American College of Rheumatology Advances Pediatric Rheumatology through Residents Program

Pediatric residents can learn more about opportunities in rheumatology through the Pediatric Rheumatology Residents Program.

Each year, the ACR hosts its annual Pediatric Rheumatology Residents Program during the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. This program was initiated in 2001 by the late Sue Bower, MD, as a way to motivate outstanding pediatric house officers to pursue subspecialty training in pediatric rheumatology and, in turn, increase the pediatric rheumatology workforce. To date, this program has enabled more than 280 residents in the U.S. and Canada to attend annual meetings.

To be considered for the program, residents must be nominated by their program directors and have demonstrated an interest in rheumatology, but be undecided regarding additional subspecialty training. They must also be enrolled in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited pediatric or medicine/pediatric residency program, or a similar program in Canada accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

We asked Mara Becker, MD, a past participant and pediatric rheumatologist at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo., to share her experience of going through the ACR’s Pediatric Rheumatology Residents Program.

FTC: Tell us about your experience attending the Pediatric Rheumatology Residents Program at the ACR annual meeting in 2002?

Dr. Becker: It was quite an experience! The meeting seemed huge and so hard to get a handle on, but also very exciting and amazing at the same time. There was a good mix of educational programs and research programs. I remember people telling me it gets more manageable every year, and not to get too overwhelmed the first year, or first few years. It was good advice!

FTC: What did you experience during that program that helped you decide to enter a pediatric rheumatology fellowship?

Dr. Becker: I think being exposed early to the vast opportunities available in rheumatology is what really sealed the deal for me. There is no better place to be exposed to these opportunities and possibilities than at the annual meeting.

FTC: Do you think that the residents program at the annual meeting gave you an understanding of the field of rheumatology and your options if you entered fellowship training?

Dr. Becker: Absolutely, but to an extent. The reality is, as a resident, your view is naturally narrow, and it is not until you are truly entrenched in the field every day that the full realization hits you. Sometimes it takes years to really know the full extent of the opportunities.

FTC: Do you have any advice for residents considering applying for the program?

Dr. Becker: Go for it! At the very least, it is an amazing experience to get entrenched in a large academic meeting. Try to read the program ahead of time, and pick two or three points you’d like to “take home.” Don’t try to do too much. The reality is there will be too many things you are interested in and not enough time. Try to meet at least two new people while you are there.

FTC: Do you have any advice for program directors considering nominating a resident for the program?

Dr. Becker: Give them the time off to really attend the meeting.

FTC: Do you have any additional information that you would like to share?

Dr. Becker: I remember how excited I was to be able to attend the meeting, and how scared I was when I finally got there. Attending meetings of this magnitude takes years to get used to, and to get a lot out of, but frankly, this program is such a gift to residents who are considering the field.

If you know a resident who may be interested in subspecialty training in pediatric rheumatology, we encourage you to share Dr. Becker’s story with them. The Pediatric Rheumatology Residents Program is a rewarding experience for everyone involved. During the program, participants will enjoy:

• Orientation breakfast
• Poster tour
• Panel discussions
• Scientific sessions
• Study groups

Visit www.rheumatology.org to make your nomination from May 1 through June 15. Once nominated, the resident will receive an online application to complete. All applications are due on August 1, 2013, along with a supporting letter from a senior person involved in residency training at the nominee’s home institution and the applicant’s curriculum vitae.

If you or your residents have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Megan Blake, MPA, ACR specialist of administration and governance, at [email protected], or (404) 633-3777.