Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Study Course Description

Reumatology III

Main Study Course Information

Course Code

RRE_028

Branch of Science

Clinical medicine; Internal medicine

ECTS

48.00

Target Audience

Medicine

LQF

Level 8

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor

Anna Mihailova

Residency Speciality

Speciality

Rheumatologist

Supervisor of Medical Speciality

Anna Mihailova

Contacts

About Study Course

Objective

To provide advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skill development in accordance with the national requirements for rheumatology specialization in Latvia, preparing the physician for certification in rheumatology in compliance with the regulations of the Republic of Latvia.

During the third year of training, the resident consolidates professional independence, enhances clinical reasoning and decision-making in complex and overlapping rheumatologic conditions, and masters modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods while coordinating patient management within an interdisciplinary team.

The resident further develops research and teaching competencies, integrating evidence-based approaches into daily clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.The resident demonstrates advanced and comprehensive knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune connective tissue diseases. This knowledge forms the foundation for independent clinical reasoning, critical analysis, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The resident is familiar with current rheumatology guidelines, modern therapeutic strategies including biologic and targeted therapies, and principles of long-term disease management and quality-of-life improvement.

Skills

1.The resident: understands the nature of clinical problems, applies diagnostic algorithms, and provides professional, specialized care in rheumatology; implements diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures in complex and multi-systemic cases; engages in evidence-based discussion and analysis of systemic disease aspects with specialists and non-specialists; independently maintains medical documentation and coordinates patient care in both outpatient and inpatient settings; continuously develops professional competence, assumes responsibility for clinical decisions and treatment outcomes; participates in scientific work, presents clinical cases, and applies innovative, evidence-based treatment approaches.

Competences

1.The resident practices within the scope of professional authority at the highest level of knowledge, skills, and professional attitude, independently performing diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of musculoskeletal and autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The resident plans and organizes professional activities and development, supervises medical staff, and contributes to the teaching process. Makes evidence-based, scientifically justified decisions regarding patient and public health, and documents them appropriately. Demonstrates readiness for innovation, research, and clinical improvement, promoting quality and efficiency in healthcare.

Assessment

Individual work

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Individual work	-	-
The resident independently reviews the latest literature and current research findings in rheumatology, analyzes and critically evaluates scientific sources, and applies this knowledge in clinical practice. Independently prepares and presents reports, case analyses, and literature reviews during theoretical seminars and clinical conferences. The resident refines clinical skills, performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures autonomously, and manages patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Develops research skills and participates in scientific work, including data analysis, preparation of publications, and presentation of findings.

Examination

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Examination	-	-
Ongoing knowledge assessment is performed during seminars and practical training through patient analysis, preparation and presentation of clinical cases, and development of study materials and literature reviews. The resident demonstrates the ability to determine and justify indications for specific diagnostic tests, interpret results, assess disease activity, and formulate treatment strategies based on evidence-based medicine. Evaluation includes clinical scenario tasks, discussions, observation of practical procedures, and feedback from supervisors. The State Final Examination takes place at the end of residency and consists of two components: Defense of the resident’s research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct scientific analysis, interpret findings, and justify conclusions. Theoretical knowledge assessment in test format, including clinical case analysis and responses to questions from the examination committee members.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME

Part 1

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Osteoarthritis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Synovial fluid aspiration and intraarticular injection technique

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Lower back pain, spinal stenosis, DISH

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Regional pain syndrome (reflector sympathetic dystrophy)

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Centralized pain syndrome (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Regional musculoskeletal disorders: bursitis, tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, rupture of rotation tendons, impingement, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Osteoporosis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Osteomalacia, Paget's disease, osteodistrophy of the kidneys, osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Pregnancy and rheumatic diseases

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Auditorium

Topics

Pain: pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithms, principles of therapy, rehabilitation and long-term prognosis in patients with rheumatic diseases

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Autoinflammatory disoders

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Palindrome rheumatism

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Congenital hemohromatosis, histiocytosis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Systemic effects of the inflammatory process: amyloidosis, anemia, atherosclerosis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Auditorium

Topics

Congenital connective tissue and skeletal diseases (Marfan syndrome, Ellers Danlos's syndrome, congenital systemic diseases of the heart)

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Mucopolysaccharidosis, Gaucher's Disease, Fabry's Disease, Farber's Lipogranulomatosis

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Metabolic myopathy, muscular dystrophy

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Malignant musculoskeletal disorders (myeloma, metastatic bone disorders)

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Neuroendocrine immunology of rheumatic diseases

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Symptomatic eye diseases of the rheumatic diseases

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Rheumatic diseases in geriatric patients

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Invasive manipulation in rheumatology: synovial tissue, muscle, skin, subcutaneous fat, salivary gland and bone biopsy

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Perioperative management of patients with rheumatic disease

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Emergency conditions in rheumatology

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Cardiopulmonary pathology in patients with rheumatic disease

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Approach for the patients with rheumatic disease and impaired renal and hepatic function

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Tuberculosis: impairment of the musculoskeletal system. The use of biological medicines in patients with tuberculosis and chronic infections

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Vaccination principles for patients with rheumatic diseases

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

The safety aspects of medicinal products used in rheumatology

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Latest medical technologies in rheumatology

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Methodological fundamentals of scientific research in rheumatology

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Specialized room

Topics

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):

48.00

Number of Residency Seminars:

Length (weeks):

Final Examination:

Residency exam (Theory and practice)

Bibliography

Required Reading

Marc C. Hochberg. Rheumatology. Current edition

Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology. Current edition

Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology. Current edition

Additional Reading

Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes zinātniskie raksti. Rīga, RSU.

Zinātniskie medicīnas žurnāli: Scand J. Rheumatol; Clinical Rheumatology; The Journal of Rheumatology; Arthritis Rheumatisms; Annals of Rheumatic Diseases; Rheumatology u.c.