Rheumatology Training in Latin America: A Collaborative Study by the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Demand for rheumatology care has steadily increased in recent years. The number of specialists in this field, however, seems insufficient. No recent studies have diagnosed the attributes of rheumatology training in Latin America. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We obtained data on each country through local rheumatologists of the Pan-American League Against Rheumatism, who acted as principal investigators for participating countries. Our sample was analyzed and described through means and standard deviations or through frequencies and percentages, depending on the variable. RESULTS: Countries with the most rheumatology-training programs were Brazil (n = 50), Argentina (n = 18), and Mexico (n = 15). Ecuador, Honduras, and Nicaragua do not have rheumatology-training programs. The countries with the most available slots for rheumatology residents were Brazil (n = 126) and Argentina (n = 36). To be admitted into rheumatology training, candidates were required to have completed graduate studies in internal medicine in 42.1% of the programs. In 8 countries (42.1%), residents are not required to pay tuition; the median cost of tuition in the remaining countries is US $528 (interquartile range, US $2153). CONCLUSIONS: Conditions associated with rheumatology training in Latin America vary. Significant differences exist in income and tuition fees for residents, for example, and 4 countries in Latin America do not currently offer programs. Information collected in this study will be useful when comparing the status of rheumatology services offered in Latin America with those in other countries. Most countries require a wider offering of rheumatology-training programs, as well as more available slots.

Rubens y la artritis reumatoidea / Rubens and rheumatoid arthritis

El estudio de las pinturas barrocas, especialmente las de origen flamenco, permiten evidenciar en algunas de sus figuras signos físicos sugestivos de enfermedad. Peter Paul Rubens constituye uno de los máximos representantes de esta corriente artística. Se cree que Rubens padeció artritis reumatoidea (AR) y que retrató el desarrollo y progresión de su propia enfermedad en varias obras de arte. Este artículo relata brevemente la vida de Rubens y describe algunos de sus trabajos centrados en la figura humana con alteraciones articulares que podrían corresponder a una AR

The study of baroque paintings, especially those of Flemish origin, makes it possible to show in some of their figures physical signs suggestive of disease. Peter Paul Rubens constitutes one of the maximum representatives of this artistic current. It is believed that Rubens suffered from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that he portrayed the development and progression of his own disease in several works of art. This article briefly recounts Rubens' life and describes some of his works focused on the human figure with joint alterations that could correspond to an AR