Hooked on Rheum with Angus B. Worthing, MD
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I was attracted to rheumatology through exposure to excellent practicing rheumatologists early in my career.
Because of a quirk in the schedule at the start of my third year at the University of Minnesota Medical School in the summer of 2001, I started rotations with 3 weeks of rheumatology, which was taught by Anne Minenko, MD.
Rheumatology was already one of my top choices, with a few other cognitive subspecialties. This first rotation was pivotal for me. First, Dr. Minenko took the time to teach me a very thorough musculoskeletal physical exam, so I have been examining for synovitis since the beginning! I felt empowered to be able to use my own exam skills — alongside analysis of a variety of labs, radiology and other data — to diagnose complex diseases.
At that time, there was an excitement in the air. People with rheumatoid arthritis and their rheumatologists were in the midst of the revolution of biologics that could alleviate and prevent previously untreatable suffering. So, right out of the gate, rheumatology became the standard by which I compared rotations and careers.
It turns out that my story is common: A majority of people who go into rheumatology cite being motivated by an early experience with a clinical rotation or mentor. Twenty years later, I am thrilled to be a practicing rheumatologist, and my path has motivated me to teach third-year medical students part-time in clinic.
– Angus B. Worthing, MD, FACP, FACR
Practicing rheumatologist
Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates in Washington, D.C.
Clinical assistant professor of medicine
Georgetown University Medical Center
Executive committee
Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions
Board of directors
American College of Rheumatology