Program Overview
Increasingly, pediatric orthopedic conditions and injuries are initially encountered by primary care providers who, unfortunately, have received less musculoskeletal (MSK) training than is required to manage these disorders. This challenge is complicated by society’s expectation for subspecialty expertise in these disorders, which were traditionally managed by pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Recent studies suggest only 15 percent of patients referred to surgeons meet strict American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for appropriate referral. There’s an immediate need for pediatric MSK specialists (non-operative pediatric orthopedists) who can partner with pediatric orthopedic surgeons to diagnosis and treat the 85 percent of primarily non-operative pediatric MSK conditions.
For nearly a decade, the UW has trained graduates from accredited U.S. pediatric residencies to become pediatric MSK specialists. These highly trained specialists are competitively recruited by large medical practices and academic centers, where they can enjoy an outstanding and stimulating career in the field of medicine.
Goal
This one-year fellowship trains U.S. board eligible or board certified pediatricians to practice as specialists in non-operative pediatric musculoskeletal medicine. Fellows will become experts at diagnosing all musculoskeletal conditions and non-operative management of these conditions, and many go on to work in pediatric orthopedic groups, providing expertise and expanded clinical service in pediatric sports medicine, fracture care, and comprehensive pediatric orthopedics. Our fellows are competitively recruited for positions that have traditionally resulted in satisfying and stimulating careers in MSK medicine.
Salary and Benefits
Please click here to learn more about resident and fellow stipends and benefits. Please note: this information is subject to change each year.
Professional Development
Fellows receive funding during their fellowship year to attend two required educational conferences up to a designated amount:
- The International Pediatric Orthopaedic Symposium
- The annual meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America