The U-M Medical School Division of Rheumatology Scientist Training in Rheumatology Research program is designed to prepare outstanding postdoctoral scientists, both MD and PhD, for investigative careers in research related to rheumatic diseases.
Our program has a strong record of success which we attribute to a comprehensive and integrated educational approach and the following fundamental principles that have guided our program since its inception in 1976.
- Recruitment of diverse candidates with strong research potential and a commitment to discovery
- Providing trainees with tailored mentorship teams and individual development plans to optimize their progression toward research independence
- Promoting multidisciplinary research through cohesive and collaborative faculty teams
- Leveraging unsurpassed institutional resources to promote trainee success
Our program is designed to provide trainees:
- A broad working knowledge of the biological and clinical aspects of rheumatic diseases
- Essential familiarity with state-of-the-art scientific methodologies and analyses
- Experience and confidence with all aspects of scientific communication
- Strong roots in the ethical conduction of research and in embracing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Division of Rheumatology
5520 MSRB I
Ann Arbor MI 48109
The Division of Rheumatology seeks to select applicants best prepared to fulfill the the goals of the division, including a longstanding focus on training physician scientists.
Prior Training and Career Level Requirements
Many program trainees will be physician scientists, MD/PhD, or MD (with opportunity to obtain a master’s degree during their time in the program). Other trainees will be PhD scientists who are interested in a career in rheumatic diseases research. Outstanding candidates who display strong research interest, but are without significant prior research experience are also given consideration. Candidates who are physicians will have no more than 20% clinical responsibilities during training.
How to Apply
Please send an email to [email protected] for information on how to apply.
Our program focuses on four major scientific themes that align with the modern research landscape, which is focused on the pursuit of precision, patient-centric approaches to health and disease for the diverse populations living with rheumatic diseases. View our mentors by scientific theme.
- Biologic Underpinnings of Clinical Heterogeneity
- Immunological Mechanisms of Disease
- Injury, Repair, and Fibrosis
- Patient Outcomes/Experience and Innovative Trials
Internal Advisory Committee
David Fox, MD
Frederick G. L. Huetwell and William D. Robinson, MD Professor of Rheumatology
Professor of Internal Medicine, Medical School
Mariana Kaplan, MD
Chief, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Adjunct Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Mary O’Riordan, PhD
Frederick C. Neidhardt Collegiate Professor
Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
John Varga, MD
Frederick G. L. Huetwell Research Professor of Rheumatology
Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Dermatology
External Advisory Committee
Michael B. Brenner, MD
Theodore B. Bayles Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Leslie J. Crofford, MD
Professor of Medicine and Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Director, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University
V. Michael Holers, MD
Scoville Professor of Medicine
Head, Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado
Judith A. James, MD, PhD
Member and Program Chair, Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program
Lou C. Kerr Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research
Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Adjunct Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Current Trainees
- Anne Murphy, MD (2023-present)
- Yen Chen, PhD (2023-present)
Recent Graduates
2023
- Lisa Abernathy-Close, PhD (2022-2023)
- Bruna M. Scavuzzi, PhD (2020-2023)
2022
- Rachel S. Bergmans, MPH, PhD (2021-2022)
- Mikel Gurrea-Rubio, PhD (2019-2022)
- Alexis A. Holman, MD, JD (2020-2022)
- Meriah N. Moore, MD (2021-2022)
- Aaron L. Stubbs, MD (2020-2022)
2021
- David Roofeh, MD (2019-2021)
- Yomei Shaw, PhD (2020-2021)
2020
- Ramadan Ali, PhD (2018-2020)
- Phillip M. Rzeczycki, PhD (2018-2020)
2018
- Beth I. Wallace, MD (2016-2018)
- Amber Young, MD (2016-2018)
Learn more about the benefits provided to Postdoctoral Research Fellows.
The Department of Internal Medicine (DOIM) Division of Rheumatology is committed to creating and cultivating a diverse and inclusive community that provides our faculty, learners, and staff with the opportunities and support they need to thrive. Visit the DOIM Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being to learn more.
Professor of Internal Medicine
Associate Chair
Department of Internal Medicine
Professor of Internal Medicine
Professor of Dermatology
Associate Division Chief for Basic and Translational Research
Professor of Internal Medicine
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