The second and third years of training are largely devoted to research. The nature of the research will be individualized to the interests of each fellow, and their clinical activity will be tailored to fit those research interests as appropriate.
Vanderbilt offers rich opportunities for fellows’ involvement in both basic and clinical research. Dr. Anna Patrick has developed a strong program in investigating lymphocyte biology in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is actively involved in leading translational research initiatives in pediatric rheumatology at the national level. Dr. Alaina Davis has been a leader in mental health research in pediatric rheumatology. She has studied the prevalence of depression in lupus and is expanding this work to juvenile dermatomyositis. Her work has noted connection between depression and medication adherence in pediatric lupus. She has led quality improvement initiatives to make mental health screening an integral part of our clinic and helped to disseminate this approach to other centers. Dr. Brent Graham is involved with registry and interventional studies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. He has also published in the areas of autoimmune encephalopathy and pain in rheumatic disease in recent years.
The Division is actively involved with collaborative studies with CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance) as well as PRCSG (Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group). Collaboration with adult rheumatology is also strong. Division fellows have received funding on T32 grants with other divisions, including adult rheumatology.
The process of selecting a research mentor will begin in the first year of training. The first year fellow will meet with the fellowship director six months into the year specifically to discuss research interests. Based on the fellows’ individual interests, the fellowship director will facilitate identification of a research mentor for each trainee. This timeframe will allow for sufficient and organized planning of the fellows’ research focus for their second and third years.
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The fellows in all years of training will attend and participate in a robust didactic schedule. Conferences include:
- Weekly Pediatric Rheumatology Didactics
- Learning About Unmet Needs at Children's Hospital (LAUNCH)
- Weekly team clinical rounds
- Pediatric Rheumatology Journal Club
- Dedicated Immunology Basic Science Curriculum years 2-3
- Dedicated Board Review Sessions
- Department of Pediatrics Core Curriculum Series
- Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds
- Department of Pediatrics Research Conference
- Adult Rheumatology Grand Rounds
- Participation in Quality Improvement Projects
Learning About Unmet Needs at Children's Hospital (LAUNCH)
Learning About Unmet Needs at Children’s Hospital (LAUNCH) is a multidisciplinary meeting that addresses unmet needs in patients. Participants include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, schedulers, physical and occupational therapists, a social worker, and students. If appropriate, parent or patient may attend. Topics covered have included mental health, patient experience, patient and family education, patient reported outcomes, transition, and parent self-efficacy.
Clinical Case Conference
Case conference is held every other week. Discussions surround challenging or unusual cases. Both medical and psychosocial aspects of care are discussed. Physicians, nurses, social work, pharmacy and students of all professions will participate.
Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics Core Curriculum for Fellows
Fellows will be required to attend the Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics Core Curriculum lecture series. Major topics addressed include professionalism, clinical epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, biostatistics, research methodology, study design, ethical principles, manuscript preparation, adult learning theories, team management, medical economics, career planning, and effective leadership.
Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds
The Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds are held Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00pm at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Speakers are invited both from within and outside Vanderbilt to address a wide variety of topics.
Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics Research Conference Series
The Department of Pediatrics Research Conferences are held virtually on Mondays from 12:00-1:00pm. As with Grand Rounds, speakers are invited both from within and outside Vanderbilt.