Overview
The Section of Rheumatology provides a varied learning experience in rheumatic and immune diseases. The Arthritis Center is a significant outpatient facility with more than 6,000 patient visits annually. Each year, the consultation service sees approximately 400 inpatients.
The fellowship program provides clinical training at the University of Illinois Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center - West Side, Michael Reese Hospital/Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital, each of which has a unique patient population. Collectively, the rheumatology clinics at all four hospitals are responsible for more than 9,000 patient visits yearly.
Research efforts of the Section are based in the Molecular Biology Research Building. Current research focuses on molecular pathogenesis of fibrosis, recognition of immunological self from non-self on the basis of autoimmunity, mechanics of inflammation, and novel biologic therapies for rheumatic diseases. Additional active research programs examine the long-term outcomes, epidemiology, risk factors, and economic burden of chronic arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatology clinical conference (UIC, Michael Reese Hospital/Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital), x-ray conference, research laboratory meeting, and journal club are held weekly.