As the chief of the Division of Rheumatology, I am proud of the commitment to clinical care exhibited by the Division faculty members, fellows, and clinical staff over the past year as we navigated the challenges of delivering patient care during the COVID pandemic. While clinical staff and physicians were utilized in various capacities to provide COVID care, screening, and vaccination, the clinic (faculty, fellows, and remaining staff) continued to evaluate, treat, and monitor our patients via TeleHealth and in-person on an ongoing basis. We are delighted to have, as of July, our full complement of dedicated RNs, LPNs, MAs, as well as our new Rheumatology Fellowship class, back to work in the clinic.
We continue to have robust demand for clinical services in the ambulatory setting. We currently have 6 faculty members who see patients at the Fontaine practice, and additionally, we have satellite practices at Pantops and Fishersville.
Recognizing the increasing complexity of medical care in patients with multisystem autoimmune disease, we have continued to develop more formal partnerships with other specialties. We currently have a combined pulmonary/rheumatology clinic for patients with interstitial lung disease, a combined dermatology/rheumatology clinic for patients with complex cutaneous and rheumatic manifestations, and a combined nephrology/rheumatology clinic for patients with SLE and vasculitis.
The fellowship program continues to grow under the guidance of Dr. Don Kimpel (fellowship director) and Dr. Adam Carlson (associate fellowship director). Nationally, interest in rheumatology fellowship training among internal medicine residents has continued to rise, and we continue to recruit high-quality candidates for training. In addition to the fellowship program, our faculty continue to play an active role in teaching medical students and residents.
The last year continued to present challenges to the Division given an ongoing regional shortage of rheumatologists, limiting patient access to care. As a Division, we look forward to growth in 2022, which will provide us with opportunities to expand our clinical practice to improve access to care.
~ Janet E. Lewis, MD
Filed Under: News and Notes, Notable Achievements
Tags: August 2021, August Medicine Matters, August Newsletter, DOM, Rheumatology