Posted on Oct 17, 2013
With more than 150 disease conditions that they diagnose and treat — including arthritis, lupus, gout, vasculitis, scleroderma and other systemic autoimmune conditions — BC's rheumatologists have "fascinating patients with complex problems that often require digging to solve a mystery," says Dr. Jason Kur, president of the BC Society of Rheumatologists. Currently more than 60 rheumatologists are licensed with the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons, but a survey in 2011 found that because of part time work, academic posts and other issues, only 32 fulltime equivalents were practicing in the province, leading to a critical shortage of specialists. BC has two to three adult residency positions each year but between 2007 and 2012 no UBC trained graduates commenced practice in BC. With an intensive focus on recruitment and training "we are starting to see an improvement," says Kur.
And, with the creation by the Specialist Services Committee 2011 multidisciplinary fee code, rheumatology nurses are now in 50 percent of BC practices. The nurses teach self care, provide vaccinations and medication injections, and counsel for pain support and lifestyle management, creating office efficiencies and the ability to treat more BC patients. The BC society is supporting more of its members to incorporate nurses into their practices. Read more SSC Focus News stories.
Learn more at www.bcrheumatology.ca.
