Medical education in pediatric rheumatology-unique challenges and opportunities.

Pediatric rheumatology faces workforce shortages in both developed and developing regions of the world resulting in suboptimal care of children with chronic rheumatic diseases. In addition to outlining the structure of formal rheumatology training programs in North America and Europe, we attempt to summarize various strategies being implemented with success in several parts of the world to help close the gap via innovative learning strategies. We discuss the important role of professional organizations in leading this effort.