Distribution and characteristics of the certification of rheumatologists in Mexico.

Objective: Describe the distribution of adult and pediatric rheumatologists with current certification in Mexico and the factors associated with this distribution.

Methods: The databases of the Mexican Council of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology for 2020 were reviewed. The rate of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants by state of the Mexican Republic was calculated. To find out the number of inhabitants by state, the results of the 2020 population census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography were consulted. The number of rheumatologists with current certification by state, age, and sex was analyzed.

Results: In Mexico, there are 1002 registered adult rheumatologists with a mean age of 48.12 ± 13 years. The male gender prevailed with a ratio of 1.18:1. Ninety-four pediatric rheumatologists were identified with a mean age of 42.25 ± 10.4 years, with a predominance of the female gender with a ratio of 2.2:1. In Mexico City and Jalisco, more than one rheumatologist/100,000 inhabitants were reported in the specialty of adults and only in Mexico City in pediatrics. The current certification is 65%-70% on average and the factors associated with a higher prevalence were younger age, female gender and geographic location.

Conclusions: There is a shortage of rheumatologists in Mexico and in the pediatric area there are underserved regions. It is important that health policies apply measures that allow a more balanced and efficient regionalization of this specialty. Although most rheumatologists have current certification, it is necessary to establish strategies to increase this proportion.