Overview
Welcome to the University of Arizona Rheumatology Fellowship Program at the Phoenix Campus.
- We are delighted to welcome you to our ACGME-accredited fellowship program dedicated to excellence in clinical care, education, research, and innovation in rheumatology. Our fellowship offers comprehensive training in the diagnosis and management of complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases within a collaborative academic environment at the University of Arizona. Work closely with nationally respected faculty with individualized mentorship that accelerates career trajectory.
Our program emphasizes:
- Strong clinical training at Banner Health Hospitals in a tertiary care environment
- Advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound education by certified faculty
- Participation in meaningful high-quality research
- Integrated Academic and Community Training
- A supportive and collegial learning environment
We are proud to train fellows in the vibrant and growing city of Phoenix while serving a diverse patient population across Arizona and the Southwest.
Discover Our Rheumatology Fellowship Program
The fellowship offers a comprehensive training experience grounded in rigorous education, evidence-based patient care, innovative research, and a supportive academic environment. Fellows benefit from dedicated mentorship, robust clinical and procedural training, and diverse opportunities for professional development, preparing them to excel as compassionate clinicians, thoughtful scholars, and future leaders in rheumatology.
The Division of Rheumatology provides comprehensive, specialized care across a broad spectrum of disease, ranging from early inflammatory arthritis to acute, life-threatening conditions such as macrophage activation syndrome. The division manages a diverse array of disorders, including crystalline and spondyloarthropathies, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, inflammatory myopathies, mixed connective tissue disease, vasculitides, VEXAS syndrome, and other complex autoinflammatory conditions.
We work in close collaboration with specialists in musculoskeletal radiology, nephrology, pulmonology (including expertise in interstitial lung disease), neuromuscular neurology, cardiology, dermatology, metabolic bone disease, and ophthalmology to deliver coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Our partnership with Phoenix Children's Hospital enhances training in pediatric rheumatologic conditions through structured outpatient and inpatient experiences, including dedicated exposure to transitional rheumatology care.
The institution features a dedicated rheumatology–interstitial lung disease program, including a combined clinic and multidisciplinary conference. As the division continues to grow, we continue to expand our collaborations with dermatology, ophthalmology, nephrology, maternal–fetal medicine, and other subspecialties to further enhance comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and training.
The Four Pillars of Our Program
- Commitment to Exceptional Clinical Care
The program is committed to delivering patient-centered care that enhances the quality of life for individuals with rheumatic diseases. Fellows train in a high-acuity, diverse clinical environment that emphasizes clinical reasoning, pattern recognition, individualized treatment planning, and the consistent application of evidence-based medicine.
- Procedural Excellence and Advanced Diagnostics
The training program offers extensive hands-on experience in diagnostic and therapeutic joint injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), temporal artery ultrasound, salivary gland ultrasound, and synovial biopsy, enabling fellows to develop procedural expertise, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and build clinical confidence.
Fellows are mentored by faculty with distinct areas of expertise. Ultrasound training is led by RhMSUS-credentialed faculty actively engaged with the American College of Rheumatology. Procedural training is further enriched by faculty who lead national workshops, including joint injection courses at the American College of Physicians, providing fellows with exposure to nationally recognized expertise and best practices.
- Innovation, Research, and Professional Development
Fellows receive comprehensive scholarly mentorship and have opportunities to produce meaningful research, publications, and presentations with structured support and expectations that position you competitively for academic and leadership roles.
Our division is pivotal and one of the very few centers engaged in advancing precision medicine through synovial tissue research, providing opportunities for fellows to participate in innovative, cutting-edge research.
The program is dedicated to advancing the field of rheumatology through clinical trials, translational science, emerging therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and innovative applications of artificial intelligence to enhance patient outcomes.
Partnerships with national organizations, including the Myositis Clinical Trials Consortium, provide fellows with exposure to high-impact research that is shaping the future of rheumatologic care.
Collaboration with the Phoenix Rheumatology Association aligns the program with the missions of the American College of Rheumatology, Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR), and Project ECHO. Fellows participate in year-round educational programs, including radiology boot camps, Cross Talks, and direct engagement with nationally recognized experts.
The program fosters a robust academic environment through structured didactics, board-focused teaching, journal clubs, mentorship for conference presentations, and dedicated career development to support transition into academic or private practice careers.
- Culture, Wellness, and Community
The program fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where fellows feel respected, connected, and valued. Its culture emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, professionalism, and personal growth. Wellness is actively prioritized through strong faculty support, community engagement, and intentional strategies to mitigate burnout, empowering fellows to thrive both personally and professionally.