While a positive note is that rheumatologists were happier in their choice of specialty than many other specialties, Dr. Abelson says “this enthusiasm is what we are communicating to our trainees on a daily basis. Our ability to care for patients with challenging and complex conditions over many years, exposure to the most current science with ‘bench to bedside’ impact, and impacting patients’ quality of life and longevity is an honor that accounts for rheumatologists’ high satisfaction rating.”
Dr. Harvey, too, feels that career satisfaction is key for rheumatologists. “Fortunately, the draw to rheumatology has been and will continue to be (unless there is a radical reimbursement reform) love of the field and exposure to our enthusiastic membership who share their love of the field,” he says. “None of us ever chose this for the money, and probably no one ever will.”
Sue Pondrom is a medical journalist based in San Diego.
