Internal Medicine -- Rheumatology - Rochester

Description:

Students are assigned to the Rheumatology Consultation Service in the hospital, where they make daily rounds. The service usually has a consultant, one rheumatology fellow and, 2-3 Internal Medicine residents. Ideally, students work up one consultation per day. The initial consultation is done by a student, whenever possible, who then follows the patient throughout his/her hospital stay. There is no evening call.

Students are expected to attend Saturday rounds with the consultation team. They also are expected to attend the Monday afternoon rheumatology conferences. In the afternoons the students may evaluate new consultations in the hospital or have the opportunity to participate in the procedure clinic. This consultation elective should provide students with exposure to a variety of rheumatologic problems.

Specific Goals:

1. Perform a rheumatologic evaluation, including history, a physical exam and a complete musculoskeletal examination.
2. Formulate a differential diagnosis and request appropriate laboratory studies.
3. Interpret the laboratory studies.
4. Advise a course of treatment, including medications and/or physical therapy depending on the nature of the problem.
5. Become familiar with rheumatologic modalities, including the appropriate use, indications, pharmacology and potential side effects of joint aspirations and injections, anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids and disease modifying agents.
6. Perform an arthrocentesis during the rotation.

Activity Outline:

Students attend daily hospital rounds from 8:30 a.m. to approximately noon daily, except Sunday. In the afternoon, students work up patients in the hospital or participate in the procedure clinic. Students also are required to attend rheumatology conferences held Monday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30.

Method of Evaluation:

The consultants and fellows who work with students complete evaluations. Students are encouraged to review their evaluations before departure.