Does a physician need to obtain a certification in General Pediatrics before obtaining a certification for the subspecialty Pediatric Emergency Medicine?

In the United States medical educational system, there are two tracks to become board eligible for Pediatric Emergency medicine. The most common route is to complete a residency in Pediatrics and then a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency medicine. The less common track is a residency in Emergency medicine and then a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency medicine. Both tracks will make you eligible to become board certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.