Internal Medicine/Rheumatology Inpatient/Outpatient Rotation in Chicago, Illinois

Location
Skokie, IL 60076
Specialty
Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine/Rheumatology, Rheumatology
Hospital Affiliations
Northwestern Medicine; Northshore University Health System, Advocate Healthcare, Swedish Covenant Hospital
Clinical Exposure
Combined Inpatient/Outpatient, Hands-On Outpatient, Inpatient
Price
$1700 / 4 Weeks

Attending Introduction

Rheumatology specialist with over 40 years of experience and is board-certified in Internal Medicine. Graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and is affiliated with Swedish Hospital among other hospitals. Completed a renowned Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Illinois and Cook County Hospitals. Practices at Cleveland Clinic Akron in Skokie, IL. Regularly treats conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and fibromyalgia, among other related conditions.

You will be able to have hands-on experience in the outpatient setting, including interacting with patients, taking medical histories, performing basic physical exams and observing diagnosis and treatment conditions.

Rotation Description

During your Rheumatology clinical rotation with FMG Portal, you will learn about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of rheumatic diseases, which encompass a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and other organ systems.

Additionally, your performance during this rotation will lead to obtaining a US LOR, which is essential for your upcoming residency program applications.

Here’s a detailed overview of what you should expect to learn. Please note that all rotations will have variations of patients and may not include the entirety of the following:

Clinical Evaluation: 

  1. Conducting comprehensive patient histories to elicit symptoms related to rheumatic diseases, including joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and systemic symptoms.

  2. Performing focused physical examinations to assess joint function, range of motion, swelling, and signs of inflammation.

Diagnostic Skills:

Interpreting laboratory tests, including inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, ESR), autoimmune serologies (e.g., ANA, RF), and specific biomarkers for rheumatic diseases (e.g., anti-CCP antibodies).
Understanding the role of imaging modalities such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and dual-energy CT scans in diagnosing and monitoring rheumatic conditions.

Disease Management:

  • Developing differential diagnoses for common rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, gout, and others.

  • Formulating treatment plans based on evidence-based guidelines, which may include pharmacological interventions (e.g., NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

  • Monitoring disease activity, treatment response, and potential side effects of medications through regular follow-up visits and laboratory testing.
Overall, your Rheumatology clinical rotation will provide you with a valuable opportunity to develop expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of rheumatic diseases, as well as to appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of rheumatologic care.

Typical Activities/Procedures

Arthrocentesis
Joint Injection
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Synovial Fluid Analysis
Nailfold Capillaroscopy
Skin Biopsy
Temporal Artery Biopsy
Lab Test Interpretation
Patient Education and Consulting

Patient Appointments:

Conducting initial and follow-up appointments, managing acute and chronic conditions, and performing routine health maintenance.

Administrative Duties:
Completing patient charts and managing referrals and follow-ups.

Letter of Recommendation

LORs are on the official clinic letterhead. You may also ask the attending to include hospital affiliations on your LOR, and you can also mention them on your CV and Personal Statement.

Location & Schedule

*Exact address provided once signed up.
*Schedules change often and we recommend speaking with the office manager to have the most updated daily scheduling.

Mo 9AM - 5:00PM
Tu 9AM - 5:00PM
We 9AM - 5:00PM
Th 9AM - 5:00PM
Fr 9AM - 5:00PM
Sa Closed
Su Closed