In medical school, I found musculoskeletal topics to be the most interesting. Because of that interest, I started down the path to pursue orthopedic surgery.

After months of rotations at different hospitals, I discovered that my favorite portion was not surgery, but rather the clinic. During that time, I encountered an elderly patient who was plagued by psoriatic mutilans and was facing multiple joint surgeries to help alleviate pain. This was my first exposure to progressed rheumatic disease and the realization that there was hope for prevention.

Starting residency, I knew that pursuing rheumatology was my goal. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful mentor in Richard Jones III, MD, PhD, and was able to rotate multiple months during residency at his clinic. This further confirmed my love for rheumatology and now we practice together.

When I started fellowship at Louisiana State University, in New Orleans, I was again blessed with a fantastic mentor and PD, Stephen M. Lindsey, MD, MACR. His compassion for patients and devotion to the ever-changing landscape of rheumatologic treatment provided me with a strong foundation early in my career. He emphasized the importance of physical exam findings and always encouraged his fellows to provide exceptional care.

I have been extremely lucky to find a community that so highly values the pursuit of learning and passion for teaching. David A. McLain, MD, MACR, FACP, FRCP, not only created the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology, but also leads the Alabama Society for Rheumatic Diseases. These meetings provide excellent therapeutic updates and aid in collaboration for rheumatologists throughout Alabama. Groups like the Rheumatology Private Practice Alliance and the Association of Women in Rheumatology have connected rheumatologists of all ages across the country, and allow sharing of experiences and growth personally and professionally.

Rheumatology is such a rewarding and exciting field, one that integrates a breadth of clinical knowledge, unique patient connections, and opportunities for treatment that transform lives.

Brittany Hill, DO, is a rheumatologist at the Clinic for Rheumatic Diseases in Northport, Alabama. She can be reached at crd_hill@outlook.com.