ACR Convergence 2025| Video: Rheuminations on Milestones & Ageism

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Tips for Starting Your Own Rheumatology Practice

  |  Issue: October 2025  |  

PRACTICE RESOURCES FROM THE ACR

The ACR offers numerous resources to assist rheumatologists in private practice. Chaired by Karleen Su, MD, FACR, the ACR’s Independent Practice Subcommittee—operating under the Committee on Rheumatologic Care—serves as a dedicated forum for issues affecting independent practices.

TR: What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of running your own practice?

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Dr. Zezon: First and foremost, the relationship with patients is priceless, and I can deliver the care my patients really need with [fewer] barriers. On the business side, there have been many joys: seeing my own practice grow, running and expanding an infusion business, hiring star employees and seeing them flourish, achieving independence and definitely experiencing the autonomy that running my own practice brings. Each of these have been amazing to me.

TR: What advice would you give graduating fellows interested in starting their own practice? Is this the same advice you would give to a rheumatologist already in clinical practice who is looking to become a solo practitioner?

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Dr. Zezon: Yes, I would give this same advice to someone who is currently in practice and is looking to venture out on their own. The best way to go about it is actually getting help from each other so we can learn from each other’s mistakes and learn from each other’s successes as well. I would not have been able to do this without the help of the rheumatology private practice community, specifically the RPPA group run by Karleen Su, MD.

Jason Liebowitz, MD, FACR, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.

 

Reference

  1. Izadi Z, Schmajuk G, Gianfrancesco M, et al. Significant gains in rheumatoid arthritis quality measures among RISE registry practices. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Feb;74(2):219–228.

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