Program Description & Goals

The aim of the Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program at Phoenix Children's Hospital is to cultivate expert pediatric rheumatologists who are adept in providing both broad and specialized care. This fellowship spans three years and is dedicated to intensive training in pediatric rheumatology, encompassing both inpatient and outpatient care experiences. The curriculum is designed to address the complexity and ongoing management of rheumatic diseases from early diagnosis to care throughout adolescence.

Fellows will gain profound insights into diverse patient demographics, recognizing the specific psychosocial challenges associated with pediatric rheumatic conditions. The program is committed to addressing the needs of underserved communities in the Southwest, making a significant impact on regional health care.

The fellowship integrates clinical research, quality improvement and patient safety training, preparing physicians to push forward the boundaries of the field with groundbreaking research. It provides a comprehensive mix of inpatient and outpatient experiences, with a strong focus on patient-centered care and management of complex health conditions. Graduates of this program will be exceptionally well-prepared to deliver superior care and to lead advancements in pediatric rheumatology.

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program at Phoenix Children's offers a distinctive educational pathway for specialization in rheumatology and is currently accepting applications for the Academic Year 2025/26.

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at Phoenix Children's is a three-year ACGME-accredited program designed to train fellows to become board-certified in pediatric rheumatology. The program is focused on equipping fellows with essential clinical skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for leadership in patient care, research and education within the field of rheumatology. We provide a supportive environment that fosters innovation, personal well-being and excellence.

Our goals include offering comprehensive educational resources, clinical experiences and research opportunities that enable fellows to proficiently manage rheumatic diseases and prepare them for leadership roles in clinical settings, research environments and academia. We emphasize wellness and personal effectiveness, aiming to develop fellows who serve as role models in both patient care and personal health management.

Scholarly projects are a cornerstone of our program, with fellows required to complete a research project, participate in a quality improvement project and contribute to medical education. Considerable time is dedicated to scholarly activities, including research and academic teaching. Each fellow is expected to complete a scholarly project, present their findings at local and/or national meetings and contribute abstracts for publication. A robust mentorship system and a scholarly oversight committee support fellows throughout their academic and professional development.