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A rheumatologist is a physician who has undergone formal training in rheumatology.

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Further, it is defined as the study of rheumatism; arthritis; and other disorders of the joints, muscles and ligaments. Interestingly, the word rheumatology comes from the Greek words for "flowing current."

Rheumatology is the study of any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles or fibrous tissue, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

A rheumatologist deals mainly with immune-mediated disorders of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues, autoimmune diseases (including those characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, called vasculitides), and inherited connective tissue disorders.