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Been digging up a lot of info about Rheum, and I'm wondering why this is not a more desirable IM fellowship. It seems to have a lot of pros: Great lifestyle, outpatient, not a top earner but still brings in more $$$ than primary care, ability to perform procedures and use cutting edge meds, and of course, there is the potential to greatly improve QOL in many suffering patients/make a difference in the lives of the chronically ill.
It also seems to have a great future: huge 15% increase in salary according to the most recent Medscape report, increasing aging population with pain (increased demand), huge research effort towards immunotherapy/inflammation (topics which I am interested in). I also don't see mid-level encroachment being a problem due to the fuzzy diagnostic nature of the field. The future strikes of Rheum strikes me as much better than Allergy/Immunology (sublingual therapy at home will eventually replace their cash cow procedure?)
-2014 NRMP data suggests it is not competitive at all: 230 apps for 206 spots, with a whopping 68% of spots going to FMGs.
-2013 MGMA report gives a 236K avg. salary for Rheum. Not bad, but I think it's skewed by the large number of Rheumatologists who go into academics for lower pay (as opposed to specialty like gas, for example). I'd be content with a stable 250K w/ good lifestyle.
-In 2013, there were only 1.69 Rheumatologists per 100,000 people. The majority of currently practicing Rheumatologists are between 55-64 in age.
I can see how having long term relationships with chronic pain patients can be annoying, but I think I can handle, or even appreciate that. Any thoughts? Many thanks.
It also seems to have a great future: huge 15% increase in salary according to the most recent Medscape report, increasing aging population with pain (increased demand), huge research effort towards immunotherapy/inflammation (topics which I am interested in). I also don't see mid-level encroachment being a problem due to the fuzzy diagnostic nature of the field. The future strikes of Rheum strikes me as much better than Allergy/Immunology (sublingual therapy at home will eventually replace their cash cow procedure?)
-2014 NRMP data suggests it is not competitive at all: 230 apps for 206 spots, with a whopping 68% of spots going to FMGs.
-2013 MGMA report gives a 236K avg. salary for Rheum. Not bad, but I think it's skewed by the large number of Rheumatologists who go into academics for lower pay (as opposed to specialty like gas, for example). I'd be content with a stable 250K w/ good lifestyle.
-In 2013, there were only 1.69 Rheumatologists per 100,000 people. The majority of currently practicing Rheumatologists are between 55-64 in age.
I can see how having long term relationships with chronic pain patients can be annoying, but I think I can handle, or even appreciate that. Any thoughts? Many thanks.