Med-peds rheumatology in practice: assessment after twenty years

Excerpt

Little is known about the long-term status of pediatric rheumatology patients who transition to adult care. Increasing numbers of Med-Peds graduates have chosen to train in dual subspecialties such as rheumatology. These practitioners are able to provide continuity of care to such patients. A Med-Peds rheumatologist (BEO) has practiced at our medical center providing pediatric rheumatology services for Central Pennsylvania since 1991. Pediatric rheumatology clinics are also performed at outreach sites up to 100 miles away from the home institution, providing care in local communities. Pediatric patients who finish school may see the Med-Peds rheumatologist in the adult practice at the home institution, if they wish. Those who transition and remain with the Med-Peds rheumatologist in the internal medicine-rheumatology practice are the subject of this analysis. …