Program Curriculum
Over the course of the program, trainees will develop clinical expertise in performing rheumatologic procedures, including joint aspiration as well as joint and soft tissue injection techniques. All training is closely supervised by dedicated attending physicians in a congenial environment.
Fellows are directly responsible for the care of patients in outpatient settings working under the direction of a rheumatology attending physician and follow their patients throughout their training to maximize continuity of care. Fellows are additionally responsible for the rheumatology consult service at both HCA Florida Largo Hospital and Bay Pines VAMC.
After an initial evaluation of the incoming patient, the fellow discusses diagnosis, management and treatment with the consulting physician. Consult fellows then follow the patient closely throughout the hospitalization writing daily progress notes and recommendations for management.
Fellows also participate extensively in the education of residents, interns and medical students on the rheumatology service.
Many clinical research opportunities are available within the program involving clinical trials, health services and outcomes studies.
Additionally, fellows spend two years in an independent research project to be carried out under the supervision of a chosen faculty mentor. Clinics run five days a week at both Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants and Bay Pines VA Medical Center.
Facilities are available for fellows to have direct experience with MRI, DEXA, IVA, CT and a complete battery of immunologic tests for the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and collagen vascular diseases.