Rheumatology

Profession

Rheumatology goes back to the first century ad. It was then that a number of diseases was grouped under the term “Rheum”, which in Greek means “fluid substance”. In the ancient times it was believed that this unusual substance was produced by the brain and delivered to all organs, damaging them. This substance as they thought was especially harmful for the joints because of the cavities where it could accumulate.
This theory was considered to be true till in the middle of the XVII century Guillaume de Bayou-the personal physician of the French king Henry IV introduced the definition of rheumatism into medical practice. He emphasized that the disease of the joints was a local manifestation of the general state of the body. He was the first who thought of the systemic nature of the rheumatic diseases. In 1845, rheumatoid arthritis was described (A. Garro), in 1860 – scleroderma (E. Gintrak), in 1895 – systemic lupus erythematosus (W. Osler).
In 1928, the American doctor R. Pemberton organized the first Council for treating rheumatism as a systemic disease. Later, in 1988, the first rheumatologist society was opened on its basis. In 1940 B. Comrie introduced the term “rheumatologist” into medical practice; in 1949, A. Hollander published a textbook of rheumatology.
In the XXI century, rheumatology is rapidly developing on the basis of discoveries in the field of immunology. Innovative diagnostic methods are being created and whole groups of antirheumatic drugs are being synthesized. The scientific search for the causes of disease which were not discovered so far gives all rheumatic patients a chance for recovery.

Educational Process

The residency program is designed to acquire professional competencies in diagnosing, treating, and developing specific preventive measures aimed at eliminating joint and connective tissue diseases. The residents study the principles of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of inflammatory, degenerative and dystrophic arthropaties, and systemic connective tissue diseases. The training is practically oriented in nature and is aimed at the formation of systemic knowledge and professional competencies, allowing to carry out therapeutic activities.

Practice

The residents study at different clinical departments where under the guidance of professors of the department they have the opportunity not only to expand their knowledge, but also to see its application in practice. Students participate in the analysis of clinical cases, which provides the opportunity to gain rich experience during the course of residency.

Career

The advantage of the program is that the modern rheumatologist has one of the largest “medical front” widths among medical specialties. Rheumatologists can be employed in hospitals and clinics, in specialized clinics, as well as in research, scientific and practical centers.