Physician-Scientist Pipeline for Pediatric Rheumatology: The Current Landscape and Future Perspectives.

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, the science of pediatric rheumatology has grown exponentially due to an expansion in the understanding of complex rheumatic conditions and a surge in novel targeted therapeutics. Physician-scientists in the field of pediatric rheumatology have played major roles in these advancements that have improved the care of children, adolescents, and young adults with chronic and often life-threatening systemic inflammatory diseases. Despite the critical role of the physician-scientist in discovering and translating scientific advancements from the bench to the bedside and vice versa, which have catapulted the field of pediatric rheumatology, this role remains an endangered species, with a declining pipeline due to a variety of factors. In this article, we review the current landscape of the physician-scientist pipeline for pediatric rheumatology on the fiftieth anniversary of the formalization of the specialty in North America. We review challenges to maintaining a thriving physician-scientist pipeline and discuss future perspectives.