Introduction to MSK Medicine and Rheumatology

Catalog description

Students will have direct exposure to a wide range of outpatient rheumatology care. They will directly observe providers evaluate and treat patients with a variety of rheumatologic diseases, including common pain conditions like osteoarthritis, regional musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and gout as well as systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, They will learn how MSK and autoimmune diseases are diagnosed and managed, and will become familiar with the variety of laboratory and imaging tests used by rheumatologists to help care for patients. The student will observe the daily activities of a rheumatologist in outpatient practice. The course will be individually adjusted towards the interests of the student. Students will be expected to give a brief (15-20 minute) presentation on a topic of their choosing, related to one of the patients they saw during the week. This course is available to both students who may wish to pursue a career in rheumatology as well as those who are pursuing other specialties. As this elective week immediately follows the MSK course, it will give students an opportunity to experience first-hand the rheumatologic conditions they have just learned about.