Description

We are seeking an outstanding, compassionate Board-Certified/Board-Eligible academic rheumatologist to join our dedicated healthcare team at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in beautiful Little Rock, AR. The successful candidate will be responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients with a wide range of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, sarcoidosis, and the vasculitides. This role involves developing personalized treatment plans, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and contributing to a patient-centered environment focused on improving quality of life. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a particular interest in educational initiatives as it relates to the training of medical students, residents, and rheumatology fellows, encompassing roles as a supervisor, teacher, mentor, evaluator, and role model. As it relates to the last point, we are looking for an aspiring clinician educator involved in the following:

Supervision and Patient Safety
Direct Teaching
Mentorship and Role Modeling
Evaluation and Feedback
Curriculum Development and Quality Improvement
Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Responsibilities: Diagnosing and developing comprehensive, personalized treatment plans for complex rheumatic and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and osteoporosis.
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, including laboratory results and imaging studies.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including primary care physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists, to provide holistic patient care.
Performing procedures such as joint injections and potentially musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records, often utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Teaching and Mentoring Responsibilities: Providing formal and informal teaching to medical students, residents, and fellows in both didactic and clinical settings.
Mentoring trainees in clinical practice, research initiatives, and career development.

Research Responsibilities: Participating in clinical or translational research initiatives and contributing to the advancement of rheumatology practices.
Applying for research funding through grants and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals. 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills for this position include:
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Completion of an accredited residency program in Internal Medicine.
Successful completion of a 2-3 year fellowship program in Rheumatology.
Board certification or eligibility in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or equivalent certifying body.
Current, unrestricted medical license in the state of practice (or ability to obtain one).
Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Strong diagnostic, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with an empathetic and compassionate approach to patient care.
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Required Skills and Attributes
Clinical Expertise: Exceptional diagnostic skills and a comprehensive knowledge of rheumatological diseases, treatment modalities, and current clinical guidelines.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities for effective patient counseling, collaboration with colleagues, and teaching.
Soft Skills: Empathy and Compassion: A patient-centered approach to care, building rapport and supporting patients through chronic and often complex conditions.
Analytical and Problem-Solving: The ability to solve complex clinical puzzles, often in "grey areas" where diagnoses and treatments are not immediately straightforward.
Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and attention to detail to manage a high volume of patients and administrative burden.
Adaptability and Teamwork: A collaborative mindset, working well within a multidisciplinary team and adapting to dynamic healthcare environments.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in relevant healthcare technologies, including EHR systems and telemedicine platforms.