What training is required to become a rheumatologist?
As career options are considered, medical students and internal medicine residents often enjoy electives in rheumatology in clinical settings and in the research laboratory. Since rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine (IM) or pediatrics, IM or pediatric training is required prior to entry into a rheumatology fellowship program. Rheumatology fellowship training programs are a minimum of two years in length, with additional years to pursue research training if so desired. Upon completion of the fellowship training program, candidates are eligible to achieve board certification in both IM and rheumatology.
