home > medical pros > residents/fellows > fellowship programs > rheumatology

About the Rheumatology Fellowship

The objective of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Rheumatology Subspecialty Fellowship is to educate and train the next generation of academic pediatric rheumatologists. We define "academic rheumatology" broadly to encompass those who seek to improve the understanding of pediatric rheumatologic disease through both clinical and basic science scholarly work. This includes clinical and basic science project endeavors and encompasses the dissemination of knowledge through teaching and publication.

The ACGME Rheumatology Fellowship program at Nationwide Children's offers a well-rounded experience in pediatric rheumatology. In addition to the physicians, the fellows will have the benefit of having direct interaction with experienced supporting staff who include nurse practitioners, nurses, and a social worker.

For our traditional rheumatology fellows, the program is a three-year experience with approximately 12 months devoted to clinical rotations and 24 months to research/electives. The fellows are encouraged and expected to participate in all aspects of patient care within rheumatology and scholarly activities. We would encourage fellows to perform basic research or obtain a master’s in Public Health or master’s in Education.  The Section of Rheumatology and the institution will strive to provide partial or total reimbursement for any degree program such as a Masters in Public Health or Masters in Adult Education that the fellow chooses to pursue.

Applicants who are applying for the program must be board-eligible or board-certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics. Information relative to board eligibility is available at the ABP’s web site. International graduates are encouraged to apply, but non-resident applicants must hold an unrestricted J-1 Visa. Prospective applicants with H1B Visas need not apply as their application will not be considered.

All experience is on the campus of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Salary and Benefits

All fellows employed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital receive the following benefits:

• Competitive compensation 
• Medical and dental health care benefits 
• 15 vacation days 
• Off-site conference time 
• Academic enrichment funds for books, travel and conferences 
• Palm Pilot 
• Up to $3400.00 for relocation expenses 
• Fees for Pediatric Boards 
• On call meal allowances 
• Lab coats 
• Paid parking 
• Paid medical license 
• Paid insurance 
• Personal malpractice (within confines of fellowship) 
• Disability insurance 
• Shared premiums 
• Employee health benefit plan (includes medical, dental and vision) 
• Privilege to join the hospital's employee health club
• Read more about Nationwide Children's Hospital Benefits

Application

We welcome the opportunity to receive your application and upon review, forward it to our Fellowship Selection Committee. I am available to address questions that you have about our fellowship program.

Charles H. Spencer, MD
Program Director


To officially apply for consideration for an interview please refer to our application page. You can also learn more about our hospital and the greater Columbus, Ohio area. If you have specific questions relating to applying, please feel free to contact our Fellowship Program Coordinator:

Gerri (Gigi) Walker
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, Ohio  43205-2696
Phone: (614) 722-5507
E-mail: Gerri.Walker@NationwideChildrens.org