Indiana University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Indianapolis, INSpecialty:
Pediatric rheumatologyACGME Code:
3311721029The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is designed to train expert pediatric rheumatologists for careers in academic medicine. This fellowship program is notable for its comprehensive combination of clinical experience and research training, aimed at developing specialists who can contribute to the fields of basic and translational sciences, clinical and epidemiological trials, quality improvement initiatives, and health services research.
The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary education approach, coupled with personal mentorship to enable each fellow to tailor their curriculum effectively according to their career aspirations. Throughout the fellowship, diverse training experiences allow for a well-rounded understanding of pediatric rheumatology.
Curriculum Overview
The first year of the fellowship is primarily clinical, with a focus on acquiring foundational skills in pediatric rheumatology. It includes two months allotted for electives and research activities. Clinical training covers a broad spectrum of subspecialty areas such as childhood arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other related conditions. Elective opportunities extend beyond pediatric rheumatology to include adult rheumatology, immunology, genetics, and orthopedics, allowing fellows to design a training program that best matches their interests and career goals.
In the subsequent years—two and three—fellows transition into a research-focused phase, where they allocate about 20% of their time to clinical responsibilities, such as weekly continuity clinics and inpatient consultations. Education is further enriched through weekly Pediatric Rheumatology Grand Rounds, case conferences, and journal club meetings, which foster ongoing learning and expertise within the academic community.
Research Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to engage actively in research, with many participating in multi-center clinical trials in which Indiana University is a key partner. The faculty is also involved with notable collaborations, including the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group. Research opportunities focus on innovative areas such as psychosocial aspects of rheumatic disease in children and the development of transition care models.
Every fellow is expected to undertake a self-directed research project, supported by faculty mentoring. This entails learning essential research methodologies, including protocol writing, institutional review board submissions, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation, thereby ensuring that each trainee completes the fellowship with at least one research publication.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at Indiana University is distinguished by its strong mentorship as well as a comprehensive research network. The program is integrated within Riley Hospital for Children, the only pediatric rheumatology practice in Indiana, which provides fellows with unique exposure to a wide range of rheumatic conditions not often seen elsewhere. This exposure is vital for developing clinical expertise.
The fellowship also offers the possibility to pursue a Master’s degree during training, enhancing the educational experience. Additionally, fellows can opt for an extended fellowship to gain further training in adult rheumatology or additional research training opportunities, which is beneficial for those considering a dual career path.
Visa Support and Application Competitiveness
The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates and is open to diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive training environment. In terms of competitiveness, the program is known to be highly competitive, welcoming candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Application Requirements
Website
Director
Stacey E Tarvin, MD, MSAssociate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Fellowship Program Co-Director Appointed Since July 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$66,981First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Indianapolis, IN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Indianapolis, IN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Indianapolis has some high-crime areas, but overall, it has a moderate crime rate. It's always advisable to use common sense and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: Indianapolis offers a wide range of activities such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, museums, parks, and cultural events. The city is famous for its sports events.
- Climate: Indianapolis has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for all four seasons.
- Races and Population: Indianapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. The population is around 900,000 people.
- Education: Indianapolis has good educational institutions including universities and colleges.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Indianapolis is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Indianapolis is around 3-4 hours' drive from Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both cities offer a wider range of entertainment options.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse activities, and good educational opportunities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
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