What is the EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) fellowship of rheumatology?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: November 6, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

EULAR Fellowship of Rheumatology

The EULAR fellowship of rheumatology refers to the structured specialty training programs and educational initiatives developed under the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) framework to train physicians to become rheumatology specialists across Europe.

Core Training Structure

EULAR has established a comprehensive training framework that aims to harmonize rheumatology specialty training across Europe and bring physicians to an agreed standard of proficiency in managing people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). 1

Key Components of EULAR Training Programs

Assessment and Competency Framework

  • EULAR developed points to consider for assessing competences during rheumatology specialty training, including four overarching principles and 10 specific points to consider 1
  • The assessment strategy emphasizes both formative assessment (ongoing feedback during training) and portfolio-based evaluation 1
  • Competency assessment covers multiple domains including medical knowledge, clinical skills, professionalism, communication, and procedural abilities 1

Educational Initiatives

  • EULAR offers structured educational courses at three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced 1
  • Specialized training courses include musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) training with standardized curricula 1
  • Course timing and location are typically coordinated with annual EULAR Congresses 1
  • Practical hands-on sessions comprise 50-60% of total course time, with a maximum of six participants per teacher to ensure adequate supervision 1

Portfolio Development

  • EULAR developed a standardized portfolio for rheumatology training that includes six key components: curriculum vitae, personal development plan, clinical work, professional behaviours, education activities, and research activities 2
  • The portfolio serves as a tool for documenting competency development and facilitating reflective learning throughout training 2

Organizational Structure

Task Force Composition

  • EULAR training initiatives involve multidisciplinary task forces that include rheumatologists with expertise in medical education, methodologists, medical educationalists, and patient research partners 1
  • The Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET) provides representation for trainees and early-career rheumatologists 1

Standardized Operating Procedures

  • All EULAR educational initiatives follow standardized operating procedures approved by the EULAR Executive Committee 1
  • Development processes include systematic literature reviews, expert consensus methods (including Delphi techniques), and validation through broader expert groups 1

Research and Innovation Support

EULAR launched a Research Centre in 2020 to facilitate collaborative research on RMDs across Europe, providing research infrastructure, networks, training, education, and mentoring. 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Training programs vary significantly across the 41 EULAR member countries, resulting in heterogeneity in structure, curriculum, and assessment strategies 1
  • Major barriers to effective implementation include lack of time, insufficient trained trainers, and limited resources 1
  • Not all countries have implemented comprehensive portfolio systems or structured assessment programs 2

Patient Involvement

  • EULAR emphasizes active collaboration between patients and researchers, with specific recommendations for including patient research partners in scientific projects 1
  • Patient representatives are integrated into task forces and educational initiatives to ensure patient-centered perspectives 1

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

What is the initial laboratory workup for a patient presenting with arthralgia (joint pain)?
What is the EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) definition of clinically suspect arthralgia?
What is the management approach for a patient with low urine osmolality?
How do you differentiate between a vitamin K deficiency and liver dysfunction as causes of insufficient clotting factor production?
What does a high normal ferritin (iron storage protein) level, normal iron binding capacity (total iron-binding capacity), and normal hemoglobin (Hb) level indicate?
Is it safe to top off breast feeds with bottle formula until the baby seems full, given initial weight loss and low weight?
Does Trulicity (dulaglutide) carry a risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors?
What is the treatment approach for Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question