GROW (Generating Rheumatologists through Outreach and Workforce Expansion): A Multistep Project Towards Evaluating and Addressing the Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce Shortage
Project Period:
2020-2023
Grant Category:
Fellow Grant
Disease Area:
Pediatric rheumatology is a field dedicated to treating children with diseases where the body’s immune system attacks itself. Examples include diseases such as lupus or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. There have been significant advances in treating children with rheumatic diseases and, as a result, fewer children are developing the sequelae from these diseases, like joint destruction or organ damage. Despite these advances and improving outcomes, there is a current shortage of pediatric rheumatologists that is projected to worsen. This project will study facilitators and barriers that influence a person’s decision to pursue pediatric rheumatology. We intend for these results to inform our next steps, which include development of a mentorship and sponsorship program. This research will help pediatric rheumatologists better understand how to get more individuals to join the field, conduct research, and provide treatment for patients with rheumatic disease.
Investigators

Katherine Schultz, MD, MEd
The University of IowaRelated Awarded Grants
Disease Area:
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), Scleroderma, Juvenile Myositis, LUPUS, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Implementing a Change Package for Depression Screening and Appropriate Response for Children with Rheumatic Disease
Disease Area:
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Fibromyalgia, Pain
Initial Validation of the Pain and Symptom Assessment Tool in Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Disease Area:
Lupus and Related Conditions (SLE/RC)