What is a Rheumatologist?    

A rheumatologist is a specialist medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases that affect the joints, muscles and bones. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases and many other musculoskeletal conditions. Some common conditions that rheumatologist treat include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, elbow pain
  • Tendon problems
  • Gout
  • Lupus
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Vasculitis
  • Myositis
  • Other autoimmune conditions.

Rheumatologists often manage chronic conditions that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They use a variety of treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, to help manage symptoms and improve patients' overall health.

How are rheumatologists trained?

To become a rheumatologist in Australia, an individual must complete a rigorous training process:

  1. Graduation from a University medical school.
  2. Hospital internship to gain practical medical experience
  3. Basic Physician Training – After the internship, the junior doctor joins the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and undertakes at least three of basic physician training. 
  4. Specialist Training in Rheumatology – Minimum 3 years of specialist training in rheumatology.
  5.  Fellowship and Registration – Upon successful completion of their training, the doctor is awarded a Fellowship of the RACP, after which they are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  6. Membership – Most rheumatologists in Australia become full members of the Australian Rheumatology Association Most rheumatologists in Australia are full members of the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA).  
  7. Continuing professional development (CPD) – Rheumatologists in Australia must engage in continuing professional development (CPD) throughout their careers to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest advancements and maintain the highest standards of patient care.

Rheumatologists in Australia must participate in continuing professional development (CPD) throughout their careers, managed by the RACP but regulated by AHPRA.


What to expect at a rheumatologist appointment?

The comprehensive training your rheumatologist has undergone equips them with the expertise to provide treatment for your symptoms. During your first visit, the rheumatologist will usually thoroughly discuss your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. To aid in diagnosis, they may also request investigations such as blood tests, X-rays, and scans.

Once a diagnosis is established, your rheumatologist will explain your condition and what you might expect moving forward. This is important as some rheumatology diseases might affect you for a long time. 

Your rheumatologist will work with you and the other members of the rheumatology healthcare team to design a personalised treatment plan aimed at managing your disease, relieving pain and enhancing your quality of life. For certain chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing consultations with your rheumatologist are recommended. In other cases, like osteoarthritis, your GP may manage your treatment with your rheumatologist available for specialised advice as needed. In Australia, certain specialised medications can only be prescribed by a rheumatologist, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition.

When should you see a rheumatologist?

Many people have joint and muscle pain from time to time. However, if you have pain, stiffness and/or swelling in joints and/or muscles that does not improve within a few weeks you should see your GP so they can decide if you should be referred to see a rheumatologist. A GP may recommend a referral to a rheumatologist when:

  • they have made a diagnosis of or suspect that you have an inflammatory musculoskeletal condition
  • you have painful, swollen, stiff joints that improved after treatment but returned when you stopped taking medication
  • you have unusual test results or other symptoms that could indicate you may have an autoimmune condition.

Rheumatologists are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions through expert diagnosis, personalised treatment, and ongoing care. If you are experiencing symptoms of a rheumatic condition, don't hesitate to speak to your GP or seek the specialised care of a rheumatologist.
For more information on how to find a rheumatologist near you, visit the ARA’s Find a Rheumatologist page.