University of Michigan Program

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program Overview

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan is an ACGME accredited three-year program offering extensive clinical training and research opportunities in pediatric rheumatology. The program aims to prepare fellows for a successful career in the diagnosis and management of a broad range of rheumatic diseases affecting children.

This fellowship is distinguished by its mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and to produce graduates equipped with the necessary skills for board certification in Pediatric Rheumatology.

Curriculum Details

Clinical Training

The clinical training starts primarily within the Pediatric Rheumatology Inpatient Consult Service for the first year, allowing fellows to build a robust foundation of pediatric rheumatology knowledge and establish patient panels. Fellows will manage patients both in inpatient and outpatient settings, participating in a continuity clinic throughout their training.

As fellows progress into their second and third years, they will have opportunities to exercise graduated supervisory duties, balancing clinical responsibilities with enhanced training experiences. Regular participation in specialized clinics complements core clinical training, with first-year fellows attending the Interdisciplinary Systemic Inflammation Clinic and the Juvenile Myositis Clinic, among others.

Research Training

The research component is integral to the fellowship, with fellows required to engage in a mentored scholarly project relevant to pediatric rheumatology. Various research avenues include original basic and clinical research, health services research, or educational scholarship. Attendance at national and local conferences, such as the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, is encouraged as part of professional education and dissemination of research findings.

Training Sites

The University of Michigan offers state-of-the-art facilities for clinical practice and research, including access to various specialized clinics and pediatric care units. The Pediatric Rheumatology Division is part of Michigan Medicine, which boasts ongoing advancements in treatment and an interdisciplinary approach to care.

Fellowship Structure by Year

During the first year, fellows focus on inpatient care with consistent outpatient clinic obligations, while the second and third years include a combination of continuing care and research. Each year, fellows are expected to present their research and participate in educational activities, such as journal clubs and grand rounds.

Years two and three allow fellows to tailor additional learning experiences that align with their professional interests and career goals, providing flexibility to engage with various specialties within rheumatology.

Program Competitiveness and Application Process

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program is competitive, welcoming U.S. medical graduates as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) holding ECFMG certification. Applicants must possess a completed ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics or a similar area to be eligible. The program accepts applications via the ERAS system and participates in the NRMP Fellowship Match.

Special emphasis is placed on reviewing applicants' academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities. The selection committee considers prior academic performance and subsequent interviews to ascertain fit within the fellowship's goals.

Visa Support

The program primarily sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants through the ECFMG. Non-U.S. citizens applying to the fellowship must either have Permanent Resident status or be eligible for a J-1 visa. The program emphasizes compliance with all eligibility guidelines governed by the institutional policies.

Fellow Life and Support

Fellows can expect a well-structured mentorship program that fosters personal and professional growth, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. The program also promotes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the training environment is supportive and conducive to learning.

Fellowship graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in pediatric rheumatology, with many securing faculty positions or roles in specialized clinics post-training.

Recent Graduates and Their Careers

Many of the program’s recent graduates occupy prominent positions in pediatric rheumatology across various medical institutions. Their experiences and subsequent accomplishments underscore the program's dedication to producing competent professionals equipped for clinical practice and research.