CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY TRAINING IN AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. Opinions of Recent and Current Rheumatology Fellows About an Extended Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Medicine

OBJECTIVE To estimate among recent and current rheumatology fellows the appeal of a 3-year rheumatology fellowship emphasizing musculoskeletal medicine. METHODS A survey of 348 trainee members of the American College of Rheumatology during 1990-1993, by mailed questionnaire. RESULTS The response rate was 77.8% (n = 271). Both recent and current fellows indicated that they desired more experience in musculoskeletal medicine. Most notably, 50% of current fellows, and a significantly higher proportion of recent fellows (70%; P < 0.005), indicated that they would have opted for a 3-year fellowship in musculoskeletal medicine had one been available to them at the completion of their residency. CONCLUSION Expertise in musculoskeletal medicine is desired by a sufficient proportion of recent and current rheumatology fellows to warrant the investment in another year of training.