What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to outline the challenges and propose a vision for harmonising rheumatology training across different regions.

March 14, 2026Open Access

Global perspectives on rheumatology training: insights from the EULAR 2025 EMEUNET Presents session

Key Points

This research aims to outline the challenges and propose a vision for harmonising rheumatology training across different regions.
Conducted a narrative review of rheumatology training models from various global regions.
Utilised insights from the EULAR 2025 Congress and speaker presentations.
Analyzed data across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Pan-America, and Europe.
Africa faces fragmented training with significant workforce shortages and limited opportunities.
The Asia-Pacific region has standardized, exam-based curricula but struggles with infrastructure and access.
Pan-America displays considerable programme diversity, with the US having structured, accredited training.
Europe features competency-focused programmes and initiatives fostering mentorship and collaboration.

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectives Global rheumatology training faces immense challenges, with over 1.7 billion people affected by musculoskeletal diseases and pronounced regional disparities in specialist access. Diverse curricula, resource limitations, and variable career pathways underscore the urgency for targeted harmonisation efforts. This study aims to present a vision for harmonising rheumatology training worldwide, highlighting the contributions of continental societies and innovative young networks, based on insights from the EMerging European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) NETwork (EMEUNET) Presents session at EULAR Congress 2025 ‘Rheumatology Training Around the Globe'. Methods A narrative review of current training models across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Pan-America, and Europe using data from EULAR 2025 Congress supplemented with session slides and speaker insights. Results Programmes in Africa remain limited and fragmented, with severe workforce shortages and few structured training opportunities; regional responses include Young African Rheumatologists Network and select international partnerships. Asia-Pacific features multicountry, exam-based curricula governed centrally, but faces shortfalls in infrastructure and fellowship access, addressed in part by Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology-Young Rheumatology's educational initiatives. Pan-America is marked by significant programme heterogeneity and access barriers, with the United States standing out for its highly structured American College of Rheumatology-accredited programmes, robust educational events, and comprehensive resources. Pan-American League of Associations for Rheumatology Joven and digital education initiatives are reducing training gaps and advancing collaboration. Europe combines robust, competency-focused national programmes, with EULAR and European Union of Medical Specialties actively supporting harmonisation despite persistent local variation, and EMEUNET enhancing mentorship and career support. Conclusions Future harmonisation in rheumatology training requires flexible, competency-driven frameworks, expanded digital platforms, multilevel mentorship, and sustainable investment, integrating national programmes into global networks.

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