Randy Cron, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, has been named 2027-28 chair of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Rheumatology Subboard.
As chair, Cron will help guide the work of the subboard as it oversees certification and continued assessment in pediatric rheumatology. His responsibilities will include leading subboard meetings, supporting examination and assessment development, reviewing educational objectives and working with ABP leadership and fellow subboard members on issues affecting pediatric rheumatology training and certification.
“Along with my colleagues from across the U.S. on the committee, it is an opportunity to shape the certification for pediatric rheumatologists across the U.S., focusing on what is relevant, what is novel and what is important for caring for children with rheumatic diseases,” said Cron.
During his two-year term, Cron hopes to explore opportunities related to pediatric subspecialty training and maintaining the workforce needed to care for children across the country.
Among his priorities are “aligning with ABP leadership to explore new options for shorter, two-year pediatric subspecialty fellowships where appropriate” and “helping to maintain a pipeline of pediatric subspecialists for underserved populations,” Cron explained.
Cron said his experience at UAB has given him a broad perspective on the growth and direction of pediatric rheumatology.
“Having a lot of gray hair at this point, I’ve seen where the profession has been and where it is going,” Cron noted. “Having built the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at UAB 19 years ago has provided me with a lot of opportunities, including serving as both division director and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program director.”
Cron also emphasized the importance of the subboard’s role in maintaining standards within the specialty as pediatric rheumatology continues to evolve.
“Our committee is a team approach, often compromising for the overall good, to ensure we as a profession are held to the highest standards of care for our patients and their families,” Cron explained.
Through his leadership of the subboard, Cron will help support continued education, certification and high standards of care within the field of pediatric rheumatology.