reumatólogo
/reumatoloɡo/from spelling rulesmasculine
The Spanish word for rheumatologist is reumatólogo.
The term refers to a doctor.
Meaning: doctor (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female rheumatologist, the noun changes its ending to a, resulting in reumatóloga. If you are referring to a group of rheumatologists of mixed gender, use the masculine plural form reumatólogos.
How do you pronounce it?
/reumatoloɡo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish medical contexts, reumatólogo is often distinguished from a traumatólogo, who focuses on surgical orthopedic care. While English speakers might use 'orthopedic surgeon' for both, Spanish makes a strict linguistic divide between the medical and surgical approach to joints.
- The word reuma is an adaptation of the Greek word rheuma, meaning 'something that flows'. This reflects the ancient belief that joint pain was caused by 'fluxes' of fluids in the body.
- In Spain, the healthcare system is highly centralized, and a patient cannot usually visit a reumatólogo without a referral from a médico de cabecera or 'head doctor'. This gatekeeping is a standard part of the Spanish medical experience.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana necesita visitar a un reumatólogo para tratar su artritis.My sister needs to visit a rheumatologist to treat her arthritis.
- El seguro médico me autorizó a visitar a un médico reumatólogo para mi condición.My health insurance approved me to visit a rheumatologist for my condition.
- Conozco a una buena especialista en reumatismo que podría ayudarte con tus dolores musculares.I know a good rheumatologist who could help you with your muscle pain.
- Tengo una cita con la reumatóloga más destacada de la ciudad.I have an appointment with the most renowned female rheumatologist in the city.
- Mi hermano está interesado en estudiar reumatología y convertirse en un reumatólogo.My brother is interested in studying rheumatology and becoming a rheumatologist.
- El reumatólogo examinó mis articulaciones.The rheumatologist examined my joints.
- Necesito una cita con el reumatólogo.I need an appointment with the rheumatologist.
- Mi reumatólogo es muy profesional.My rheumatologist is very professional.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking in a pharmacy.
- Javier¿Sabes quién es un buen reumatólogo?Do you know who is a good rheumatologist?
- MaríaSí, mi reumatólogo es excelente.Yes, my rheumatologist is excellent.
- Javier¿Él trabaja en este hospital?Does he work in this hospital?
- MaríaNo, él tiene su propia clínica.No, he has his own clinic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rheumatologist” translations and entries reumatólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
