Aerial view of University of Michigan Health hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
About Rheumatology

The Rackham Arthritis Research Unit, established at the University of Michigan in 1937, was one of the first research units in the United States devoted to investigation of the rheumatic diseases. 

The Rheumatology Division was established as a distinct parallel administrative unit in 1960 as a component of the Department of Internal Medicine. Since the beginning, our goal has been to uncover new scientific knowledge in the battle against disease, train the next generation of outstanding medical scientists and clinicians, and provide patient care that is second to none.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

To enhance the lives of our patients through advanced and compassionate care, cutting edge research, and training the next generation of rheumatologists.

Vision

To be leaders and best in patient care, innovation, scientific discovery, and education for improving our patients’ lives and advancing the discipline of Rheumatology.

Core Values

  • Clinical Excellence: We strive to provide the highest level of evidence-based patient care.
  • Innovation: We promote a culture of creativity, flexibility, and curiosity that inspires new ways of thinking, behaving, and improving the world.
  • Inclusion, Equity, and Justice: We foster an environment where all team members have a sense of belonging, a voice that is heard, and the opportunity to thrive. We embrace, respect, and value diversity.
  • Integrity: We adhere to high ethical standards, demonstrating courage and truth in words and actions.
  • Caring: We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, promoting well-being of self and others.
  • Teamwork: We participate fully as members of our team, respecting, supporting, and empowering each other.
Patient Care

The U-M Medical School Internal Medicine Division of Rheumatology offers consultations, patient care, diagnosis, and management for systemic autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal diseases. Our diagnostic and therapeutic procedures include arthrocentesis, needle muscle biopsy, salivary gland biopsy, musculoskeletal ultrasound, closed synovial biopsy, and synovial fluid analysis to diagnosis, treat, and manage patients with rheumatic diseases. Outpatient treatment of our patients take place at the Rheumatology Clinic at Taubman Center, Briarwood Health Associates, Brighton Health Center, and Northville Health Center. We also provide care for patients at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Learn about patient care in the division

Education

Our division is focused on the training of future expert clinicians and researchers in rheumatology and offers a Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program and a Scientist Training in Rheumatology Research Program. Our division is also committed to educating house officers and medical students and providing all learners with the best and latest information in the field of rheumatology.

Discover education opportunities in the division

Research

Our faculty are recognized leaders in research, with over $9 million in annual funding from federal, foundation, and industry grants. Our investigators perform cutting-edge clinical, translational, and basic research with the shared goals of understanding the causes of rheumatic disease, discovering new treatments, and improving outcomes. Our nationally ranked research programs include the Lupus Program, Antiphospholipid Syndrome Program, Scleroderma Program, and Vasculitis Program. We additionally have significant rheumatic disease research efforts focused on health policy, drug safety, chronic pain, gerorheumatology, genetics and other areas.

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Leadership
Division Chief
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John Varga John Varga, MD, FACP, MACR
Frederick G L Huetwell Research Professor of Rheumatology
Professor of Internal Medicine
Professor of Dermatology and Section Head
Division of Rheumatology
Faculty Leadership
portrait of Dinesh Khanna Dinesh Khanna
Frederick G L Huetwell Professor of Rheumatology
Professor of Internal Medicine
Puja Khanna Puja P Khanna, MD, MPH
Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine
Service Chief, Internal Medicine
Jason Knight Jason Scott Knight, MD, PhD
Marvin and Betty Danto Research Professor of Connective Tissue Research
Professor of Internal Medicine
profile-wendy-marder-2020 Wendy Marder, MD, MS
Clinical Professor
Rory marks Rory M Marks
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Program Director
Fellowship
Rheumatology
profile-william-mccune-2014 William J McCune
Michael H and Marcia S Klein Professor of Rheumatic Diseases
Professor of Internal Medicine
Join Our Team

The Division of Rheumatology is widely recognized for outstanding patient care, innovative research initiatives and top-tier educational programs. We seek clinician/educators, clinical investigators and investigators in basic mechanisms of rheumatic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

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Patient Inquiries

Referring Physician Inquiries

Contact Us
Academic Office (Division Chief)
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Rheumatology
300 North Ingalls Building, Room 7C27
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5422
Phone (non-patient related calls only): 734-936-5566
Rheumatology Internal Website

Resources and information for current Rheumatology faculty, staff and learners.

Rheumatology Intranet