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One aspect of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s work is recruiting more people into the field, and it starts by building interest in rheumatology among the best and brightest medical and graduate students. The Foundation is fueling the pipeline of rheumatology professionals by supporting students, residents and fellows in a number of ways, such as with the Preceptorship Program.
Physician-teachers are in a unique position to improve the future of healthcare by inspiring the next generation of physicians, patient advocates, political activists and leaders. Preceptors inspire students to go into rheumatology—or at least help them better understand the field and develop skills they will use in the specialty. Recognizing this opportunity, the Foundation created a partial-salary grant system for medical students and fellows following the 2005 Workforce Study.
“Rheumatology doesn’t have a big medical school presence. Students get more cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonary and hematology/oncology exposure, but preceptorships encourage students and residents to learn more about rheumatology and pursue careers in the field by supporting a one-on-one, real-world learning experience,” says Marcy Bolster, MD, director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.