Remedy Rheumatology: What is a Rheumatologist?
👩⚕️ Understanding the Specialists Who Treat Autoimmune and Joint Pain
If you've ever been referred to a rheumatologist, you may wonder what kind of doctor you're seeing and what they actually do. At Remedy Rheumatology, we believe in educating our patients so they feel confident and informed about their care.
Rheumatologists are highly trained medical specialists who diagnose and treat diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. These conditions often cause chronic pain, inflammation, and fatigue, and many are autoimmune in nature—meaning the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissues.
In this article, we’ll explain:
What a rheumatologist is
What conditions they treat
The extensive training involved
When you should consider seeing a rheumatologist
🧠 What Does a Rheumatologist Do?
A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases—a group of more than 100 chronic conditions that often involve autoimmune dysfunction, joint inflammation, and systemic symptoms.
Common conditions a rheumatologist treats include:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Lupus (SLE)
Psoriatic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Gout
Sjogren’s syndrome
Scleroderma
Vasculitis
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Many of these diseases are complex, chronic, and progressive, requiring specialized care that balances immune system suppression, pain management, and joint preservation.
At Remedy Rheumatology, our goal is to provide patients with comprehensive autoimmune care while helping them maintain their quality of life and independence.
🎓 What Training Does a Rheumatologist Have?
Becoming a rheumatologist involves years of rigorous education and training. Here's a breakdown:
Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Most rheumatologists begin with a pre-med undergraduate degree focused on biology, chemistry, or related sciences.Medical School (4 years)
After earning a bachelor’s degree, future rheumatologists complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. This includes classroom education and hands-on clinical rotations.Internal Medicine Residency (3 years)
Following medical school, rheumatologists complete a residency in internal medicine, where they gain broad experience in diagnosing and managing a variety of complex adult illnesses.Rheumatology Fellowship (2–3 years)
After residency, doctors pursue a fellowship in rheumatology, where they receive focused training in autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases, joint injections, imaging, immunology, and biologic therapies.Board Certification
Once training is complete, rheumatologists take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam to become board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
In total, a rheumatologist undergoes 13–14 years of education and training to become a specialist in autoimmune and rheumatic conditions.
🩺 What Makes Rheumatologists Different?
Unlike orthopedists or primary care doctors, rheumatologists are experts in systemic inflammatory diseases—conditions that can affect multiple organ systems beyond the joints. These diseases often have subtle symptoms and require early diagnosis and long-term management.
Rheumatologists are trained to:
Interpret specialized blood tests (like ANA, RF, CCP)
Use imaging to track joint and organ damage
Administer immunosuppressive medications (DMARDs, biologics)
Perform joint injections and aspirations
Monitor side effects of complex therapies
Coordinate care with other specialists (e.g., nephrologists, dermatologists)
At Remedy Rheumatology, we take a whole-person approach, helping patients understand their diagnosis, optimize medications, and reduce flare-ups while supporting their mental and emotional well-being.
🧩 Why Autoimmune Diseases Need Specialized Care
Autoimmune conditions are notoriously complex and can mimic other diseases. Because they involve the immune system, they may present with:
Fatigue
Joint swelling or deformity
Skin rashes
Fevers
Muscle pain
Dry eyes and mouth
Organ involvement (lungs, kidneys, heart)
Rheumatologists use a comprehensive diagnostic process, including medical history, physical exams, bloodwork, and imaging, to pinpoint the root cause of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent joint damage, organ complications, and reduced quality of life.
🕒 When Should You See a Rheumatologist?
You might benefit from seeing a rheumatologist at Remedy Rheumatology if you experience:
Ongoing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially in the morning
Unexplained fatigue or fever
Symptoms suggestive of lupus, RA, or autoimmune thyroid disease
A family history of autoimmune conditions
Previous bloodwork showing positive ANA, rheumatoid factor, or elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
Your primary care provider may refer you, or you can request an evaluation directly if you're struggling with chronic pain or inflammation that hasn't been explained.
📍 Choose Remedy Rheumatology for Expert Autoimmune Care
At Remedy Rheumatology, we provide expert diagnosis, compassionate care, and personalized treatment plans for patients with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Our board-certified rheumatologists bring years of experience and a deep understanding of how to manage these complex conditions.
From biologic infusions and medication management to joint injections and lifestyle counseling, we’re here to help you take control of your health and feel your best.
🗓️ Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Early evaluation by a rheumatologist can make a world of difference. Contact Remedy Rheumatology today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward relief and recovery.
