.
.
A Welcome from the Directors
.

Welcome to the University of Wisconsin Fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedic Medicine (aka Non-operative Pediatric Orthopedics). Thank you for taking the time to seek out our program and learn more about the unique opportunities that await you should you choose to pursue your future training with us.

Non-operative pediatric orthopedics was developed as a way of meeting the clinical need in pediatric orthopedics at our institution. The evolution into the first formal fellowship in Non-operative Pediatric Orthopedics arose as colleagues sought to adopt our model for their groups. Now over 20 years old, our fellowship continues to evolve and train physicians for their future positions within academic or private pediatric orthopedic groups across the country.

Despite existing for over 20 years, practices of graduates vary based on their interests and the needs of their institutions. Currently, there is no fellowship accreditation, nor is there board certification. Since it is a newer specialty, there are only a handful of fellowship programs and fewer than 50 practitioners. Nevertheless, pediatric orthopedic medicine (non-operative pediatric orthopedics) is recognized as a subspecialty within pediatric orthopedics and fully participates in the activities of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Orthopedics.

Along with this comes the freedom for fellows to develop a foundational base within pediatric orthopedics and then tailor training during the remainder of the year based on clinical, research, and educational interests. Fellows train with four pediatric orthopedic surgeons and three pediatric orthopedic medicine specialists, with additional opportunities in sports medicine, rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatric fitness/obesity, radiology, and other electives. Fellows play an important role in educating medical students and residents from pediatrics, family medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation as they rotate through non-operative pediatric orthopedics. Fellowship research projects are presented at the annual Department of Orthopedics Research Forum, and there are ample opportunities for additional publications, projects in quality improvement and practice management. As a graduate of our program, you will have the opportunity to be a leader in clinical care, education, research, and program development.

Please take the time to explore and learn more about our fellowship and the exciting practice of non-operative pediatric orthopedics.

Thank you for your interest in our non-operative pediatric orthopedic fellowship training program. If you have questions about our program, please contact us.

Blaise A. Nemeth, MD, MS
Co-Director, Fellowship in Non-operative Pediatric Orthopedics

Kenneth J. Noonan, MD MHCDS
Co-Director, Fellowship in Non-operative Pediatric Orthopedics