University of Florida College of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program at the University of Florida College of Medicine offers a comprehensive and rigorous three-year training program that is ACGME accredited, focusing on clinical and research advancements in the field of pediatric rheumatology. The program is designed for training future leaders in pediatric rheumatology, with a strong commitment to innovative research and patient care.

Program Highlights

The fellowship features a fully funded training opportunity over three years, wherein the first year is dedicated to clinical experience, while the following two years emphasize advanced research training. Fellows gain exposure to both outpatient and inpatient settings, providing a broad-based clinical experience.

Notably, the program sees a large and diverse patient volume, treating over 2,000 pediatric rheumatology patients from a vast geographic area, covering more than 50 counties in Florida. Faculty mentorship is a cornerstone of the program, fostering an educational environment that promotes professional growth for pediatric rheumatology fellows.

Fellows are trained in specialized skills such as rheumatology musculoskeletal ultrasound, and they have access to the Pediatric Infusion Center, bolstering the training with various integrated clinical experiences.

Research Opportunities

The University of Florida Pediatric Rheumatology Center is recognized as the largest registry site for the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) in the Southeastern United States. The affiliation with CARRA allows fellows access to unique research opportunities and collaborative projects that address common and complex pediatric rheumatological disorders. Participation in both investigator-led and industry-sponsored research projects is encouraged, aiming to improve treatment protocols and patient outcomes.

Fellows also benefit from a mentorship committee dedicated to early career development, which focuses on assisting fellows in achieving their research ambitions, including successful grantsmanship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the program's distinguishing features is its status as the only ACGME-accredited pediatric rheumatology fellowship in the state of Florida, providing an unparalleled opportunity for specialization in pediatric rheumatology close to home. The program's integration with the University of Florida's extensive resources, including cutting-edge facilities and faculty expertise, enhances the training experience.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship program is considered competitive; it attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. Special application requirements include submission via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

The program generally prefers applicants who graduated from medical school within the last five years, although specific requirements regarding passing scores in the USMLE Step exams or a maximum number of attempts may vary. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate commitment to pediatric rheumatology through clinical experience, research participation, or relevant volunteer activities.

International Applicants

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants, facilitating participation in the fellowship training while offering compatible visa categories, such as J-1 or H-1B visas, in alignment with the educational and professional necessities of the candidates.

Training Sites

The primary clinical training occurs at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, recognized as one of the top children’s hospitals in Florida. The facility is equipped with modern medical technologies and specialized pediatric care systems, ensuring fellows have access to comprehensive clinical exposure.

Support for Fellow Research

Fellowship holders participate in extensive research activities, with the support structure designed to encourage the production of publishable manuscripts. The faculty's dedication to mentorship is instrumental, guiding fellows through all phases of research, from conceptualization to publication. Notable fellow accomplishments include receiving prestigious awards and recognition for scholarly activities, emphasizing the program's efficacy in fostering academic growth.

In summary, the University of Florida Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship stands out not only for its clinical training and research opportunities but also for its commitment to producing qualified specialists equipped to tackle the challenges in pediatric rheumatology. This fellowship is designed to develop clinician-scientists who will influence the field through both practice and research excellence.