Trainees Discuss Pros, Cons of Rheumatology Residency Rotation

At first, the rotation was challenging due to the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in autoimmune conditions. The other residents rotating had come from a similar background as mine. We quickly understood that we shared the same goal: to obtain as much exposure to the subspecialty as possible and obtain a better appreciation of rheumatology.

Each attending took us step by step through the approach of each condition we faced. Slowly, over the course of the month, I gained confidence in my ability to diagnose and treat these disorders. This inspired further interest in the course of thought-provoking differential diagnoses and learning about the new innovative immunomodulators. From beginning to end, we were all able to come closer to our goals, and I recognized the tremendous impact rheumatologic illnesses have on people’s lives. The overall experience is one of a kind—so many minds with different methodologies making thoughtful assessments on how to improve a person’s outcome. Clinically, it was a great experience.

Perhaps, the addition of bedside imaging would further enhance this experience, but overall, the experience this month has made me want to become a rheumatologist.

Elias Jabbour, MD

I was worried; I started my elective month in rheumatology with fear. For me, rheumatology is a field of knowledge I am deficient in. As my month with Dr. Gilek-Seibert started, I learned she speaks fast and with an accent, but when you follow her train of thought, you understand the brilliance behind her approach. Whether it is an arthrocentesis of difficulty or ease, she will patiently guide you through it. Yes, she believes that residents need to learn, and she is an amazing teacher.

Then, I worked with another attending—the only one who could understand my French! Although I couldn’t keep up with her French Canadian accent, she was an elegant teacher, and because of her, I learned an elegant physical exam.

The third faculty was a young attending, an efficient and capable worker. Last, but not least—my co-residents. We all enjoyed learning musculoskeletal medicine in the rheumatology clinic. Yes, I walked into the solarium scared. However, I walked out of the solarium equipped with better knowledge of rheumatology and musculoskeletal physical examination.

Heather Ferri, DO

The rheumatology elective at Roger Williams Medical Center offers a wonderful blending of the Rhode Island residency programs. The clinic has a comfortable, well-lit space where, between patient encounters, we can discuss the differences in our programs, our hopes for continued improvement and the importance of our communication for the bettering of our community.