Welcome to the Rheumatology Elective

The rheumatology elective will provide an excellent experience to work directly with rheumatologist in their office and hospital, providing initial consults and follow-up for a broad range of rheumatologic conditions. Although rheum can often feel like a safari (searching for zebras), all of us will frequently encounter rheumatologic conditions in our practice and need to be familiar in evaluation and at times treatment of these conditions. This elective can be structured as a longitudinal or 2-week block experience.

Dr. Kudalkar, Dr. Flaspohler, and Dr. DeBuy are outstanding clinicians and enjoy teaching residents! This is sure to be a valuable elective! If interested, please submit an elective request form!

*Please note that this is a very popular elective. Please let Dr Bernheisel know your interest before the academic year starts (July 1).

Rotation Length: 2 Weeks or longitudinal for 6 mo.

Faculty Lead
Chris Bernheisel, M.D

Speciality Lead
Deepa Kudalkar, M.D.
Louis E Flaspohler MD Inc
2355 Norwood Ave Suite 1
Cincinnati, OH 45212
(513) 351-0800 (Office)

Objectives

Patient Care

  1. Gather the relevant historical data for the common rheumatic conditions encountered in the family medicine setting.

  2. Perform a pertinent exam based on the differential diagnosis for the patient's complaints.

  3. Order appropriate imaging and laboratory studies for the work-up of Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), septic joint, Sjogrens, and scleroderma.

  4. Communicate clearly and concisely the diagnostic workup and treatment plan to the patient and family.

  5. Initiate appropriate treatment for gout and osteoarthritis.

Medical Knowledge

  1. List the criteria for diagnosis of SLE and RA.

  2. Compare and contrast the clinical presentation of RA, OA, septic joint, and gout.

  3. Describe diagnostic studies in evaluating patients for RA, OA, septic joint, sjogrens, scleroderma, and gout.

 Practice-based Learning and Improvement

  1. Locate, appraise, and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to their patients’ health problems

  2. Use information technology to manage information, access on-line medical information; and support their education

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  1. Use effective listening skills and elicit and provide information using effective nonverbal, explanatory, questioning, and writing skills

  2. Work effectively with others as a member or leader of a health care team or other professional group

Professionalism

  1. Demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity; a responsiveness to the needs of patients and society that supercedes self-interest; accountability to patients, society, and the profession; and a commitments to excellence and on-going development

  2. Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, age, gender, and disabilities

Systems-Based Practice

  1. Practice cost-effective health care and resource allocation that does not compromise quality of care

  2. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities

  3. Know how to partner with health care managers and health care providers to assess, coordinate, and improve health care and know how these activities can affect system performance


PBLI, IC, Professionalism, SBL taken fromhttp://cchs.ua.edu/fmr/files/2010/03/Orthopedics.doc