The Division of Immunology and Rheumatology's fellowship training program will enable you to practice an exciting and in-demand subspecialty.
Rheumatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases of connective tissue. We pride ourselves on making diagnoses largely based on the traditional internal medicine skills of history and physical examination. We provide a unique bridge between internal medicine, radiology, orthopaedic surgery, rehabilitation medicine and immunology.
For two years, fellows receive excellent training in rheumatology and related clinical fields. Succeeding in medicine requires an understanding of basic and applied science. This is especially true in rheumatology. Our program helps fellows understand the pathogenesis of patients’ immune-mediated diseases. It will also prepare fellows to undertake treatment with advanced immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents that are currently under development for therapy of rheumatic diseases. This preparation involves educating fellows in the fast-moving fields of basic immunology, control of the immune response and autoimmunity.
Rheumatologists are uniquely equipped to succeed in internal medicine. Our subspecialty is based upon attention to the entire patient and maintenance of the classical skills of medicine. Therefore, most rheumatology practitioners can serve as generalists and primary care providers. In most areas of the country, however, rheumatologists are in great demand and they are able to devote most of their professional time to the practice of rheumatology.
The University of Missouri has a long tradition of training rheumatologists. More than 70 fellows have been trained in our program and are in academic and clinical practice in locations all over the world.
