Lupus patients are increasingly aware that there is a deficiency in lupus knowledge among rheumatologists. As rheumatologists are specialists in the field of arthritic and connective disease condition's, the title Rheumatologist expresses expertise in the richness in the experience. Despite the promise of this title, we the patients with lupus/SLE are suffering. The quality of our lives is diminished due to the difficulty we have finding doctors that are proficient in treating and managing our disease. The patient experience seems to demonstrate that there are large numbers of rheumatologists that are unable to diagnose lupus and its many symptoms, including but not limited to pain management. Or have outdated knowledge of current treatment methods.
Please sign this petition in an effort to increase awareness of this problem, and hopefully, ensue a change. Please spread the word for others to join us: e-mail, tweet, post this petition to your Facebook profile, support groups. "Like" us on Facebook ; Lupus Outrage & Outreach for further resources and information. The petition calls for the following actions:

1) Physicans must demonstrate a proficiancy in diagnosis of, and treatment/management of lupus/SLE BEFORE reciving his/her board certification in Rheumatology. This could also be a more comprihensive section on the immocoligical aspect of the diease it's self.

2) Board certified rheumatologists who treat lupus must keep up-to-date on current treatments for the many different symptoms of lupus including the need for quality pain management.