Questions about Rheumatology

[Rheumazoid]

I am a medicine resident interested in Rheumatology and I am about 70% sure I will go into private practice . Any Rheum fellows/attendings with any input on the following: What the typical workweek of a private practice Rheumatologist is like, is it mostly outpatient w/ some inpatient consultation or do they stick with just outpatient? What kind of hours do they put in (i.e., is it M-F, 9-5PM)?

Do you have to do some internal med in practice or can you just focus on Rheum? Are most Rheumatologists in group practices or in solo private practice? Is it realistic to go into solo private practice in a field like Rheumatology where there are no emergencies. What's the average salary of a private practice Rheumatologist and the overhead like for group vs solo practice? I'm certain about my decision for Rheumatology but it would be nice to know more about what I am getting myself into plus all I see is the academic side now so its tough to gauge these questions. Any good input would be greatly appreciated.

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[manahilb]

I am a medicine resident interested in Rheumatology and I am about 70% sure I will go into private practice . Any Rheum fellows/attendings with any input on the following: What the typical workweek of a private practice Rheumatologist is like, is it mostly outpatient w/ some inpatient consultation or do they stick with just outpatient? What kind of hours do they put in (i.e., is it M-F, 9-5PM)?

Do you have to do some internal med in practice or can you just focus on Rheum? Are most Rheumatologists in group practices or in solo private practice? Is it realistic to go into solo private practice in a field like Rheumatology where there are no emergencies. What's the average salary of a private practice Rheumatologist and the overhead like for group vs solo practice? I'm certain about my decision for Rheumatology but it would be nice to know more about what I am getting myself into plus all I see is the academic side now so its tough to gauge these questions. Any good input would be greatly appreciated.

The typical work week will be pretty much how much you want to work/earn🙂 Usually you are expected to see approx 25 patients in a day for a decent salary. A typical day is in at 8am and out at 6pm ( adding the time to finish all paper work and side stuff ) Weekends are usually on call 1/4 ( honestly most of these calls are like refills and simple)
the best would be to see some in patient consults since they can be a nice addition to your income and besides they are usually limited to 3 to 5 in a week which is not too bad.
You dont have to do Int Med ( if thats what u have to do WHY do a speciality training 🙂 However i do know people who moon light ( there is no limit to how much you d like to make )
Honestly the starting salary is approx 180 to 200K and most have a ceiling of 250K but thats the average and I know people making 175 and happy and 400K ( working like a dog which translates into seeing approx 45 to 50 patients in a day ....dont ask me how!
The ideal way to go would be to join a group atleast initially WITH THE WRITTEN comitment towards partnership ( or else they will screw you 100%) With the latest gift of a 21% cut in salary I am not sure if solo is wise for now atleast.
In the end if you like the subject which translates into a world of uncertainity and excitement with regards to coming to a diagnosis and some frsutration as for the available treatments I am sure you will love it. On the positive side we have a lot of translational research in the pipline and treatments will improve .....Not the money of a Cards colleague but then not the stress either. You can have a life while being a doctor .