Overview

The Pediatric Rheumatology Training Program at MUSC is a three-year program that has been accredited by the ACGME since 2010. The goal of the pediatric rheumatology fellowship training program is to train our fellows to become the leaders of tomorrow in the areas of patient care, teaching and research. In order to achieve these goals, trainees dedicate the initial portion of their training, approximately 12 months, to building their skills in general clinical pediatric rheumatology. Subsequent years are dedicated to clinical and/or basic research with option to obtain a Master's in Clinical Research. Our pediatric program is unique in that we have a close relationship with adult rheumatology in both the clinical and research areas. MUSC rheumatology is widely recognized for their expertise in clinical care and research in lupus and systemic sclerosis. We have superior mentorship and research funding in these areas which opens up many opportunities for our fellows for research. At the conclusion of the pediatric rheumatology fellowship, trainees will have acquired and successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become valued and productive members of the academic pediatric rheumatology community. The program's success is indicative of the highly supportive academic environment, rich in mentorship and the spirit of scientific inquiry. Training is provided in all areas of pediatric rheumatology including but not limited to:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Vasculitis
• Fibromyalgia/Amplified Pain Syndromes
• Inflammatory Syndromes including Periodic Fever Syndromes
• Juvenile Dermatomyositis
• Joint Hypermobility
• Reactive Arthritis
• Systemic Sclerosis
• Localized Scleroderma/Morphea
• Acute Rheumatic Fever

Mission Statement

Founded in 2010, the pediatric rheumatology fellowship program at the Medical University of South Carolina is dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in academic pediatric rheumatology. We strive to achieve this mission by providing well-rounded and comprehensive clinical training, individualized mentorship, and opportunity for scholarly research and education.

Our mission remains driven by:

• A steadfast commitment to providing the highest level of patient care
• A spirit of collegiality, respect, teamwork, and altruism amongst all members of the MUSC Pediatrics Department and our colleagues in Adult Rheumatology as well as with our national collaborators at CARRA and the PR-COIN Network
• A commitment to engaging in innovative research that significantly advances the knowledge in the field
• A commitment to selecting and training fellows who share these values

Program Aims

• Clinical excellence: Through high volume and diverse patient care encounters, outstanding faculty teachers, constructive feedback, and robust didactic curricula, the program seeks to provide general pediatric rheumatology training for a diverse group of fellows who will be confident in their abilities to care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with rheumatic disease. Upon completion of the program, we strive to provide mentorship, training, and resources.
• Research: To promote scholarly contributions to the field in areas related to clinical and translational research, medical education, and quality improvement through mentorship, dedicated resources and support, and ongoing training opportunities.
• Advocacy: To foster commitment to advocacy for the advancement of child health priorities related to rheumatic disease at the local, national, and/or international level.
• Leadership: To develop leadership skills through mentorship, career development workshops and mentored guidance for a diverse group of fellows who will be confident leaders in areas related to clinical care, research, medical education, and national professional societies.
• Diversity: To create an educational and clinical environment which attracts an ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse group of trainees who develop the passion and skills to care for the children across the country and globe.
• Wellness: To foster a strong sense of wellness, resilience, and meaningfulness amongst fellows through role modeling and supporting activities that promote social networks.
• Quality/Safety: To prepare fellows to be leaders in patient safety and quality improvement through active participation in both department-based and hospital-wide initiatives and access to training in quality improvement science.