Welcome! The Learning Rheum is designed to facilitate clinical practice experiences in rheumatology for PA students. This unique online networking and career development tool helps PA students interested in rheumatology connect with experienced rheumatology providers who are willing to serve as preceptors.
Why rheumatology? The field of rheumatology faces a workforce crisis. By 2030, it is projected that the demand for rheumatology services will exceed supply by 4,133 full-time equivalents. PAs are well-positioned to be part of the national solution for this looming access to care crisis.
Important note: the purpose of this website is to help you find a student or preceptor site match. Once a match is made through this directory and communication has been initiated through a connection request, the PA student's program approval is required. Any approvals and specific rotation logistics for the rotation will need to be coordinated by the interested parties outside of this process.
Follow these four simple steps to join The Learning Rheum preceptor network:
STEP 1: Create an Account
Register with The Learning Rheum by creating an account. If you have already done this, please proceed to Step 2.
Register Now
STEP 2: Set up Your Profile
Complete your profile. Make sure your contact information is accurate, add a profile picture, and expand on your bio. You can even import your education and job history information from LinkedIn. Having a complete and accurate profile will help you find the right match.
Edit Profile
STEP 3: Enroll
Are you a student looking for a rheumatology rotation? Or a preceptor looking for your next student? Enroll to get started:
Enroll as Preceptor Enroll as Student
Make selections to set your preferences including experience, location, practice characteristics, and preferred rotation length. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to make the best match. In order to request a preceptor or student, you must be enrolled in the program.
STEP 4: Search & Connect
Use The Learning Rheum Preceptor/Student Directory to input your search criteria, such as:
- Location
- Experience
- Practice characteristics
- Length of rotations available
- Dates that are available to precept PA students
Do one search or multiple searches. If you're unsure of the search criteria, select "Search for ALL of the selected values." The Learning Rheum Directory will do the work for you and populate the results.
Next click on the name of the preceptor or student that you're interested in establishing a connection with to view their profile. Look around. If you think it's a desired match, look under their profile image for the blue preceptor Match badge, which when clicked will allow you to request a connection. If it's not a desired match, you can simply select the back button to return to your previous search results.
Important note: Once your invitation is accepted you can finalize the details of your clinical rotation with your new preceptor! You will be responsible for coordinating together all logistics and agreements according to the specific requirements of the student's school and/or preceptor location.
Search Directory
Please note: if you don't find a match right away, please check back soon as new people are enrolling on an ongoing basis.
NOTICES
Collaborating Partners
The Learning Rheum is brought to you in partnership between the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), the Interprofessional Division of the American College of Rheumatology, and AAPA.
ARP exists to advance the knowledge and skills of rheumatology professionals through leadership and vision in using programs of education, practice, research, and advocacy in order to equip rheumatology professionals with the tools needed to provide quality care for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
AAPA is the national professional society for PAs, representing a profession of more than 131,000 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve.
Independent Medical Education Grant Support
The Learning Rheum is supported by an independent medical education grant from Pfizer.