Fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology
Designed by: Skillversity
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Hybrid (Online + Clinical Rotations)
Eligibility: MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), DNB Pediatrics, or Equivalent
Program Overview
This 12-month fellowship offers specialized training in diagnosing and managing autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders in children. The curriculum blends in-depth theoretical knowledge, clinical acumen, and research aptitude to prepare pediatricians for subspecialty practice in pediatric rheumatology.
Course Curriculum (12 Modules, 12 Months)
Module 1: Introduction to Pediatric Rheumatology
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Immune system development in children
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Overview of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases
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Classification of pediatric rheumatologic disorders
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Laboratory evaluation and immunologic markers
Module 2: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
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Subtypes: Oligoarticular, polyarticular, systemic JIA
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Diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis
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Management strategies: NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics
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Long-term monitoring and complications
Module 3: Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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Pathophysiology and clinical spectrum
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Renal, neuro, hematologic, and cutaneous involvement
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Lupus nephritis grading and management
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Immunosuppressive therapy and flare prevention
Module 4: Vasculitis Syndromes in Children
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Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Kawasaki disease
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Polyarteritis nodosa and Takayasu arteritis
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Diagnostic imaging and biopsy role
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Treatment protocols and cardiac follow-up
Module 5: Pediatric Spondyloarthropathies
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Enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile ankylosing spondylitis
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Psoriatic arthritis in children
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HLA-B27 and genetic predisposition
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Physical therapy and biologic treatment
Module 6: Auto-inflammatory Syndromes and Fever of Unknown Origin
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Periodic fever syndromes (PFAPA, FMF, TRAPS, CAPS)
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Genetic testing and diagnostic algorithms
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Steroid-sparing strategies
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Differentiating infection vs inflammation
Module 7: Pediatric Dermato-Rheumatology
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Juvenile dermatomyositis: diagnosis and skin scoring
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Scleroderma and morphea in children
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Cutaneous lupus and vasculitis
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Skin biopsy interpretation and care
Module 8: Rheumatic Fever and Post-infectious Arthritis
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Diagnosis and Jones criteria
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Carditis and long-term prophylaxis
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Reactive arthritis and post-streptococcal syndromes
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Public health and prevention strategies
Module 9: Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes and Bone Health
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Growing pains vs chronic non-inflammatory pain
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Fibromyalgia in adolescents
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Osteoporosis and osteopenia in chronic illness
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Bone densitometry and calcium/vitamin D therapy
Module 10: Diagnostic Tools and Imaging in Pediatric Rheumatology
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Musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI for joint evaluation
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Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis
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ANA, ENA, anti-dsDNA, ANCA, RF, and HLA typing
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Imaging scoring systems and disease monitoring
Module 11: Pediatric Rheumatology Research and Case-Based Learning
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Clinical case presentations and journal clubs
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Research methodology and evidence-based medicine
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Writing case reports and participating in trials
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Ethics in pediatric rheumatology research
Module 12: Rehabilitation, Psychosocial, and Transition Care
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Multidisciplinary team approach: PT, OT, nutrition, psychology
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School participation and social support
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Transition to adult rheumatology care
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Counseling for chronic disease management
Clinical Training and Hands-On Experience
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Rotations in pediatric rheumatology and immunology clinics
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Supervised joint examinations and joint injections
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Interpretation of autoantibody panels and imaging
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Participation in multidisciplinary case discussions
Assessment and Certification
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Monthly quizzes and OSCE-style assessments
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Clinical case logbook and skill checklists
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Final theory exam and case presentation
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Fellowship Certification in Pediatric Rheumatology by Skillversity
Who Should Enroll
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Pediatricians aiming to specialize in autoimmune disorders
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MBBS/MD graduates interested in musculoskeletal pediatrics
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Physicians working with children with chronic inflammatory conditions
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