All fellows are expected to participate in a research project. This can include clinical or basic science research or quality improvement. In addition, all fellows will receive yellow belt training. The fellow chooses an area of interest and works with a mentor to complete the project. Some fellows choose to pursue additional training through completion of a master's degree by applying to the Leadership in Preventive Medicine Residency, extending their training by one year.
Specialty clinics
You can also participate in the following specialty clinics:
Disease-specific clinics
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Clinic – Dr. Christopher Burns and Dr. Vivekanand Tiwari
Fellows evaluate and manage complex cases of lupus with multisystem involvement, including lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric lupus, and overlap syndromes. The clinic emphasizes high-level diagnostic reasoning, longitudinal care, and treatment of refractory disease using current guidelines and biologic therapies. - Scleroderma Clinic – Dr. Robert Simms
This specialized clinic offers comprehensive care for the full spectrum of systemic sclerosis, ranging from early skin disease to advanced interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Fellows gain experience in skin scoring, nailfold capillaroscopy, and multidisciplinary coordination with pulmonology and cardiology. - Dermatology-Rheumatology Clinic – Dr. Lin Brown (Rheumatology) and Dr. Sarah Barton (Dermatology)
Fellows co-manage patients with complex autoimmune skin conditions, including dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus, psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis, and vasculitis. This interdisciplinary clinic enhances skills in skin exam, biopsy planning, and the use of systemic immunomodulators for skin-predominant disease. - Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinic – Dr. Scott Pompa and Dr. Kevin Kerin
Fellows participate in structured hands-on ultrasound sessions focused on image acquisition, joint anatomy, pathology recognition (e.g., synovitis, erosions, tenosynovitis), and procedural guidance. Training follows the USSONAR curriculum and includes scanning feedback and image interpretation. - Giant Cell Arteritis/Polymyalgia Rheumatica (GCA/PMR) Clinic – Dr. Vivekanand Tiwari
This focused clinic emphasizes early diagnosis and monitoring of large vessel vasculitis and PMR. Fellows review vascular imaging, temporal artery biopsy pathology, and steroid-sparing approaches using biologic agents, such as tocilizumab, while following patients longitudinally through treatment taper. - Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic – Dr. Ana Quintero and Dr. Dan Albert
Fellows work alongside pediatric rheumatologists to evaluate children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, autoinflammatory syndromes, and growing pains. The clinic emphasizes family-centered care, growth and development considerations, and differences in disease presentation and treatment in the pediatric population.
Planned disease-specific clinics for the future
- Cardiology-Rheumatology Clinic (coming soon)
This interdisciplinary clinic will focus on cardiovascular complications of autoimmune diseases, including pericarditis, myocarditis, accelerated atherosclerosis, and vasculitis-related ischemia. Fellows will gain experience in cardiovascular risk assessment, imaging interpretation (e.g., echocardiography, cardiac MRI), and collaborative management with cardiology for patients on immunosuppressive therapies. - Pulmonary-Rheumatology Clinic (coming soon)
This specialized clinic will focus on the pulmonary manifestations of rheumatic diseases, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension, and airway disease. Fellows will work alongside pulmonologists to interpret pulmonary function tests, chest CTs, and echocardiograms, and to coordinate immunosuppression and supportive care in complex systemic diseases.