 2004
About Advanced Training in Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the branch of internal medical dealing with the diagnosis and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders, including all forms of arthritis; connective tissue disease; spinal and soft tissue disorders; chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes; and certain metabolic bone disorders, particularly osteoporosis.
As the population ages, chronic diseases, including musculoskeletal conditions, are on the increase. Thus Rheumatology is a growing medical subspecialty and one that provides great opportunities and challenges.
Be part of the solution
. In 1995, almost 5 million Australians (26% of the total population)
reported one or more musculoskeletal diseases or conditions.
. A majority of these, 17% of the total population, reported their problem
or condition as being long term (of 6 months duration or more).
. Arthritis and back problems were reported most commonly by 15% and 6%
of the total population respectively.
. In 1998, about 1.2 million Australians were reported to have a disability
due to arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorder. This represents about
1/3 of people with a disability. Such disability has significant impact
on core activities such as self-care, mobility and communication and impacts
on schooling and employment.
Rheumatology offers diversity of practice and the opportunity to contribute to patient care as a member of a multidisciplinary team. It brings together acute and chronic care as well as hospital and ambulatory work. Opportunities for scientific and clinical research are also considerable, so too are those for teaching and work in public health.
The current requirements for advanced training in Rheumatology
can be obtained by clicking on this link to the Royal Australasian College
of Physicians website:
http://www.racp.edu.au/training/adult2003/advanced/vocational/rheumatology.htm
Training
Opportunities
There are currently 23 sites in Australia where advanced training in rheumatology
is carried out. Descriptions of the advanced training programs available
at a number of these sites can be accessed by clicking on the map below.
News and Events
Exchange Program for Advanced Trainees in Rheumatology Between
Australia and New Zealand
There is agreement in principle on both sides of the Tasman for
this program. A challenge remains as to how prospective Advanced
Trainees will decide which Centres they wish to train in.
Rural Task Force Report
The Rural Taskforce of RACP recently approached the Education
& Training Committee to prepare an outline of how Rheumatology (Adult
and Paediatric) plans to improve rural Rheumatology services over the
next few years. A draft document has been distribued for comment
to a number of rurally based rheumatologists as well to the SAC in Rheumatology.
A Career in Rheumatology -
Training Articles of Interest
Trainees may be interested in a recent article published in the BMJ (BMJ 2003;326:S157 - 10 May) written by Inam Haq, specialist registrar in rheumatology and Ian Giles, specialist registrar in rheumatology (University College, London). Covers topics: "A career in Rheumatology", "What do rheumatologists do?", "Would I make a good rheumatologist?", "Research opportunities" and much more. Go to: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7397/S157a?eaf
Rheumatology Trainees are encouraged to visit the NZRA website which contains details of Centres for Rheumatology Training in New Zealand (within the "Directory of New Zealand Rheumatologists"). Go to: http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/rheumatology-directory.cfm
Rheumatology Clinical Workforce
Attached for your interest is selected information from the 2001 Clinical Workforce Survey prepared by the RACP. The information contained included all Fellows of the RACP who indicated rheumatology as their primary or secondary area of practice, regardless of the number of hours they are active in delivering clinical services. The total number of Fellows differs from the published RACP Clinical Workforce Surveys 2001, as Fellows who work less than 5 hours in clinical practice were excluded from this survey.
The 2003 survey is well underway, but will not be reported on until the end of 2003/ early 2004. The whole of the College workforce survey is available to members from the RACP website:
http:www.racp.edu.au/members/hpu/clinicalsurvey2001.pdf
Victorian Workforce Survey 2004
Workforce issues
have been a particular priority for the organisation. A significant first
step has been undertaken with the conduct of a Workforce Survey in March/April
this year. The survey has been designed with the assistance of the Australian
Medical Workforce Advisory Committee (AMWAC) to enable comparison with
survey results from other specialist groups.
In addition to establishing general workforce information the survey has
sought member input on practice issues such as patient information, follow-up
systems and referral systems, these being areas of increasing interest
to rheumatology practice. The survey will enable the organisation to
map rheumatology service provision across the State in terms of sessions
available by location and waiting times, and thus guide appropriate action.
The results of the survey were presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting
in Cairns in May. Thanks to Caroline Brand for her lead role in this project.
To download the Preliminary Report please click
here (linked to members-only site).
