MICHIGAN MEDICINE DIVISION OF RHEUMATOLOGY NEWS

SUMMER 2022

Dear Faculty, Staff, Trainees, Alumni, and Friends,

 

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and start a new academic year, there is much to be proud of and to look forward to. We recognize that we have been challenged, and considerable challenges still lie ahead. Despite this, our division has shown resilience, dedication, and excellence that is inspiring. Our faculty, administrators, research staff, and learners all pulled together to deliver outstanding care to our patients, offer the best rheumatology training in the nation, advance the science of rheumatology, and work to build a collaborative culture of respect, compassion, and inclusion.


Please read Looking Ahead with Hope for a brief review of what our division has accomplished and what we hope to achieve in the future.


Sincerely,

 

John Varga, MD

Chief, Division of Rheumatology

Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor

Professor of Internal Medicine

Professor of Dermatology

IN THE NEWS

Drugs Showing Promise in Cancer Trials Reduce Scarring for Scleroderma

Pei-Suen (Eliza) Tsou, PhD and team find that drugs that inhibit BRD4, known to play a role in cancer, also affect fibrosis in scleroderma. Read more.


Finally Diagnosed, A Patient's Journey to Find Answers

A patient discovers relief and an improved quality of life through the

U-M Health Vasculitis Program, led by Ora Gewurz-Singer, MD and Julia Ford, MD. Read more.


How the Immunocompromised Community Can Support Each Other During This Stage of the Pandemic

Beth Wallace, MD, MSc discusses ways immunocompromised patients can help each other during COVID-19. Read more.


In Lupus, 'Normal-Appearing' Skin Is Not Normal

J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD and team find that nonlesional lupus skin contributes to inflammatory education of myeloid cells and primes for cutaneous inflammation. Read more.


It’s Time We Took Chronic Pain in Rheumatology Seriously

Deeba Minhas, MD provides a perspective on addressing implicit biases among patients with rheumatic disease and pain. Listen to the podcast


Nanoparticle Reduces Skin and Lung Scarring for Scleroderma, Mouse Study Finds

John Varga, MD discovers that a biodegradable nanoparticle used in medical sutures could combat a rare, sometimes fatal autoimmune disease. Read more.


Non-Criteria Manifestations of Pediatric APS Common Yet ‘Under-Recognized’

Jacqueline Madison, MD and Jason Knight, MD, PhD discuss their recent study on pediatric APS, treatments and outcomes, and the need for diagnostic criteria specific to younger patients.

Read more.

Older Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis Still Undermedicated, Despite Aggressive Guidelines

Jiha Lee, MD, MHS and team find that while prescription rates for disease-modifying drugs have improved, there is more work to be done to ensure older adults are on optimized treatment. Read more.


Pathway Uncovered for Greatest Lupus Genetic Risk Factor, Study Shows

Joseph Holoshitz, MD; Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi, PhD; and team uncover the molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. Read more.


Michigan Medicine Points of Blue

Lisa Abernathy-Close, PhD talks about her long-time passion for science, finding community at U-M, and her research interests. Read more.


Rogue Antibodies Make Cells “Sticky” to Trigger Blood Clots in COVID-19 Patients

The Knight Lab and U-M colleagues discover that “rogue” antibodies found circulating in the blood of COVID-19 patients have the potential to cause cells to lose their resistance to clotting. Read more.


Study Provides First Evidence of Link Between Opioid Use Disorder, Chronic Pain

Daniel Clauw, MD and researchers find that central sensitization may be an important underlying factor complicating the treatment of comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder. Read more.

AWARDS, HONORS & RECOGNITION

J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD honored with the MICHR Distinguished Clinical and Translational Research Mentor Award

and the ACR Henry Kunkel Early Career Investigator Award.

Jason Knight, MD, PhD elected into the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

Rory Marks, MB BS appointed as Section Chief for the Division of Rheumatology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Gail Quaderer, Senior Research Administrator, received the Department of Internal Medicine Staff Award for Excellence

Ahmad Ramahi, MD 

selected as a recipient of the ACR Distinguished Fellow Award.

Ajay Tambralli, MD

selected as a recipient of the ACR Distinguished Fellow Award.

PROMOTIONS

Martin Garber, DO promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine.

Seetha Monrad, MD promoted to Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine.

NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

Ryan Massay, MB BS

Clinical Assistant Professor, 

Department of Internal Medicine

Ajay Tambralli, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor, 

Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program

Graduation and Awards Ceremony

Congratulations 2022 Graduates

(L to R): Ajay Tambralli, MDYaseen Aleatany, MB BSSohail Farshad, DO;

Ahmad Ramahi, MD

Congratulations 2022 Award Recipients


Mitra Maz and Sirapa Vichaikul – Abraham Grant Award

Awarded to a student (undergraduate, graduate, or medical) who has excelled in research in our Division. 


Conor Murphy, MD – Thomas D. Palella Award

Awarded to a Fellow who has shown exceptional talent in the area of teaching.


Ajay Tambralli, MD – William D. Robinson Award

Awarded to a graduating Fellow in recognition of overall accomplishments during training.


Nada Abdulaziz, MB BS – W.J. (Joe) McCune Award for Teaching Excellence

Awarded to a faculty member who has been the most effective clinical teacher and mentor.


Stephanie Bowens – Julie C. Welch Award for Exemplary Customer Service

Awarded to a staff member who exhibits exemplary service and dedication to our Rheumatology Fellowship and Education Program.

Top (L to R): Mitra Maz & Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg; Dr. Eliza Tsou & Sirapa Vichaikul; Dr. Rory Marks & Dr. Conor Murphy


Bottom (L to R): Dr. David Roofeh & Dr. Ajay Tambralli; Dr. Nada Abdulaziz; Stephanie Bowens

Welcome New Fellows


  • Basmah Al Dulaijan, MB BS (Residency – Case Western Reserve University, OH)
  • Daniel McDougle, MD, PhD (Residency – Indiana University, IN)
  • Stephanie Tancer, MD (Residency – Henry Ford Health, MI)
  • Maedeh Veyseh, MD (Residency – Jacobi Medical Center, NY)
Learn More
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION

Updates in Lupus


Saturday, October 22, 2022

Webinar

Learn more and register.

Updates in Rheumatic Diseases


Saturday, April 15, 2023

The Kensington Hotel, Ann Arbor


Registration will open soon.

Visit the Michigan Medicine Division of Rheumatology Website