Code : 029 
Title : RHEUMATOLOGY 
 
Sponsor :ALI ASKARI, M.D. 
Department :Division of Rheumatology 
Address :University Hospitals 
Foley Building, Room 217 
Phone :(216)844-2289 
 
 
ADVISORS :
Roland W. Moskowitz, M.D.
*Osteoarthritis/Research
*General Rheumatology
Department of Medicine
Park East Medical Center
(216)844-1272

Charles Malemud, Ph.D.
*Research
Division of Rheumatology
(216)844-7846

Jeffrey Wisnieski, M.D.
*Complement/Vasculitis
*General Rheumatology
Division of Rheumatology
(216)791-3800

Therese M. Wolpaw, M.D.
*General Rheumatology
Division of Rheumatology
(216)844-7421
Allan Goodwin, M.D.
Dept. of Medicine
(216)844-6003
Tariq M. Haqqi, Ph.D.
(216)368-1374

 
 
DESCRIPTION : This Area of Concentration in Rheumatology provides a broad perspective for understanding connective tissue diseases and a focused clinical approach toward their management.

The goals of the program are specifically: 1) to impart a core body of scientific knowledge, fundamental to understanding mechanisms of rheumatic diseases; 2) to promote development of clinical skills, including a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination, appropriate selection and interpretation of diagnostic procedures and specialized laboratory tests; 3) to foster understanding of unique psychosocial processes impacting on therapeutic management of patients with rheumatic diseases as a model for chronic diseases, and 4) to utilize principles, skills, and insights of the aforementioned program goals to formulate effective patient management plans.

Program electives consist of both required and recommended courses formatted as seminars, lectures, laboratory demonstration and "hands-on" sessions and CPC conferences. Students are also encouraged to attend the division's grand rounds, clinical and research conferences, and journal clubs when their schedules permit. Tutorials with clinical staff in a variety of practice settings in addition to ward and clinic electives, are available and encouraged.

The program strongly encourages the student to undertake an original research project guided by a faculty sponsor in a basic or clinical research area. Areas of ongoing basic research investigation include connective tissue biochemistry and the molecular basis for osteoarthritis, T-cell dysfunction in SLE, immunoregulation in animal models of arthritis. Current clinical projects include an analysis of the impact of total hip arthroplasty on family helper costs and analyses of factors determining psychosocial/sexual profiles in patients with SLE. The Northeast Ohio Multipurpose Arthritis Center administered by the U.H. and M.H.M.C. Divisions of Rheumatology provides a unique multi-disciplinary resource for the study of rheumatic disease questions and problems. Students may choose a project from any of these areas. The nature and scope of each project will be determined on an individual basis in order to meet the needs and objectives of each participant.
 
 
REQUIREMENTS :  
 
TYPE A ELECTIVES 
A minimum of 9 units from list below. Up to 3 units can be satisfied by research which the Research Committee, Division of Rheumatology, must approve. 
 
TYPE B ELECTIVES 
A minimum of 2 units is required. One (1) Rehumatology elective (RHEU) at University Hospitals or MetroHealth Medical Center is required.  
 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS :
Graduate Courses
PATH 416 Fundamental Immunology
PATH 465 Advanced Immunobiology
PATH 477 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Immune Dysfunction