Chief's Welcome

A warm welcome to the Division of Rheumatology at UMass Chan Medical School. I am truly excited and honored to introduce you to our esteemed Division of Rheumatology. Our division stands as a beacon of education, consistently dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientific minds and healthcare providers. We place significant emphasis on nurturing inclusive learning at every stage, ensuring our tradition of excellence is passed on.

In our commitment to excellence, we offer thorough and cutting-edge care to patients grappling with systemic autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. Our recent expansion to multiple locations underlines our pledge to ensure that quality rheumatological care is not just top-notch, but also readily available to those who need it. Moreover, our clinical investigators are at the forefront of innovative research. They engage in pioneering clinical trials focusing on conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is a testament to their dedication and expertise that several of these trials have received FDA approval, thereby expanding the treatment horizon for our patients.

Our ties with the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences further underscore our commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment. Our esteemed researchers play pivotal roles as mentors to both MD/PhD and PhD candidates, guiding them toward the successful culmination of their academic pursuits. Our clinicians are also actively participating in programs like the Longitudinal Preceptorship Program, serving as Core Small Group Facilitators, Organ System Diseases (OSD), and the soon-to-be-introduced VISTA teachers. Additionally, we are proud to highlight that several division members hold prestigious leadership roles, including the position of Executive Co-Director of the MD/PhD Program.

At the heart of our division is the UMass Rheumatology Fellowship Program. Each year, we are fortunate with the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the field, chosen from a competitive national pool. These fellows not only consistently rank in the top percentiles but also greatly benefit from diverse clinical rotations and structured learning modules curated by our dedicated faculty.

Once again, welcome to our division. Together, we will continue to advance the fields of rheumatology and medical science.

With warm regards,

Roberto Caricchio, MD
Chief, Division of Rheumatology
Myles J. McDonough Chair in Rheumatology