Advancing Rheumatology Practice

The Division of Rheumatology at UCI School of Medicine trains the next generation of expert rheumatologists to treat complex conditions affecting millions of patients, while also practicing cutting-edge research that aims to improve care for those with rheumatologic disorders.

Painful joints human anatomy concept with the body as a group of circular panels of sore areas as a pain and injury or arthritis illness symbol for health care and medical symptoms due to aging or sports and work injury.

Research

Faculty members within UCI School of Medicine’s Division of Rheumatology are actively involved in research on autoimmune diseases, including advanced studies on lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
 

  • Sheetal Desai, MD, collaborates with the LuCIN Lupus Clinical Trial Network and the UCI Clinical Center for Research (CCR) to conduct cutting-edge trials in lupus.
     
  • Priyanka Iyer, MD, works with the American College of Rheumatology on clinical guideline development and conducts clinical trials in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. 
Stack of opened research publications

Rheumatology Fellowship

The Division of Rheumatology at UCI School of Medicine offers a competitive two-year fellowship program with extensive clinical training at UCI Medical Center and VA Long Beach, preparing fellows to treat diverse rheumatology cases and fostering lifelong learning.

Learn about the fellowship
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Clinical Expertise

Faculty members of the Division of Rheumatology are highly trained specialists who provide exceptional care for patients with a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases. 

 

Our faculty physicians are experts in the diagnosis and management of arthritis and complex connective tissue diseases and other autoimmune diseases, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Spondyloarthritis
  • Crystalline arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Scleroderma
  • Myositis
  • Systemic vasculitis

Meet Our Experts

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Welcome from the Chief

The Division of Rheumatology at UCI School of Medicine trains future clinicians, conducts innovative trials, and offers cutting-edge care for musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases in specialized clinics.

Read the Message
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Grand Rounds & Conferences

UCI School of Medicine’s Division of Rheumatology holds a weekly educational conference on Thursdays at 3 p.m. in the City Tower, 333 City Blvd West, Suite 400, Orange, CA 92868.

 

The Department of Medicine holds grand rounds on Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. in Room 2107 of the medical center’s library auditorium.

A large group of UCI doctors standing in white coats in front of the UCI Medical Center

For information on patient care, please visit our healthcare website. There, you will find comprehensive information on patient care services, including details on our dedicated healthcare providers, cutting-edge practices and compassionate approach to patient care. 

Rheumatology Services