Glossary
Members of your child's healthcare team may include:
Pediatric Rheumatologist
A doctor trained in the care of children with rheumatic conditions (JIA, lupus, dermatomyositis).
Fellow
A physician who is a pediatrician (after three years of specialized training) who is training to become a pediatric rheumatologist.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
A nurse with a master’s degree who works with doctors and families to develop care plans, educate patients and families, and provide counseling.
Clinic Nurse
A resource for helping your child with comfort and pain management. Often, the clinic nurse is the link between family, doctor, school and other health care members, coordinating your child’s care.
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
A research specialist who helps organize clinical research studies and works with participating families to describe research studies and perform study visits.
Physical Therapist (PT)
Works mostly with problems in the lower extremities (hips, knees and feet) and overall physical activity. The PT may teach you and your child special exercises to do at home and may make leg casts or splints to help straighten your child’s legs.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Usually works with the upper extremities (hands, wrists, shoulders and arms). The OT measures upper body motion and strength and may give special exercises or special devices to help with daily living tasks (writing, bathing, dressing).
Social Worker
Assesses and then works to meet the personal, emotional, family, or financial concerns and needs of patients and their families.
Customer Service Representative (CSR)
Helps schedule your child’s appointments or tests and connects you with the right person to answer your questions.
Ophthalmologist
A doctor trained to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
