Andrew Kung is a current third-year pediatric rheumatology fellow at Penn State Children’s Health. His interest in pediatric rheumatology first developed during residency while caring for patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and macrophage activation syndrome. One experience in particular helped solidify his path into the field. After suggesting the diagnosis of systemic JIA for a newly presenting patient, the child was transferred to a pediatric rheumatology center where the diagnosis was confirmed. In appreciation, the family later brought donuts to the care team, a memorable moment that Dr. Kung lightheartedly credits as proof that rare diseases and baked goods can make a surprisingly effective recruitment strategy for new physicians.
Within CARRA, Dr. Kung has been actively involved with the Small Centers Committee, serving as the Fellow Liaison. Through this role, he has worked closely with mentors and colleagues who understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by pediatric rheumatologists practicing in smaller centers. He also hopes to expand his involvement with the Ultrasound Workgroup in the future.
CARRA has played an important role in Dr. Kung’s professional growth, particularly through the mentorship, collaboration, and camaraderie fostered within the Small Centers Committee. He credits CARRA research initiatives and Consensus Treatment Plans as especially valuable resources throughout his fellowship training, helping shape his clinical practice and approach to patient care.
One initiative Dr. Kung is especially proud of is helping develop the concept for the Collaborative Research Hub through the Small Centers Committee. Recognizing that many smaller pediatric rheumatology centers face limitations in research infrastructure and resources, the group identified an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and networking across the community in order to support research participation and innovation.
Dr. Kung is also the principal investigator on a study using musculoskeletal ultrasound to evaluate and treat subclinical synovitis in patients with newly diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis. His work in this area has led him to pursue additional ultrasound training through USSONAR, and he hopes to continue integrating musculoskeletal ultrasound into his future clinical practice.
Following fellowship, Dr. Kung will begin practicing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at an outreach site for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He plans to focus primarily on clinical care, with a particular interest in juvenile arthritis, while continuing to pursue research projects involving CARRA registry data and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Outside of work, Dr. Kung enjoys spending time with his two young sons, embracing both the joy and chaos that come with parenthood. Whether he is keeping up with their endless energy or sharing family time at sporting events, he values these moments that help him recharge. As a dedicated sports fan, he is already doing his best to pass along his love for the West Virginia Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers to the next generation, whether his boys are fully on board just yet or not.
– Bailey Parker, Membership Coordinator
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