The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU) offers a comprehensive training program focusing on autoimmune diseases and rheumatic disorders. This program is designed to cultivate medical professionals with expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatic and immunological diseases. Throughout the training, participants will acquire extensive clinical skills and research tools, laying a solid foundation for careers in clinical practice and academic research.
• Training covers a wide range of autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• Hands-on clinical experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, working closely with experienced faculty.
• Exposure to advanced diagnostic techniques, including imaging (MRI, ultrasound), laboratory diagnostics, and immunological testing.
• Participation in multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions and case reviews.
• Opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects related to rheumatology and immunology.
• Regular academic lectures, journal clubs, and case-based discussions.
• Develop proficiency in diagnosing and managing common and complex rheumatic diseases.
• Gain experience in using advanced diagnostic tools and interpreting laboratory results.
• Enhance skills in patient care, including outpatient management, inpatient treatment, and follow-up.
• Acquire knowledge of immunopathology and the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases.
• Participate in research and develop the ability to conduct independent clinical or translational research.
The program offers training experiences ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months, with flexible arrangements based on participants' needs and interests.
• Fellows: Completion of a general internal medicine residency program
• Residents: Enrollment in or completion of a residency program in internal medicine.
• Students: Final-year medical students with a letter of good standing from their medical school dean.
Focus Areas:
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
• Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
• Vasculitis
• Gout and Metabolic Arthritis
• Sjögren’s Syndrome
Skills:
• Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
• Joint aspiration and injection techniques
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Immunological testing interpretation
• Multidisciplinary patient management
· Monday:
Introduction & Welcome
Program Overview and Objectives
Department Introduction
· Tuesday:
Outpatient Clinic Observation
Academic Lecture
Basic Diagnostic Skills Training
• Wednesday:
Professor’s Round
Case-Based Discussion
Research Training
• Thursday:
Hands-on Clinical Skills Training
Joint Injection Techniques
Imaging Interpretation Session
• Friday:
Journal Club
Weekly MDT Conference
Clinical Skills Training
Wrap-Up and Feedback Session
Faculty members provide regular evaluations based on core competencies such as patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism. Participants receive both verbal and written feedback throughout the program.
Director of Rheumatology Department
Dr. Lin is senior physician in the Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases. Dr. Lin earned her Ph.D. at Zhejiang University, pursued Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Institution of Rheumatology, University of Luebeck, Germany. She focuses on fundamental and clinical research of rheumatoid arthritis and sjogren syndrome.
Deputy director of Rheumatology Department
Dr. Cao focuses on the clinical and translational research of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis associated interstitial lung disease and is skilled in musculoskeletal ultrasound
Deputy director of Rheumatology Department
Dr. Xu is interested in diagnosis and treatment of common and rare rheumatic immune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, Behçet's syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, and vasculitis. She also focuses on treatment of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome.
The program is free of charge.