In rural communities like Richland Center, Wisconsin, patients often face difficulty getting an appointment to see a rheumatologist due to the nationwide shortage of physicians practicing in this specialty. Since rheumatologic diseases are often chronic and painful due to symptoms that affect joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, regular medical follow-ups are essential for many patients. A new collaborative training program, known as STARS-R (Specialty Training at Rural Sites — Rheumatology), aims to help rural primary care physicians build skills in managing existing patients with rheumatologic conditions by pairing them with professors of medicine from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
In April, Dr. Christie Bartels and Dr. Justin Levinson held teaching workshops for family medicine physicians at The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC), and sat in on patient encounters. By the end of the workshop series, THRC family medicine physicians were caring for their patients with rheumatologic diseases and conditions independently, while participating in remote case-based discussions with the UW physicians. Early feedback suggests that not only does STARS-R improve patient access to specialty care, but it also helps participating rural physicians feel more supported and engaged. The program is supported by the Orion Initiative at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
