Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine is a specialized 3-year program that is fully accredited by the ACGME. Situated within the Department of Pediatrics, the program aims to train academic pediatric rheumatologists by providing them with comprehensive education and hands-on experiences. The mission of the fellowship is to cultivate clinically competent physicians who are adept in managing various rheumatic diseases in children and adolescents.

As the largest pediatric rheumatology center in Georgia, the program handles over 7000 patient visits every year. This high caseload ensures that fellows receive exposure to a wide variety of rheumatic conditions, thereby enhancing their learning experience. The division emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care, allowing fellows to engage with a team of healthcare professionals who collaborate to provide exemplary treatment to young patients suffering from these complex diseases. The division's activities include clinical care, research, and teaching, thus giving fellows a rounded training experience that combines practical and academic knowledge. 1

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is designed to fulfill the ACGME requirements while also allowing fellows to pursue personal interests within pediatric rheumatology. Core components of the training include:

• Clinical rotations where fellows interact with a diverse patient population and manage conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis and lupus.
• Research opportunities that emphasize independent projects, supported by mentoring from experienced faculty members.
• Weekly didactic sessions that cover the latest advancements in pediatric rheumatology and best practices in patient management.
• Participation in divisional quality improvement initiatives, which empowers fellows to contribute to enhancing patient care processes.

This structured curriculum is designed to promote not only clinical skill development but also research competence and leadership skills among trainees. 3

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program strongly encourages fellows to engage in both basic and clinical research. Available resources include:

• Formal post-doctoral coursework in translational and clinical research methodologies.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers within the division to help fellows develop and complete innovative research projects.
• Opportunities to present research findings at national conferences and to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

The goal is to foster an environment where fellows can advance their academic careers while contributing to the broader field of pediatric rheumatology. 3

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship program places a strong emphasis on fostering independent clinical care expertise. Trainees will gain skills necessary to coordinate and lead comprehensive care for children with rheumatic diseases while integrating various healthcare professionals into their patient care strategies. Additionally, the program seeks to promote community resource usage in managing these conditions, further extolling the tenets of holistic patient care. 3

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants need to meet specific prerequisites:

• Completion of an approved pediatric residency program.
• Fulfillment of eligibility for certification by the American Board of Pediatrics.
• For international medical graduates, ECFMG certification is required.
• There is no requirement for U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, making the program accessible for a diverse candidate pool.

Moreover, the program values diversity and encourages minority physicians to apply, promoting an inclusive training environment. 3

Visa Support

For international applicants, the program offers visa sponsorship to facilitate the entry of qualified fellows into the United States. Common visa types supported include J-1 exchange visitor visas. This support is crucial for international medical graduates who seek advanced training within the U.S. healthcare system. 3

Competitiveness and Applicant Diversity

The fellowship program is competitive, as it not only attracts candidates from U.S. medical schools but also international medical graduates. This creates a rich and diverse academic atmosphere conducive to learning and personal development. The program’s commitment to diversity extends to actively encouraging the participation of candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, thus enriching the fellowship experience for all involved. 3