Pediatric rheumatologists are specialists who treat joint problems in infants, children, and adolescents. They use their in-depth understanding of disease pathology to assist young patients suffering from a variety of autoimmune disorders and injuries. To become a pediatric rheumatologist, a person must complete medical school, a three-year pediatric residency, and a two- to three-year fellowship in the specialty. To be considered a pediatric rheumatologist, a doctor must undergo extensive training and pass board certification exams.
A four-year undergraduate program is usually required before applying to medical school. A student interested in becoming a pediatric rheumatologist can major in biology or a health science subject with a premedical studies concentration. To gain firsthand experience dealing with patients, many undergraduates apply for internships as medical aides at local hospitals or doctor’s offices. A student can take a written admissions test and send in application materials to accredited medical schools near the end of a bachelor’s degree program.
Medical school admissions are typically competitive, and colleges favor applicants with strong grades, recommendation letters, and reasons for wanting to pursue degrees. After being accepted, a student can meet with advisers and instructors to figure out which classes will best prepare him or her for a career as a pediatric rheumatologist. Disease pathology, organic chemistry, pharmacology, and professional techniques are all covered in core lecture and lab classes. A future specialist should take additional courses in pediatric care, child psychology, and rheumatism. Many schools allow students to participate in rotating internships at hospitals, allowing them to observe physicians in a variety of patient care settings.
A doctor of medicine graduate can apply for a three-year pediatric residency at a general or children’s hospital after earning their degree. A new doctor works alongside experienced pediatric physicians during residency training while also attending classes and conducting lab research. He or she gains a solid understanding of how to provide medical services to teenagers. Because diseases affect children differently than adults, a doctor’s expertise is required to provide accurate diagnoses and treatments.
A residency is usually followed by a fellowship program. A doctor’s fellowship training allows them to log thousands of hours of supervised, guided patient care. A fellow focuses solely on young people with rheumatic diseases like arthritis, chronic back pain, and lupus. In order to work as a pediatric rheumatologist in a hospital or private practice, a doctor must pass a certification exam administered by a national board.