It is my pleasure to announce that Nadera J. Sweiss MD, Professor of Medicine, has accepted the division chief of rheumatology position. Dr. Sweiss directs the UI Health Cold Hand Clinic and the Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center. The STAR Center provides clinical services for sarcoidosis patients and also conducts research into new treatments for sarcoidosis.

Dr. Sweiss completed her medical degree, master’s degree, internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship training at University of Jordan Hospital. Dr. Sweiss subsequently completed internal medicine residency training at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chicago IL, where she also served as chief resident. She completed a rheumatology fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Sweiss has been named Castle Connolly’s top doctor for the past 3 years. In 2016, Dr. Sweiss was recognized in Jordan as the first Jordanian woman physician to be promoted to the rank of Professor in the United States.

I would like to thank the search committee led by Ben Gerber, MD, MPH and Linda Donnell, Department of Medicine administrative team, for their help during the search process.  I also want to thank Subhash Kukreja, MD for his tireless efforts as interim division chief and Jean Fitzpatrick as interim Director of Administrative Operations in the division of rheumatology.

Best,
Patricia W. Finn, MD
Earl M. Bane Professor
Chair, Department of Medicine
Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives
University of Illinois at Chicago