What practical skills do rheumatologists of the future need?

In this chapter, we consider future practical skills required for rheumatologists. While difficult to predict against a background of rapid technological advance and successive changes to health-care provision world wide, a number of questions are examined. The first question is what core skills are essential in the curriculum? This has been addressed in at least one joint European effort by UEMS. Great diversity in both clinical practice and training was found across Europe; clearly, the difference across continents may prove even more significant. Second, the role of arthroscopy is considered, the evidence for its therapeutic benefit in clinical rheumatology practice being inconclusive. Issues concerning diagnostic methods including electrophysiology and ultrasound (US) are also discussed in this chapter. There is evidence to support the use of electrophysiology in routine diagnosis for specific diseases. US has become popular as technology improves. It is cheap but highly operator dependent, and the feasibility of rheumatologists using US in the clinic remains to be proved. In conclusion, health care is changing rapidly, and training must adapt, and is adapting, to meet its challenges. A number of opportunities will present to the rheumatologist of the future, but the feasibility of these in routine clinical practice remains to be seen.