A rheumatologist is a medical practitioner specialized in diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from diseases affecting their muscles, joints and bones like arthritis as well as diseases such as lupus fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia which are largely caused by malfunctioning of the immune system of human being.

Rheumatologist conducts tests of the rheumatic system such as x-rays and chemical pathology to diagnose the exact cause and extent of the problem and prescribe the best possible treatment to the patient which can be medications, infusions and/or management of diet and exercise regimens.

Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, monotonous work routine, depression or stress and to some extent genetic factors have resulted in spurt increase of patients suffering from diseases like arthritis, thereby creating a huge demand for qualified Rheumatologist who can help these patients to manage their pain and bring relief.

Candidates who have the desire to help relieve these patients of their pain and have the capacity to work for long and tiring hours can become successful Rheumatologist by getting the required qualification.

Eligibility to become a Rheumatologist

Educational Qualification

Candidates aspiring to become Rheumatologist must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years M.D.(Medicine) course.

How to become a Rheumatologist?

Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become a Rheumatologist

Step 1

Medical Students who have appeared or are appearing in +2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in an Medical Entrance Tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by Punjab Government and AIPMT (Pre Medical Test) taken by the CBSE to admit candidates in various medical institutions affiliated with it. The separate test is conducted by some of the highly rated medical institutions like AIIMS, PGI, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc. These exams are generally held in the month of May-June.

Step 2

After completion of this four and half year of MBBS degree course and one year and six months, compulsory training one has to go for M.D.(Medicine) -as Rheumatology is a branch of Internal Medicine- Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam. However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.

Step 3

After completion of 2-3 years of M.D.(Medicine) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the budding Rheumatologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS, PGI etc. A rheumatologist with good entrepreneurial skill can also open their own Clinic and provide treatment to the patients.

Rheumatologist Job Description 

Rheumatologist job description includes diagnose and treatment of diseases affecting their muscles, joints and bones like arthritis as well as diseases such as lupus fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia which are largely caused by malfunctioning of the immune system of human being.

Rheumatologist Career Prospects

The rapid increase in the number of patients inflicted with diseases like arthritis has increased the demand for specialist Rheumatologist in the recent past. Thus the prospect for Rheumatologist appears to be quite bright in the times to come. There is a good scope for budding Rheumatologist not only in the reputed government Hospitals like PGI and AIIMS but also in Corporate Hospitals like MAX etc. Besides this, the young Rheumatologist can also open their clinic. There is a good scope for these specialists in teaching jobs in different medical schools. Research is the other best option for the genius in the field.

Rheumatologist Salary

Rheumatologist in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.35,000 to Rs.40,000, depending upon his experience and expertise. Besides they are also entitled to various other associated with it, such as free accommodation, medical coverage, pension, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays as well as a flexible work schedule. Rheumatologist engaged in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.50,000 to Rs.60,000 per month. A rheumatologist with an excellent track record running their own clinic has the ability to earn much more.