The Global Rheumatology Workforce: Challenges and Considerations

Rheumatologic and musculoskeletal diseases are among the most common disorders and causes of disability worldwide. Many of these require advanced therapeutics and subspecialty health care. In most of the countries, there is a shortage of trained specialists to treat patients with these diseases. The lack of subspecialty care, especially in low-resource countries, is largely attributable to a lack of or insufficient training opportunities for the rheumatology workforce. Addressing these issues will require expanding training programs, improving opportunities for fulfillment in rheumatology academic careers, and using technologies for training and as platforms to increase access to specialist care in remote areas.