Rheumatology
Welcome to the College of Medicine Division of Rheumatology
Our mission is to provide excellence in patient care, education and research. We are a group of physicians, advanced practice providers, and specialty pharmacists dedicated to providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal diseases. These disorders include the many types of arthritis that affect bones and joints.
In addition, we treat many autoimmune diseases such as those that affect blood vessels (vasculitis), muscles (myositis), and other organs of the body, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Besides caring for patients, our physicians are engaged in research and in training future rheumatologists. We have a close working relationship with our faculty in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine; pediatric rheumatology; digestive health and nutrition; nephrology, bone, and mineral metabolism. We also collaborate with faculty in other divisions and departments to care for patients with diseases that affect multiple organ systems.
Kristine M. Lohr, MD, MS
Chief, Division of Rheumatology
Director, Rheumatology Training Program
Medical Director, Rheumatology
Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatology is the subspecialty of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. These diseases affect joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and internal organs. These diseases and disorders can range from simple overuse syndromes to serious immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
100+ Rheumatic Diseases Require Additional Training
There are more than 100 types of rheumatic diseases, and some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In order to meet the challenges presented us, rheumatologists obtain additional training and experience. After four years of medical school and three years of training in internal medicine, we devote an additional two to three years in specialized rheumatology training. Upon completion of our training, we must pass a rigorous exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine to become certified.