Thank you for your interest in the Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.

The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Iowa is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that provides fellows with the outstanding clinical and research education necessary to become capable independent pediatric rheumatologists, ready to pursue careers in academic medicine.

University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital hosts the state’s largest pediatric rheumatology center, staffed by physicians with specialized training and experience to care for children and young adults with rheumatic conditions. 

Our program includes researchers focused on: Sjogren Disease and Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) / Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO). We are members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. We are a Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry site. 

As a small, collaborative team, we take pride in working closely with other divisions to deliver highly specialized, complex care to our patients.

Quick Facts

Fellows accepted per year: 1

Referral population: Serves a region of 3 million people in addition to international and national referrals for specialty care

Team: 4 attending physicians and a full‑time ARNP

Research support: Dedicated study coordinator integrated into the clinic

Clinical support: Pharmacist available within the clinic

Amenities: On-site infusion center, in clinic ultrasound  

Facility: Located in a state-of-the-art children’s hospital with an emergency department, infusion center, PICU, and NICU

Inna Powers, MD

I chose University of Iowa pediatric rheumatology because I wanted to be part of a small team that works well together, shares ideas, supports each person's career and family goals, and sees lots of pathology. 

And I'm glad I did. We have a group with diverse experiences and knowledge. Patients appreciate it, too, and are willing to drive many hours, even fly, to see us. I've loved moving my family to Iowa and settling here. We like the pace of life, affordability, friendly folks, and lots of walking trails.

Inna Powers, MD

The Iowa Difference

At the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, fellows join the state’s largest pediatric rheumatology center—an environment where collaboration, advanced diagnostics, and hands-on learning are truly part of everyday practice. 

Our highly specialized team works closely with other divisions across the hospital, giving fellows unparalleled exposure to complex cases and multidisciplinary care. Fellows train alongside physicians with deep expertise in caring for children and young adults with rheumatic diseases, supported by active research programs in Sjogren Disease, Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) / Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO), and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA).

With point of care ultrasound for diagnostics and ultrasound guided injections, trainees gain valuable procedural experience that enhances both accuracy and patient comfort.

Research opportunities are abundant, including the chance to participate in basic and translational research as well as clinical trials. 

The program’s size, culture of teamwork, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal place for fellows who want to develop strong clinical skills while engaging in meaningful scholarly work. 

Department Honors/Recognition

2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings:

View some of our other distinctions and designations.

Pediatric researchers at the University of Iowa have a long history of breakthrough discoveries in both the clinical and laboratory setting. Explore our research.