Beth from Lloydminster asks: What is the difference between an internal medicine specialist and a rheumatologist?
An internal medicine specialist is a doctor for adults who can diagnose and manage a wide variety of complex and multi-system diseases. As part of their training, they will complete rotations in many different areas of medicine, often including some time in rheumatology. To become a rheumatologist in Canada, a doctor first completes core internal medicine training before receiving at least 2 years of further subspecialty training exclusively in rheumatology. While having a rheumatologist manage a rheumatic condition is ideal, there are certainly situations where having an internist involved may be a good choice in care. Any type of doctor – including internist and family doctors – can refer individuals to a rheumatologist for care.
Posted: August 3, 2026
Tagged: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatologist