Medical College of Wisconsin Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship

The curriculum is intentionally heavily weighted toward clinical experience in the first year, allowing the first-year fellow the opportunity to learn to evaluate a large number of patients, with a wide variety of rheumatic, musculoskeletal, autoinflammatory, and autoimmune conditions. The first-year fellow will thereby quickly and consistently improve their knowledge of rheumatic diseases, their understanding of the principles of management of rheumatic diseases, and will also develop excellent diagnostic and technical skills. The second and third years intentionally provide a large amount of time to develop and implement a scholarly project. During these two years, fellows focus on developing the skills and knowledge that will allow them to be successful academic pediatric rheumatologists. Fellows choose to complete specific curricula in one of four scholarly activity tracks: basic research, clinical and translational research, quality improvement, and education. The specific curricula within each track serve to enhance the fellow’s education in a specific scholarly area, further preparing them for an eventual academic career. Throughout the three years, there are multiple and frequent didactic conferences which supplement the clinical learning that occurs while providing patient care.

Year 1

Clinical Experience

• 49 weeks: Ambulatory Clinics Three half-days each week (includes Fellows Clinic which is intended to develop continuity of care with Fellow as primary provider)
• 47 weeks: In-patient Consult and Rheumatology In-Patient Rounds
• Two half-days: Ophthalmology Clinic

Scholarly Activity

• One day every month from October through June and one 2-week block in January is protected time dedicated to develop scholarly interests, meet with scholarship mentors, establish scholarship oversight committee, and plan for activities in years 2 and 3

Didactics

• Weekly Journal Club
• Weekly Learn-to-Teach Conference
• Weekly Board Review
• Bi-weekly Immunology Review (second half of year)
• Bimonthly Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Review (Practical Hands-On Instruction)
• Quarterly Combined Medicine-Pediatric Rheumatology Conference (Case Discussions)
• Semi-Annually Adverse Event/Safety Conference
• Semi-Annual Department Joint Fellowship Conference (all subspecialty fellows)

Year 2

Clinical Experience

• 49 weeks: Ambulatory Clinic Two half-days each week (includes Fellows Clinic)
• Nephrology Clinic (over a 3-month period fellow will attend clinic to evaluate selected patients identified in advance; average of 1 patient per week over the 3-month duration)
• Sports Medicine Clinic (Six half-days over a 3-month period)

Scholarly Activity

• 49 weeks: Fellow chooses a specific track: see Scholarly Tracks below

Didactics

• Weekly Journal Club
• Weekly Board Review
• Bi-weekly Immunology Review (second half of year)
• Bimonthly Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Review (Practical Hands-On Instruction)
• Quarterly Combined Medicine-Pediatric Rheumatology Conference (Case Discussions)
• Semi-Annually Adverse Event/Safety Conference
• Semi-Annual Department Joint Fellowship Conference (all subspecialty fellows)

Year 3

Clinical Experience

• 49 weeks: Ambulatory Clinic Two half-days each week (includes Fellows Clinic)
• 1 month: In-patient Rheumatology patients and consults (“Acting Attending”)
• Dermatology Clinic (Six half-days over a 3-month period)

Scholarly Activity

• 45 weeks: Continuation of Track Curriculum; completion of specific project; potential manuscript preparation and submission

Didactics

• Weekly Journal Club
• Weekly Board Review
• Bi-weekly Immunology Review (second half of year)
• Bimonthly Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Review (Practical Hands-On Instruction)
• Quarterly Combined Medicine-Pediatric Rheumatology Conference (Case Discussions)
• Semi-Annually Adverse Event/Safety Conference
• Semi-Annual Department Joint Fellowship Conference (all subspecialty fellows)

Scholarly Tracks

There are five (5) distinct Scholarly Tracks from which each fellow may choose. In addition to the common curriculum above, there are specific expectations for fellows in each track during Years 2 and 3 of the program and these are outlined below.

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Basic Research Track Curriculum

Track Director: Calvin Williams, MD, PhD

The Basic Research Track is designed to develop the fellow’s knowledge and skills in basic science research, and is designed for those with an interest in a pediatric rheumatology career focused on laboratory research. The goal is to train the fellow to become an independent and productive grant-funded research scientist.

Year 1

• Meet with prospective laboratory mentors
• Identify a project and finalize a mentorship team
• Limited directed reading in preparation for year 2

Year 2

• Take American Association of Immunologists Basic Immunology course (optional)
• Audit MCW Basic Immunology course (optional)
• Begin laboratory work
• Write K08 application if appropriate
• Complete outline of manuscript by the end of year 2

Year 3

• Take AAI Advanced Immunology course (if appropriate)
• Audit MCW Immunology minicourses (optional)
• Focus on laboratory work
• Re-submit K08 application if appropriate
• Submit manuscript by the end of year 3

Year 4 (optional)

• Hire as Instructor or Assistant Professor (successful K08 + paper published)
• On-call responsibilities (no more than 4 weeks per year)
• Clinic – ½ day/week clinic
• Focus on laboratory work (> 75% protected time)
• Re-submit K08 application if appropriate

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Clinical/Translational Scholarship Track Curriculum

Track Director: James Verbsky, MD, PhD

The curriculum of the Clinical/Translational Scholarship track is designed for fellows who wish to pursue a research career that involves patient care, patient interventions, or research based on patient samples. This requires a strong understanding of the regulatory issues involved with the study of human subjects. In addition, with the advancement in genetic technologies and their ever-increasing use in patient care, this track will also provide a background on the interpretation of genetic testing.

Year 1

• Completion of the CITI training program
• Determine specific fellowship project
• Meet with prospective mentors
• Prepare and submit proposal to IRB before end of year
• Attend quarterly Clinical and Translational Education Sessions (discuss practical scholarship-related issues such as IRB, HIPPA compliance, informed consent process, etc.)
• Join Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and attend conference calls related to specific interests and annual meeting

Year 2

• Implementation of fellowship project utilizing patient data or samples
• Completion of MCW-sponsored Personalized Medicine/Personalized genetics course
• (Optional) Pursuit of MCW Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science (if funding available through department)
• Attendance at quarterly Clinical and Translational Education Sessions
• Attend CARRA and conference calls and yearly meeting
• Monthly meeting with Dr. Verbsky to discuss topics related to genetic testing interpretation (e.g., case reviews, recent literature, practical issues related to genetics)

Year 3

• Completion of fellowship project utilizing patient data or samples
• Continuation and completion of MCW Master’s curriculum (if enrolled)
• Attendance at quarterly Clinical and Translational Education Sessions
• Attend CARRA and conference calls and yearly meeting
• Participate in MCW DOP Grant writing workshop
• Monthly meeting with Dr. Verbsky to discuss topics related to genetic testing interpretation

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Quality Improvement (QI) Track Curriculum

Track Director: Danielle Fair, MD

The goal of the QI track curriculum in pediatric rheumatology is to provide education and experiences for pediatric rheumatology fellows interested in developing knowledge and skills to prepare them for further scholarly activity in the area of QI. A completed QI project is expected, and it is desirable for this project to be the scholarly focus of the fellow. The following activities will constitute the curriculum for this track during the three years of fellowship training:

Education

• Completion of IHI on-line open school Basic QI safety and quality certificate (13 modules)
• MCW Scholars in Patient Safety and QI Improvement Program –participation in years 2 and 3 for completion of project
• QI monthly journal club: monthly discussion of journal articles with Dr. Fair
• Assigned readings on QI with discussion with Dr. Fair every other month
• OPTIONAL: Children’s Wisconsin QIP Program-participation in years 2 and 3

Experience

• Engage in national Pediatric Rheumatology QI activities
• Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN)
  • QI essentials courses will be completed
  • Twice yearly learning sessions and monthly participation with national teams
  • Fellow will be a leader of MCW site team
  • Fellow will complete a scholarly project
• CARRA
  • Fellow will participate in CARRA QI workgroup

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Educational Scholarship Track Curriculum

Track Director: Jay Nocton, MD

The curriculum of the Educational Scholarship Track of the Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in which education and educational scholarship will be a focus of their scholarly activities. Gaining additional teaching experience in various settings will enhance the teaching skills of the fellow. Developing and implementing a specific scholarly project related to education and participating in MCW's faculty development programs will help the fellow to improve their educational scholarship skills. The following activities will constitute the curriculum for this track during the three years of fellowship training:

Direct Teaching Activities and Instruction (Fellow will teach)

• Small group teaching of residents/students (along with other fellows)
• Resident Noon Conferences (large group teaching)
  • The evaluation of joint and extremity pain in children
  • Rheumatic Diseases of Childhood 1: JIA, reactive arthritis, inherited disorders of connective tissue
  • Rheumatic Disease of Childhood 2: SLE, JDMS, Rheumatic fever, fibromyalgia, sarcoidosis
• Resident Board Review presentation (large group teaching)
• Clinic-based teaching of residents and students: One-on-One

Curriculum Development

• Develop Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Board Review PowerPoints for each section of Board Review
• Develop/Update Reading List for elective rotations (students and residents)

Assessment Development

• e.g. Checklists for direct observation of history and exam performance by residents and students

Educational Research Project

• Example: Direct observation of learners performing history and joint exam with checklist and questionnaire regarding self-confidence; administer pre- and post-intervention with intervention being a detailed demonstration of joint examination and discussion of essential history
• Example: Create online (ideally) teaching modules for common pediatric rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions; might include video of actual patients and physical findings; interactive with questions interspersed (storyline 360-articulate is software – would need funding); Might randomize learners and administer pre-and post-tests.

Assigned Readings/Med Education Journal Club: discussion with Dr. Nocton monthly

Participation in MCW Faculty Development Programs (2-yr program preferable)

Optional: pursuit of Master’s of Medical Education online degree

Pediatric Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Fellowship Ultrasound Track Curriculum

Track Director: Danielle Fair, MD

The goal of the ultrasound track in pediatric rheumatology is to provide education and experiences in the diagnostic and procedural use of point of care musculoskeletal ultrasound.

• USSONAR Course
  • Fellow will apply in their 2nd year of fellowship for the USSONAR Training Program
    • If they are accepted, they will complete the 8–9-month program and sit for the certification exam
    • If they are not accepted in their 2nd year, they will reapply in their 3rd year of fellowship
• Fellow will complete the free online Abvie Peds-MUS course
• Fellow will complete US diagnostic teaching with ultrasound-trained staff of the knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, finger/toe
• Fellow will join the quarterly POCUS Sports Medicine and Rheumatology combined quality assessment (QA) committee
• Fellow will attend POCUS Steering Committee meetings to learn about POCUS use in other sections
• Fellow will join and participate in CARRA ultrasound group
• Teaching
  • If fellow passes the USSONAR course in their 2nd year, they will assist in teaching the 1st and 2nd year fellows diagnostic ultrasound in their 3rd year
    • Goal should be to teach every other month over the course of a year
    • Joints to include: knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, finger/toe
  • If fellow passes the USSONAR course in their 2nd year, they will oversee and support 1st and 2nd years during joint injections in clinic alongside the attending when available
• Fellow will meet every other month with staff to discuss pediatric ultrasound journal articles
• Fellow will present 2 fellow journal clubs (once each in 2nd and 3rd year) reviewing the recent literature on US in Pediatric Rheumatology
• Optional based on scholarly interests: develop and complete a scholarly project related to ultrasound which fulfills the ABP requirements and will result in ACR abstract and manuscript for publication
• Optional but highly encouraged: Pursuit of RhMSUS Certification through the ACR

During the first year of the fellowship, fellows will receive an intensive and thorough clinical experience with the goal of learning to diagnose and manage the rheumatic diseases of childhood.  Fellows will attend three half-day ambulatory clinics each week, including their own continuity clinic, and will evaluate patients on the in-patient and consult service every weekday and two weekends each month.  Fellows are responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of children representing the entire spectrum of rheumatic, autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal disease including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Scleroderma, and Vasculitis.  Fellows work very closely with all faculty who provide guidance, education, support, and supervision throughout the duration of the program. Fellows will also rotate for two half-days in the Ophthalmology Clinic with one of the pediatric ophthalmology uveitis specialists. First-year fellows are on call from home three weeknights each week and two weekends per month, always with a supervising faculty member.

Fellows in the second and third years attend two half-day ambulatory clinics each week, including their own continuity clinic.  In addition, there are scheduled clinical ambulatory rotations in the Nephrology Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, and Sports Medicine Clinic where fellows will evaluate patients under the supervision of faculty in those disciplines.  Two months of additional clinical elective time is available, and fellows also have the option of attending Immunodeficiency Clinic if interested.  The third-year fellow functions as a “Junior Attending” during one month on the in-patient and consult service, remaining under the supervision of faculty but provided with sufficient autonomy to learn to become comfortable as the primary responsible provider and consultant.

In the second and third years, fellows are on call from home one weeknight each week and one weekend each month, always with a supervising faculty member.

All fellows learn musculoskeletal ultrasound with scheduled hands-on educational time beginning in the first year.  Interested fellows are also encouraged to participate in the USSONAR year-long ultrasound course during their second or third year.  All fellows learn to perform ultrasound-guided joint injections under the supervision of faculty who have completed the USSONAR course.

Fellows attend a weekly rheumatology section case conference where all patients evaluated in the ambulatory clinic the previous week are reviewed and discussed by faculty, nursing, fellows, and ancillary staff.  First-year fellows are expected to present one of their cases with a literature review each month at weekly Journal Club. Quarterly conferences are held with the adult rheumatology section where interesting patients and topics of mutual interest are discussed.

The second and third years of fellowship are primarily dedicated to the development of scholarly activity. Fellows identify their area(s) of interest, typically during their first year, and then begin planning their scholarly activity during the first year, with implementation of the plan throughout the second and third years. Five tracks are available, which include specific curricula designed to enhance the fellow’s knowledge and skills in a specific scholarly area. These tracks are Clinical/Translational, Quality Improvement, Basic Science, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, and Educational. All fellows are expected to complete at least one full scholarly project, which ideally will result in presentations at national conferences and eventual publication. There is the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees for those who are interested, both here at the Medical College of Wisconsin Graduate School and potentially at other institutions. All fellows will have a primary mentor for their scholarly activity, and all will also form a Scholarship Oversight Committee, consisting of three faculty who are then responsible for guiding the fellow, providing constructive assistance for their scholarly project, and ensuring that the fellow will meet the scholarly requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics by the completion of the training program.

Throughout the three years of the training program, fellows participate in a joint fellowship curriculum within the Department of Pediatrics for all subspecialty fellows, which provides education and training in scholarship and other topics common to all subspecialty fellows.

All fellows participate in the quality improvement activities of the rheumatology section and fellows are expected to design and lead a quality improvement project to improve their knowledge and experience regarding quality improvement concepts.

Fellows also attend the Children’s Research Institute weekly scientific conference and the Department of Pediatrics K-Club Research Conference.

All fellows attend the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, the Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium (PRSYM), and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) meeting.

Fellows are expected to teach the students and residents participating in electives with the pediatric rheumatology service. During a weekly teaching conference dedicated to the students and residents, the fellow is expected to lead discussions regarding the major rheumatic diseases of childhood. This is done under the supervision of faculty, who help guide the fellow in their teaching activities and provide constructive advice regarding their teaching activities.

Pediatric Rheumatology Journal Club/Invited Speakers
First, Second, Third Year: Weekly

Rheumatology Case Conference
First, Second, Third Year: Weekly

Pediatric Rheumatology Teaching Conference
First, *Second, *Third Year: Weekly

Department of Pediatrics Professor Rounds
*First, *Second, *Third Year: Weekly

Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds
*First, *Second, *Third Year: Weekly

Pediatric Rheumatology Fellow Board Review
First, Second, Third Year: Weekly

Department FACTS Program
First, Second, Third Year: Semi-annually

Pediatric/Adult Rheumatology Conference
First, Second, Third Year: Quarterly

Rheumatology Adverse Event Safety Conference
First, Second, Third Year: Semi-annually

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Practicum
First, Second, Third Year: Bimonthly

Children's Research Institute Conference
First Year: N/A
Second, Third Year: Weekly

Department of Pediatrics K-Club Research Conference
First Year: N/A
Second, Third Year: Weekly

Immunology Review
First, Second, Third Year: Bi-weekly (January–June)

*Optional

Pediatric rheumatology fellows are given significant responsibility beginning on the first day of fellowship training and continuing throughout the three years of fellowship. Fellows provide direct care to patients admitted to the hospital on the Rheumatology attending’s service, in-patients on whom the rheumatology service provides consultation, and patients seen in the ambulatory clinic. Fellows are responsible for evaluating patients, making diagnoses, developing and implementing management plans, communicating with patients, families, consultants and other providers, and documenting all encounters and interventions in the patients’ records. This is all performed with direct guidance and supervision of faculty. A faculty member will see all patients who are seen by a fellow, both in the ambulatory clinic as well as in the hospital, and all patient care decisions will be discussed and agreed upon.

When on-call, fellows are the first to respond to all calls. Fellows are entrusted to provide advice and recommendations and to use their discretion to determine if calls need to be discussed with the attending. The attending is always available and encourages discussion when necessary. This discussion may occur immediately, during the call, or following the call, depending on the urgency, the specific concern, and the level of comfort that the fellow has with the clinical question.

For patients in the hospital on the rheumatology service, fellows, in conjunction with rheumatology faculty, supervise the activities of residents who are also providing care to these patients. The fellow functions as an “extension” of the attending, supervising the resident in the daily management of in-patients, but also confirming all plans directly with the rheumatology attending. Similarly, fellows are the first point of contact for any requested rheumatology consults and will evaluate consults independently at first, followed by discussion with the rheumatology attending and then communication with the primary providing physicians.

Fellows immediately assume primary responsibility for all patients seen in weekly Fellows’ Clinic. Faculty supervision of patients seen in this clinic is shared by the faculty, therefore the fellow provides continuity for patients and families in this clinic. The fellow is responsible for reviewing all laboratory and imaging studies performed, communicating results to families, arranging follow-up, coordinating care with other providers, requesting consultations from other providers when necessary, and fielding phone calls and questions from these families throughout the three years of fellowship. As with all elements of patient care, faculty are always available to discuss these patients with the fellow and the fellows are encouraged to do so.

As the fellow gains experience and knowledge, it is anticipated that their independence and comfort with patient evaluation and management will increase, such that common problems may be discussed and managed without immediate discussion with supervising faculty, and that this discussion may occur at a later time. Increasing independence of the fellow when making clinical decisions will be consistently encouraged, however the faculty will remain always available for immediate discussion when necessary, and a fellow will never evaluate a patient without faculty also seeing each patient and discussing the care of the patient with the fellow.

In Year 3, the fellow will have the opportunity to be an “Acting Attending” for 1 month. During this month the third-year fellow will supervise the first-year fellow as they care for any patients in the rheumatology service and provide in-patient consultation to other providers. The third-year fellow will assist the first-year fellow in evaluating patients, developing management plans, rounding with the resident teams, and consulting with others. All patients will continue to be seen by faculty and the fellows will continue to discuss all decisions with faculty, with the third-year fellow having the initial opportunity to provide supervision, make decisions, and develop management plans as if they were the attending of record.

Throughout the three years of the pediatric rheumatology fellowship training program, fellows are evaluated and receive feedback regarding their progress in a number of ways.  Fellows also have multiple opportunities to evaluate the faculty and the program. These evaluations are listed below.

Evaluation of Fellow

• Quarterly written competency-based evaluations of all fellows by all rheumatology faculty
• Semi-Annual written evaluations of fellows by patients/families
• Semi-Annual written evaluations of fellows by clinic nurses
• Annual self-evaluation with Individual Learning Plan
• Semi-Annual Milestone and Entrustable Professional Activity evaluations of all fellows by faculty
• Annual American Board of Pediatrics In-Training Examination
• Semi-Annual discussion with Program Director to review all the above

Fellows Evaluate Faculty

• Semi-Annual written evaluation of faculty
• Annual MCWAH Survey
• Annual ACGME Survey
• Annual confidential discussion with Cardiology Fellowship Program Director

Fellows Evaluate Program

• Annual MCWAH survey
• Annual ACGME survey
• Annual confidential discussion with Cardiology Fellowship Program Directory
• Annual Program Evaluation (along with faculty)

• Fellows are provided with a dedicated semi-private workspace within the Pediatric Rheumatology section offices, which are located in an office building across the street from the Children’s Hospital and Clinics
• Free covered parking is available adjacent to the section offices
• Underground tunnels connect the office building with the hospital, research buildings, and clinics building (5-10-minute walk between buildings)
• Several cafeterias, coffee carts, and other food services are available throughout the medical complex
• Morning ambulatory clinics begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish at noon; afternoon ambulatory clinics start at 1 p.m. and the last patient scheduled is approximately 4 p.m.
• In-patient rounding and in-patient consults, when necessary, occur either in the mornings on non-clinic days or following clinic
• There are typically 1-2 patients on the rheumatology in-patient service per month and 2-5 in-patient consults per week
• First-year fellows typically start the day at approximately 8 a.m. and finish by 6 p.m.; hours are flexible and sensitive to the needs of the fellow
• Fellows in the second and third years, when not on any clinical service, have very flexible schedules without a determined daily start time or completion time
• Typical weekend rounds last 1-2 hours; the remainder of the day is call from home
• Electronic health record and medical library access is available on-site and remotely
• Fellows have access to the hospital physician’s lounge where food and beverages are available, along with workspaces, newspapers, and television
• The clinic area includes food storage areas, coffee maker, and microwave
• Fellows are offered discounted membership at a local fitness center

All applications should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). A completed application consists of:

• Online application from ERAS
• Medical school transcript
• Medical School Performance Evaluation
• Personal Statement
• USMLE transcript
• Three letters of recommendation including one from the residency program director 

Interviews may be offered after an application is received and interviews will be conducted either remotely or here in Milwaukee on our campus. We offer one position each year and the application process is competitive. The position is filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Fall Subspecialty Match, with matched applicants expected to begin the training program on July 1 of the following year. The start date is negotiable if necessary.

Apply via ERAS

Fellows are employed by the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH). View their website for information regarding vacations, leaves, insurance, stipends and professional liability.

MCWAH benefits, conditions and terms of employment

As a fellow, you will participate in the FACTS Program and embark on a journey that not only enhances your professional skills but also fosters meaningful connections with peers across various pediatric subspecialties. FACTS is a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your education through career development, scholarly activities, and personalized learning experiences. FACTS offers centralized education on core topics relevant to all pediatric subspecialties, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among fellows. The curriculum emphasizes individualized education by providing multiple offerings in certain time slots, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and career goals. Through shared learning sessions and collaborative projects, you'll build lasting relationships that support both your personal and professional growth, preparing you to excel as a well-rounded pediatric subspecialist.

Learn more about our curriculum

Here are just a few examples of our fellows' accomplishments during their training, highlighting the strong foundation they build for a successful career while in our program.

James Bistolarides, MD (Fellowship Years 2022-2025)

• Invited Talks
  • “Update on Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.” Chronic Childhood Vasculitis Workgroup, CARRA Annual Scientific Meeting. 3/2023.
  • “CARRA Labs – Who, What, When, and Why.” CARRA Coordinators Cafe. 3/2024.
  • “Taking Control of Your Care: Transition Readiness for Teens. “Vasculitis Foundation Teen Chat. 5/2024.
  • “CARRA Labs Part 2 – Back 2 The Basics.” CARRA Coordinators Café. 8/2024.
• Poster Presentations
  • “Clinical Features, Treatments, and Outcomes of a Large International Cohort of Childhood-onset Takayasu Arteritis.” Annual Department of Pediatrics Fellow/Resident Poster Day, Medical College of Wisconsin. 3/2024.
• Oral Abstracts
  • “Clinical Features, Treatments, and Outcomes of a Large International Cohort of Childhood-onset Takayasu Arteritis (A PedVas Study).” American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2024, Washington DC. 11/2024.
• Research during Fellowship
  • Scholarly Activity: Large International Cohort Study on clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of Childhood-onset Takayasu Arteritis: A PedVas Study
  • Development of International Collaborative Study Group and Registry for Characterizing Childhood-Onset Takayasu Arteritis (IcTAK)

Kaitlin Kirkpatrick MD (Fellowship Years 2021-2024)

• Invited Talks
  • “ACE the Boards” Rheumatology review. Pediatric Residency Board Review course at Children’s Wisconsin. 8/2023.
  • “Annual Rheum To Grow Lupus and Family Transition Workshop.” Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter. 2022 & 2023.
• Poster Presentations
  • “Factors Affecting Transition Readiness.” Annual Department of Pediatrics Fellow/Resident Poster Session, Medical College of Wisconsin. 4/2023.
  • “Factors Associated with Social Health Domain Educational Needs in Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases.” Annual Department of Pediatrics Fellow/Resident Poster Session, Medical College of Wisconsin. 3/2024.
• Abstract
  • “Higher Disease Activity in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is Associated with a Greater Desire for Social Health Education: An Unmet Need in Pediatric Rheumatology.” ACR 2024.
• Publications
  • Kirkpatrick K. The experience that changed my perspective on everything. Character and Caring: Medical Education Emerges From the Pandemic. 1st ed. Waukesha: Ten16 Press; 2023. 155-158
  • Kirkpatrick K & Nocton J. Unusual Presentations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Medical Clinics of North America. Elsevier. 2024 Jan;108(1):43-57.
• Research during Fellowship
  • QI project (assisted with): How Quality Improvement Evolves: Revisiting Strategies to Increase Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic
  • Scholarly Activity: A Greater Desire for Social Health Education:  An Unmet Need in Pediatric Rheumatology
• Other
  • Ad hoc reviewer for Arthritis Care & Research Journal Article: “Adolescent and Young Adult Rheumatology Patients’ Recommendations for Implementing Healthcare Transition: A Mixed Methods Study.”

Emma Austenfeld, MD (Fellowship Years 2020-2023)

• Invited Talks
  • “Professional and Personal Equality.” Solidarity in Medicine Committee. Pediatric Resident Noon Conference. 12/2020.
  • “Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.” Surgical Town Hall Meeting. 3/2021.
  • “Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.” Advanced Practice Provider 2021 Virtual Conference. 4/2021.
  • “Rheumatic Diseases of Childhood.” Pediatric Resident Noon Conference at Children’s Wisconsin. 8/2021.
  • “Fulfillment.” Solidarity in Medicine Committee. Pediatric Resident Noon Conference. 8/2021.
  • “ACE the Boards” Rheumatology review. Pediatric Residency Board Review Course at Children’s Wisconsin. 2021 & 2022
  • “Standing Up for Each Other.” Solidarity in Medicine Committee Workshop. Pediatric Resident Intern Morning Report. 2021 & 2022.
  • “Joy.” Solidarity in Medicine Committee. Pediatric Resident Noon Conference. 4/2022.
  • “Solidarity in Medicine.” Solidarity in Medicine Committee. Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds. 8/2022.
  • “Pediatric Rheumatology.” Pediatric Emergency Medicine Board Review Series. 8/2022.
  • “Solidarity in Medicine: Trainee Benefits” for Solidarity in Medicine Committee. MCWAH Housestaff Health and Welfare Committee Meeting. 10/2022.
• Poster Presentations
  • “Education Elements: A Biweekly Educational Email to Increase Residents’ Confidence as Medical Student Educators.” Medical College of Wisconsin Innovations in Healthcare Education Research Annual Conference. 9/2022.
  • “A Digital Pediatric Rheumatology Curriculum.” Annual Department of Pediatrics Fellow/Resident Poster Day, Medical College of Wisconsin. 2022 & 2023.
  • “Running out of Rheum: Where are the pediatric rheumatology faculty?” Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium (PRYSM). 3/2023.
• Publications
  • Austenfeld, EM, Nocton J. “Lymphoproliferative Disorders.” In Bordini B, Palau F, Kliegman R, eds. Nelson Pediatric Textbook of Rare Diseases, 1e. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2023.
  • Completed KINETIC3 Teaching Academy
• Research during Fellowship
  • QI project (leader): How Quality Improvement Evolves: Revisiting Strategies to Increase Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic
  • Scholarly Activity: Virtual Clinic: A Digital Pediatric Rheumatology Curriculum
• Other
  • Journal Club facilitator for Pediatric Residency Program
  • Housestaff Representative for MCWAH Residents as Educators Committee
  • MCW Outstanding Fellow Teacher of Medical Students Award
  • MCW Outstanding Medical Student Clinical Teacher for M3 Pediatric Clerkship Award
  • Panelist for “Balancing Parenthood and a Career in Surgery.” American Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Meeting. 5/2023.

Danielle Fair, MD (Fellowship Years 2017-2020)

• Invited Talks
  • “Lupus in Childhood.” Lupus Medical Symposium. Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter. 5/2018
  • “Drug Treatment in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).” Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Family Day. Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter. 1/2019
  • “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Pediatric Adolescent Medicine Educational Didactics, Children’s Wisconsin. 1/2019
  • “ACE the Boards” Rheumatology review. Pediatric Residency Board Review Course, Children’s Wisconsin. 8/2019
  • “Rheumatology 101 Part 1.” Pediatric Resident Noon Conference, Children’s Wisconsin. 2019
  • “Rheumatology 101 Part 2.” Pediatric Resident Noon Conference, Children’s Wisconsin. 2019
  • Certified in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by USSONAR (Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists)
• Poster Presentations
  • “Mental Health Screening in Children and Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).” Department of Pediatrics Annual Fellow/Resident Research Day. 4/2019
  • “Levels of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Correlation to Disease Manifestations using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) Measures.” Annual Department of Pediatrics Fellow/Resident Research Day, Medical College of Wisconsin. 4/2020
    Awarded 3rd Place
• Publications
  • Fair D & Verbsky J. Update on autoinflammatory syndromes. Curr Treatm Opt Rheumatol. 2018 Feb 5;4(1):73-84. doi:10.1007/s40674-018-0093-3
  • Fair DC, Rodriguez M, Knight AM, & Rubinstein TB. Depression and anxiety in patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: current insights and impact on quality of life, a systematic review. Open Access Rheumatol. 2019; 11:237-252. PMID 31807093
• Research during Fellowship
  • Scholarly Activity: Mental Health Screening in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
  • QI project (leader): Improving the collection and documentation of a clinical juvenile arthritis activity score (cJADAS) in a pediatric rheumatology clinic
• Other
  • Panelist. “Talk with a Doc” Question and Answer Session. Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Family Day. Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter. 1/2019.

Kaitlin Kirkpatrick, MD | 2021-2024
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

Emma Austenfeld, MPH, MD | 2020-2023
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

Nissim Stolberg, DO | 2018-2021
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
University of Illinois-Chicago; Chicago, IL

Danielle Fair, MD | 2017-2020
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

Edward Oberle, MD | 2012-2015
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Ohio State University School of Medicine; Columbus, OH

Julia Harris, MD | 2011-2014
Associate Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Medicine
Kansas City, MO

Elizabeth Kessler, MD | 2010-2013
Pediatric Rheumatologist
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI

Dominic Co, MD, PhD | 2009-2012
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI

Eli Eisenstein, MD, PhD | 2006-2008
Pediatric Rheumatologist
Hadassah University Hospital–Mt. Scopus
Jerusalem, Israel

Sheetal Vora, MD, MS | 2005-2008
Associate Professor, Pediatric Rheumatology, Levine Children’s Hospital/Atrium
Clinical Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC

Clinic
Most of the patients evaluated by our rheumatology service are seen in our ambulatory clinic. Here, approximately 2,500 children each year are evaluated for potential musculoskeletal, inflammatory, autoimmune, and rheumatic diseases. The clinic staff consists of a research nurse specialist, administrative assistants, a certified nurse practitioner, and two dedicated clinical nurses with many years of experience in pediatric rheumatology.

Other institutions on the Milwaukee Medical Campus include the adult Froedtert Hospital, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Children’s Research Institute, the Milwaukee Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Building, and theCurative Care center.

Milwaukee is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets and a prime location for the Medical College of Wisconsin’s main campus. A one-of-a-kind city with a vibrant and diverse culture, this charming, yet metropolitan must-see is just 90 minutes north of Chicago and nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re catching a show at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, immersing yourself in the old world charm of the Historic Third Ward or taking in the sights and sounds of one of the many cafés, beer gardens or restaurants that line the city’s riverbank and shoreline, Milwaukee never disappoints. Find out why MCW students, faculty and employees take pride in calling Milwaukee home.

Housing

Once you have decided to pursue the Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program, it's time to decide where you want to live.

The Medical College is located in Milwaukee County in the city of Wauwatosa. The closest surrounding areas include Brookfield, Elm Grove, and of course, downtown Milwaukee.

There are many apartments, condos, and homes for you to choose from, and we look forward to welcoming you to the area.

Learn about housing and rental options.

Our pediatric rheumatology faculty have a great breadth and depth of clinical and scholarly experience, covering the entire spectrum of pediatric rheumatology. We conduct basic immunology and clinical translational research, we participate in multicenter clinical trials of new therapeutic agents, we collaborate on quality improvement initiatives, and we have been educational leaders within the department, medical school, and nationally. In our fellowship program, you will have an opportunity to practice with and learn from faculty who combined have over 75 years of experience in pediatric rheumatology.

Meet our Faculty

Siri McCord, MD (2024-2027)
As I near the end of my first year of fellowship, I am extremely grateful to be training at MCW. The faculty here have been invested from day one in helping me build the skills needed to become a successful clinician and educator. Educating fellows is clearly a priority of this division, and faculty are always willing to go out of their way to explain or clarify teaching points.  This program in particular stands out in terms of the dedication to medical education by several faculty members, which in turn benefits fellows. I am impressed with how the program seeks out and is improved by feedback, such as incorporating more dedicated research time in the first year (which I have benefited from). Our fearless program director Dr. Fair is approachable, a positive mentor, and a strong advocate for us. Lastly, Milwaukee itself is a beautiful city and easy to live in. I have enjoyed the music scene and summer festivals. For runner/walker/bikers there are fantastic trails along Lake Michigan and close to the medical campus too!

James Bistolarides, MD (2022-2025)
One of my favorite things about the MCW program is the sense of community. As a fellow in a small division (relative to other pediatric fellowships) it has been important to have quality personal relationships with the attendings and staff. The program is receptive to fellow feedback and places the highest emphasis on the fellows’ educational experience. The division is particularly strong for those interested in Medical Education and Juvenile Dermatomyositis, but we have clinical exposure to every condition necessary to graduate as a competent and confident pediatric rheumatologist. We are encouraged to attend both the ACR and CARRA meetings yearly, and to seek opportunities to enhance our experience as fellows beyond the “standard” offerings of the fellowship curriculum if they align with our goals. CARRA workgroup involvement, and availability of excellent and approachable subspecialists in other divisions help to enhance the learning of a pediatric rheumatology fellow at MCW. I feel strongly that every goal a prospective fellow has is attainable in the supportive and well-rounded program at MCW. Milwaukee itself may not have the name brand as some of the other amazing American cities, but those who know about Milwaukee know its charm. I would encourage those not familiar with the Midwest or Milwaukee to take a closer look and consider the comfort of a medium-sized city with low-cost of living, safe and friendly communities, and food, entertainment, and sport options that would surprise you. The presence of four distinct seasons is appealing to some, and for the others I’ll add that we have free, covered parking and Wisconsin is used to clearing snowfall.

Emma Austenfeld, MD (2020-2023)
Our program provides a strong clinical foundation for fellows, spanning the breadth of pediatric rheumatology cases encountered across the outpatient clinic and hospital settings. I always felt supported as my autonomy over patient care gradually increased. The faculty also promoted my growth as an educator with ample opportunities to teach medical students, residents, and other fellows. They provided me with protected time to pursue additional training in medical education research. The diverse, supportive faculty represent a major strength of our fellowship program.