With the implementation of the revision of the model training regulations for German physicians (Musterweiterbildungsverordnung, MWBO) in 2018, the area of each field in internal medicine was redefined and a restructuring of the training period for specialists in internal medicine and rheumatology took place [2].

The minimum training time requires 72 months, divided into two parts of 36 months each, which include both the common contents of the training as a specialist in internal medicine (“basic training”) as well as the specific contents of the specialist training in internal medicine and rheumatology.

The basic training period in “internal medicine” requires acquisition of at least two specialist competences which do not belong to the specializing field. This training consists of 24 months and is complemented by 6 months of training in both an emergency department and an intensive care unit. The specialized training period in internal medicine and rheumatology also extends over 36 months, of which at least 24 months are completed in inpatient rheumatologic care as defined by the MWBO [2]. Exemptions from this regulation were introduced by individual State Medical Chambers (Landesärztekammern) to allow for a longer period of specialized training in outpatient rheumatologic care.

Based on the MWBO of 2018, a model curriculum was developed by the Commission for Education and Training of the German Society of Rheumatology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie, DGRh) on behalf of the board of the DGRh with regard to core competences in specialized training in internal medicine and rheumatology. This model curriculum focuses on advanced training competences which should be acquired within the 36 months of specialized training in internal medicine and rheumatology and does not include competences relevant to the general part of internal medicine training (basic training).

In this review article, the model curriculum of the DGRh for specialized training in internal medicine and rheumatology is presented.