What does a rheumatologist do for a living?

A rheumatologist is a board-certified internist who has undergone additional training in diseases and conditions affecting the bones, joints and muscles. Pediatricians may become rheumatologists as well.

After medical school, physicians desiring to become rheumatologists complete a rheumatology program which generally lasts two to three years. After completing their studies, most rheumatologists take an exam to become certified by the Board of Internal Medicine. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat over 100 rheumatalogic diseases such as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.They also treat some autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. A rheumatologist generally aids other physicians in diagnosing specialized rheumatalogic conditions.