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Your RA Team
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex condition – one that may be quite challenging at times. The good news is that there are people who can make living with RA easier. Your rheumatoid arthritis team can help you understand your condition, navigate the different treatment options and help determine the best ways to manage your RA symptoms.
RHEUMATOLOGIST
Role:
Diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, such as RA
Where:
Hospitals, private office practices, outpatient clinics
Education/credentials:
Bachelor's degree, medical degree, internal
residency program, rheumatology fellowship program
NURSE
Role:
Provide support to doctors, patients and other office staff members; measure and monitor vital signs; set up equipment and treatment as necessary; maintain safe, comfortable clinical environment; provide information about disease state, treatment, home care and health insurance
Where:
Hospitals, doctors’ offices, infusion centers, occupational health settings, clinics, home healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities, military bases, educational and research institutions and laboratories
Education/credentials: Associate’s degree or bachelor of science nursing
(BSN), nursing school certificate/licensure, and further certification/licensure depending on scope of practice and country
NUTRITIONIST
Role:
Develop food and nutrition programs that promote good overall health, including healthy weight; educate patients, healthcare professionals and other individuals about the body, food and diet
Where:
Self-employed, private medical practice, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care facilities, schools, companies, local and state government facilities, community health centers, home healthcare services
Education/credentials: Bachelor’s degree in dietetics, foods, nutrition or food
service management; additional licensure, accreditations, and certifications on a case-by-case basis and according to state requirements
CAREGIVER
Role:
To provide care and support to another adult or child with unique medical needs
Where:
Anywhere the patient needs the caregiver to be
Education/credentials: Not required. If a hired professional caregiver,
training, certification and licensure vary by profession and state
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Role:
Evaluate your joint and muscle mobility and strength in order to create a plan to help improve mobility and quality of life
Where:
Outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research institutions, schools, hospices, industrial sites, workplaces, fitness and sports training facilities
Education/credentials: Bachelor's in physical therapy often extending into
master’s and doctorate programs as well as accreditation that varies from state to state
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Role:
To provide physical assistance and/or emotional support to the RA patient
Where:
At home and anywhere else the RA patient needs physical and/or emotional support
PHARMACIST
Role:
Fill and distribute prescriptions, answer patient inquiries about condition and treatment
Where:
Drug stores, supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, medical labs and medical education, research and development organizations
Education/credentials: Two to four years of undergraduate studies, three to
four years at accredited pharmacy school, PharmD accreditation
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