Clinical Experience
The fellows entering this program are well-trained, excellent pediatricians who have graduated from accredited pediatric residency programs and are board-eligible in general pediatrics. Our Training Program builds upon this background, providing a longitudinal clinical experience that prepares a pediatrician to diagnose and manage the full range of outpatient and inpatient endocrine disorders, including diabetes.
Clinical Training
Clinical training in the Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is designed to provide comprehensive, high-volume, and longitudinal experience across the full spectrum of pediatric endocrine disorders. Fellows develop progressive clinical autonomy under faculty supervision while caring for diverse patient populations in both inpatient and ambulatory settings.
Fellows complete approximately 20 months of clinical training, concentrated during the first 18 months and the final 6 months of fellowship. Clinical responsibilities include inpatient endocrine consultation, ambulatory clinics, and continuity clinics Throughout all three years, fellows maintain longitudinal continuity clinics, allowing them to follow patients over time and develop durable therapeutic relationships.
Inpatient Experience
The inpatient experience provides exposure to a wide range of acute and complex endocrine conditions, including diabetic ketoacidosis, new-onset diabetes, adrenal disorders, thyroid emergencies, and electrolyte imbalances (calcium, sodium). In addition, because of the many active clinical programs at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, fellows are also exposed to acquired endocrine dysfunction secondary to premature birth, critical illness, and systemic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and oncologic disorders. Fellows function as integral members of the inpatient endocrine team, collaborating closely with attending physicians, pediatric residents, nursing staff, dietitians, social workers, and other subspecialists across the emergency department, pediatric, cardiac and neonatal intensive care units, and inpatient floors. Fellows on the inpatient service also cover overnight calls and gain experience in managing outpatient endocrine emergencies, including sick day diabetes management and abnormal newborn screening.
Ambulatory Training
Ambulatory training occurs in general pediatric endocrinology and diabetes clinics at the main Rainbow campus and regional satellite sites. Fellows manage their own patient schedules with dedicated faculty preceptors and gain experience in endocrine stimulation testing, diabetes technology, and multidisciplinary outpatient care. In addition to general clinics, fellows rotate through specialty clinics focused on conditions such as cystic fibrosis–related diabetes, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, Prader–Willi syndrome, gender-diverse care, and survivorship after childhood cancer. Elective experiences in adult or reproductive endocrinology may be arranged based on career goals. All fellows spend at least one immersive week at Camp Ho Mita Koda, the oldest camp in the country for children with diabetes.
Our division places a strong emphasis on team-based, interprofessional care, and fellows are expected to actively integrate within the clinical team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Fellows work alongside an experienced and collaborative support staff that includes diabetes and endocrine nurses, dietitians, social workers, medical assistants, and administrative staff. Clinical teams also frequently include rotating pediatric residents and medical students. This team-based model not only enhances patient care but also provides rich opportunities for teaching, mentorship, peer learning, and professional support throughout fellowship.