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Pediatric rheumatologists treat joint problems in babies, children, and teenagers with autoimmune disorders and injuries. To become a pediatric rheumatologist, one must complete medical school, a three-year residency in pediatrics, and an additional two to three years of fellowship in the specialty. Competition to get into medical school is fierce, and colleges prefer candidates with strong grades, letters of recommendation, and reasons for wanting to graduate.
Pediatric rheumatologists are specialists who treat babies, children and teenagers with joint problems. They apply their expert knowledge of disease pathology to help young patients with a wide range of autoimmune disorders and injuries. A person who wants to become a pediatric rheumatologist must complete medical school, a three-year residency in pediatrics, and an additional two to three years of fellowship in the specialty. Intensive training is required to prepare a physician for certification exams to officially be considered a pediatric rheumatologist.
Before entering medical school, a person usually needs to complete a four-year degree program. A student who wants to become a pediatric rheumatologist may choose to major in biology or a health science subject with a concentration in premedical studies. Many graduate students apply for internships at local hospitals or doctors’ offices as medical assistants to gain first-hand experience dealing with patients. Near the end of a baccalaureate program, a student may take a written admissions test and submit application materials to accredited medical schools.
Competition to get into medical school is usually fierce, and colleges prefer candidates with strong grades, letters of recommendation, and reasons for wanting to graduate. Once accepted, the student can meet with counselors and instructors to determine which classes will help them become a pediatric rheumatologist. Core classes and laboratory classes involve the study of disease pathology, organic chemistry, pharmacology, and professional techniques. Additional courses in pediatric care, child psychology and rheumatism are important for a future specialist. Many schools allow students to participate in rotating internships at hospitals so they can observe physicians in many different divisions of patient care.
With a doctor of medicine degree, a graduate can apply for a three-year pediatric residency at a general or children’s hospital. During residency training, a new physician works alongside experienced pediatric physicians while attending classes and conducting laboratory research. He or she develops a strong working knowledge of how to provide medical services to young people. Diseases affect children differently than adults; therefore, specialist training is important to ensure that the physician can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A fellowship program typically follows a residency. Fellowship training offers a physician the chance to log several thousand hours of supervised, guided patient care. A colleague works exclusively with young people who have rheumatic disorders such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and lupus. A successful physician typically takes a certification exam administered by a national board to earn the right to become a pediatric rheumatologist in a hospital or private practice.
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