Sarasota Arthritis Center is proud to partner with the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) organization to offer a unique one-year Rheumatology APP Fellowship.

This immersive fellowship is designed for newly licensed or early-career Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants seeking advanced specialty training in rheumatology through structured clinical mentorship, didactic education, and interdisciplinary learning.

Working alongside expert, board-certified rheumatologists and experienced advanced practice providers, the fellow will gain the knowledge, confidence, and clinical experience necessary to become an independent rheumatology provider.

The Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) association is dedicated to developing educational programs, providing professional advancement services, and assembling resources for—and guided by—advanced practice providers (APPs).

Through our peer-to-peer network, we seek to support their integral role in the specialty healthcare community by providing the most relevant and timely information and communication for the treatment of their patients with rheumatic diseases.

Sarasota Arthritis Center is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve through innovative, compassionate, and accessible healthcare services. We are committed to advancing medical excellence, fostering a supportive work environment, and upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

The selected fellow will become an integrated member of our clinical team while receiving individualized mentorship throughout the fellowship year.

Fellowship Highlights

During this 12-month fellowship, the APP Fellow will:

• Work one-on-one with an experienced board-certified rheumatologist
• Participate in comprehensive outpatient rheumatology clinics
• Evaluate and manage patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Develop expertise in biologic therapies and infusion medicine
• Interpret laboratory studies and musculoskeletal imaging
• Learn evidence-based diagnosis and management of complex rheumatologic diseases
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning
• Complete two offsite clinical rotations during the fellowship year
• Participate in weekly two-hour didactic sessions covering the full spectrum of rheumatologic disease       
• Complete quarterly competency evaluations
• Participate in RhAPP educational initiatives and committee work
• Complete and present a capstone quality improvement or research project at the RhAPP National Conference.

Diseases and Conditions

The fellow will gain experience caring for patients with conditions including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Lupus
• Sjögren's Syndrome
• Vasculitis
• Osteoporosis
• Gout
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Scleroderma
• Connective Tissue Diseases
• Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders

Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted NP or PA license, in good standing, prior to the fellowship start date
• New to rheumatology (no prior rheumatology-specific clinical experience required)
• Demonstrated commitment to building a long-term career in the rheumatology workforce
• Strong clinical foundation, communication skills, and willingness to engage in a rigorous didactic curriculum alongside full clinical responsibilities
• Willingness to travel for off-site elective rotations and the RhAPP National Conference

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Short-Term Disability insurance for employees
• Malpractice coverage
• Competitive salary

• 401(k) with company match and employer-funded profit sharing upon completion of 1 year of service

• Four-day work week (Monday – Thursday), supporting strong work/life balance

• Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)

• A collaborative, team-oriented culture with strong support and a shared commitment to exceptional patient care
• Comprehensive physician mentorship
• Opportunity for consideration for employment upon successful completion of fellowship

How to Apply

Interested candidates must also complete the official RhAPP Fellowship Application by clicking the link below. Only applicants who have submitted the RhAPP application will be considered for the fellowship.

RhAPP Fellowship Application: https://form.jotform.com/261638210274049