PG Diploma in Rheumatology
Develop advanced expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative rheumatic disorders through evidence-based clinical practice.
Course Overview
Rheumatology is a specialized field of medicine focused on autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative disorders of joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Osteoarthritis are major causes of chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. A PG Diploma in Rheumatology (12 months) is designed to equip medical graduates with specialized knowledge and clinical skills for early diagnosis, rational treatment, and long-term management of rheumatic diseases. The course integrates immunology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, and rehabilitation, with strong emphasis on patient-centered and evidence-based care.
What You'll Learn
Understand the immunological basis of rheumatic diseases
Perform detailed musculoskeletal examination
Diagnose common and complex rheumatological disorders
Interpret laboratory investigations (RF, ANA, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP)
Utilize appropriate imaging techniques (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI)
Prescribe and monitor DMARDs, biologics, and immunosuppressive therapy
Manage acute and chronic pain effectively
Recognize rheumatological emergencies and complications
Provide rehabilitation and long-term follow-up care
Educate patients regarding lifestyle modification and treatment adherence
Requirements
Curriculum
10 Sections · 38 Lessons · 12 Months
01Fundamentals of Rheumatology3 lessons
- Introduction and classification of rheumatic diseases
- Inflammatory vs non-inflammatory disorders
- Multidisciplinary approach
02Immunology & Pathogenesis3 lessons
- Autoimmunity and immune tolerance
- Cytokines and inflammatory pathways
- Genetic factors in rheumatic diseases
03Diagnostic Techniques4 lessons
- ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP, ANA profile
- Synovial fluid analysis
- Imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, MRI
- Diagnostic criteria and scoring systems
04Rheumatoid Arthritis & Related Disorders4 lessons
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Palindromic rheumatism
- Disease progression and complications
05Seronegative & Inflammatory Arthritides4 lessons
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Enteropathic arthritis
06Connective Tissue Disorders4 lessons
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Systemic sclerosis
- Vasculitis syndromes
07Miscellaneous & Systemic Rheumatic Disorders4 lessons
- Sarcoidosis
- Behçet’s disease
- Myositis and dermatomyositis
- Autoinflammatory syndromes
08Degenerative & Metabolic Disorders4 lessons
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Gout and crystal arthropathies
- Fibromyalgia
09Pharmacology & Therapeutics4 lessons
- NSAIDs and corticosteroids
- DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate)
- Biologic therapies (TNF inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies)
- Treatment guidelines and protocols
10Rehabilitation & Clinical Practice4 lessons
- Joint aspiration and injections
- Pain management
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Patient counseling and long-term care
Instructor

