Rheumatology is the science and care of immune-mediated (autoimmune and inflammatory) disorders that primarily affect the body's musculoskeletal system. 

Rheumatologists are excellent diagnosticians and may be the first clinicians, after a patient has seen several other doctors, to make the diagnosis of what is affecting a patient. I like to define myself and my colleague rheumatologists as “Dr. House without the attitude”.  

Once a diagnosis of a rheumatologic disorder is established, a rheumatologist will offer a treatment plan that may include very specific targeted treatment. 

For example, a patient comes in with severe joint pain that is worse in the morning, associated with several hours of morning stiffness and swelling. I have a consultation with the patient and make a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. We start treatment that helps the body restore the balance of inflammation, which then leads to remission (with treatment).

Another example of a rheumatologic condition is a patient that has severe swelling and pain every time they eat steaks. I confirm they have gout. We start treatment, including a specific diet, and their pain goes away completely, and in addition, we prevent cardiovascular complications (such as heart failure, myocardial infarction etc.).

And lastly, a patient with a history of the skin disease psoriasis develops joint pain and swelling. I make a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and start treatment that leads to complete control of his joint symptoms and skin rash.