Community Practice Rheumatology Can Enable Lasting Relationships

Benjamin Widener, MD, FACP, is a rheumatologist with Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Wyoming, and opened the hospital’s rheumatology practice in August 2020.

As a community practice rheumatologist, he faces certain challenges and opportunities that may not be as prevalent in academic rheumatology or other settings. Dr. Widener recently spoke with The Rheumatologist to share more about his work.

The Rheumatologist (TR): Could you say a little about your background in rheumatology? How long have you worked in the specialty and how long have you been at your current location?

Dr. Widener: My background is a little atypical. I finished residency in internal medicine and moved to my hometown in Sheridan, Wyo., and practiced primary care for about four years prior to entering rheumatology. I had very much enjoyed my previous role, but I found my joy in the rheumatology cases I was seeing in the primary care world.

Unfortunately, we had limited access to rheumatology services [in Wyoming], so I decided to pursue a fellowship. I completed my rheumatology fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in 2020 and then moved back to Sheridan, where I have been in practice ever since.

I have been employed in community practice by our county hospital as the lone rheumatologist for the community and surrounding communities since that time, although we are actively planning to add an additional rheumatologist. I work closely with a nurse, medical assistant, receptionist and other part-time ancillary staff, who are 100% essential to provide highly effective care for our patients.

TR: Why did you choose private practice over a career in academia or research?

Dr. Widener

Dr. Widener: I really enjoy patient care. While I do get to do some teaching of medical students intermittently, which I also enjoy, seeing patients and developing those therapeutic relationships is the reason I am in medicine. Research is essential to advance the field, and I value it greatly, but it wasn’t my calling. I am very fortunate to get to work where I grew up and be able to provide quality, specialty care to my community. It’s truly a privilege.

I chose to work for the hospital vs. starting my own business due to the relationship I have had with [the hospital]: I am provided a large amount of autonomy to provide care. It is not the same as working for a large healthcare system in other places. I can quickly make an impact on how I am providing care here with very simple decisions and minimal bureaucracy. Although traditional private practice has near unlimited autonomy, my current situation works very well for me in that regard.