Rheumatologists are internal medicine specialists who have expertise in the treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissues.
Their body of knowledge focuses on the causes, development, diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, connective tissue and musculoskeletal pain disorders.
During your consultation the Rheumatologist will review the information provided by the family doctor, take an in-depth history and perform a physical assessment of the affected area. The information gained in this consultation, supported by lab tests, or X-rays, leads to a diagnosis.
The Rheumatologist then makes a recommendation to the family doctor with options for treatment.
Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body gets confused and begins to attack the synovial lining of the joints. It is a chronic disease which untreated causes pain, swelling, disability and deformity.
Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition, by the Rheumatologist, can slow the progression of the disease. It is for this reason that the Rheumatologist who visits the Specialists Clinic focuses more on inflammatory arthritis as compared to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis results over time from wear and tear on the joint cartilage.
The family doctor can recommend supportive treatments to help control the pain, swelling, and disability that occur over time with this form of arthritis.
If you are currently living with arthritis or know someone who is, the YHC has compiled a list of resources for Yukoners with arthritis which you can download here.
Visiting Rheumatologists
Dr. G Reid (Vancouver)
Visits per year: 4
Days each visit: 5
Lee Ash RN (Whitehorse)
The RN, permanently employed at the Specialists Clinic, works in collaboration with the family doctor and Rheumatologist to provide year round care for patients.