[The current structure of rheumatology in German universities. The Rhesus and RISA-II studies]

The teaching of rheumatology requires competent rheumatological structures in German university hospitals. In 2002, the nationwide 'RISA' survey on the extent and quality of rheumatological training in Germany brought a variety of deficits to light. In the same year, a new law regulating the licensing process to practise medicine came into force. Since this law aimed at a more practise-based training of medical students, hopes were high that the conditions for the rheumatological education of students would improve over time. Therefore, our survey was repeated four years later, supplemented by a questionnaire covering scientific activities in rheumatology at university hospitals. In addition, another survey, known as the Rhesus study, was started in 2007 to analyse the size and capacity of rheumatological departments and units at German medical faculties. The results show that rheumatology represents one of the smallest subjects of internal medicine in Germany. Several German university hospitals do not include a rheumatological department at all. Since 2002, no significant progress has been made with regard to the extent of training for medical students in rheumatology, and the new licensing law has not yet shown beneficial effects in this respect. The current data represent only a snap-shot. The development of rheumatology requires cautious observation to prevent this important area of medicine from being sacrificed to economic interests or structural changes.