Pioneering Digital Solutions for Arthritis
Early Diagnosis
Our team prioritizes early identification of arthritis to ensure prompt and effective treatment, leading to better long-term outcomes for patients.
Novel Care Models
We're implementing innovative patient care approaches that leverage digital tools to enhance engagement, monitoring, and personalized care.
Meet the Directors
Karen Salomon-Escoto, MD
Dr. Salomon-Escoto is a clinician-researcher specializing in rheumatoid, with deep expertise in patient-centered, technology-driven care. As the founding director of the UMass Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Program and the new Inflammatory Arthritis Program, Dr. Salomon-Escoto focuses on leveraging digital tools to enhance patient engagement, streamline patient identification, and advance remote monitoring models. Her current work centers on improving clinical outcomes through continuous, personalized care supported by digital health technologies, while scaling these approaches to broaden patient access and impact. Through this program, Dr. Salomon-Escoto aims to drive innovation and efficiency in inflammatory arthritis management, ensuring timely, high-quality care and contributing to the field through rigorous, evidence-based research.
Jonathan Kay, MD
Dr. Kay is a distinguished rheumatologist renowned for his expertise in inflammatory arthritis, medical education, and leadership in innovative research. With a deep commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of inflammatory arthritis, Dr. Kay has contributed significantly to the field through clinical care and research initiatives. As a co-director of the Inflammatory Arthritis Program in the Division of Rheumatology at UMass, he plays a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge approaches to patient care and improving clinical outcomes. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kay is dedicated to educating the next generation of rheumatologists and advancing research that informs best practices in the management of inflammatory arthritis. His leadership continues to drive forward innovation in both patient care and academic research.
Meet Our Collaborators and Specialists
Zheni Stavre, MD
Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic Director
Dr. Stavre pioneered the UMass Rheumatology Psoriatic Arthritis clinic, specializing in early diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Her focused approach ensures patients receive timely, effective care from the earliest stages of their condition. Her expertise includes implementing innovative treatment protocols and developing comprehensive care strategies that address both the joint and skin manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. She collaborates closely with Dermatology to provide integrated care for optimal patient outcomes.
Yevgeniy (Eugene) Popov, DO, MPH
Clinical Informatics
A key member of the patient-care team and Epic systems specialist, Dr. Popov combines clinical expertise with technical innovation. As an Epic builder, he develops digital tools that enhance patient data tracking and improve care delivery efficiency. His work focuses on streamlining clinical workflows, implementing decision support systems, and creating custom solutions that enable better patient monitoring and outcomes analysis. Dr. Popov's unique blend of medical knowledge and technical expertise has been instrumental in advancing digital health initiatives and improving the quality of patient care.
James Fournier, CNP
Clinician and Clinical Trials Joint Assessor
James Fournier plays a vital role in providing comprehensive care to inflammatory arthritis patients. His expertise in clinical care, combined with his collaborative disposition, contributes to advancing arthritis care through clinical trials as well. Through his dedication to patient-centered care and his involvement in clinical research, James is helping to elevate the standard of care and drive progress in this important area of healthcare.
Meet the Fast Track Arthritis Team
Our Fast Track Arthritis service offers designated new-patient appointments to ensure that people with joint pain at higher risk for inflammatory arthritis are seen without delay. This rapid-access clinic is staffed by a dedicated team of six rheumatologists, Dr. Ratnesh Chopra, Dr. Jonathan Kay, Dr. Yevgeniy (Eugene) Popov, Dr. William Traverse, Dr. Karen Salomon-Escoto, and Dr. Peggy Wu, working together to deliver timely evaluations, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.
Our mission is simple: faster access, expert care, and a clearer path forward for every patient.
Prioritizing Early Diagnosis
Rapid Identification
Our team uses the latest diagnostic tools to quickly identify the onset of arthritis, enabling prompt intervention.
Personalized Treatment
We develop tailored treatment plans to address each patient's unique condition and needs, maximizing effectiveness.
Preventing Progression
Early diagnosis and proactive management are key to slowing the progression of inflammatory arthritis and preserving joint function.
Novel Patient Care Models
Remote Monitoring
Our platform enables continuous tracking of patient symptoms and outcomes, allowing for timely adjustments to care plans.
Telehealth Visits
Convenient virtual consultations with our rheumatologists ensure seamless access to care, reducing barriers to treatment.
Patient Engagement
Interactive digital tools empower patients to actively participate in their care, fostering better outcomes.
Leveraging Digital Technology
Improving Patient Capture
Our program uses advanced digital strategies to identify and connect with more individuals living with arthritis, ensuring they receive the care they need.
Data-Driven Decisions
By continuously analyzing patient data, we can optimize treatment plans, allocate resources effectively, and drive continuous improvements in care.
Remote Patient Monitoring Platform
Symptom Tracking
Patients use wearable devices and mobile apps to regularly report on their arthritis symptoms and joint status.
Data Analysis
Our AI-powered platform analyzes the data to detect patterns and identify potential flare-ups or changes in condition.
Timely Interventions
Our team can then proactively adjust treatment plans and provide personalized guidance to patients, improving outcomes.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Services
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology enables real-time visualization of joint inflammation and structural changes, allowing for immediate diagnosis and treatment decisions. This non-invasive imaging technique provides a detailed assessment of soft tissues, helping identify early signs of arthritis before they become visible on traditional X-rays.
Clinical Benefits
- Immediate bedside assessment during consultation
- Precise guidance for therapeutic joint injections
- Real-time monitoring of treatment response
- Enhanced patient education through visual demonstration
By integrating point-of-care ultrasound into our practice, we've significantly improved our ability to detect early disease activity and optimize treatment strategies, leading to better outcomes for our patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Integrated Specialty Pharmacy: Your Partner in Treatment Success
Our Integrated Specialty Pharmacy is an essential part of our Inflammatory Arthritis Program, offering a seamless, patient-focused experience from day one. With a dedicated, all-star team of Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) and PharmDs, we provide unparalleled support in treatment initiation and ongoing care.
Fast, Efficient Treatment Start
When a new medication is prescribed, timing is critical. Our specialty pharmacy partners excel in getting you started on your new treatment plan faster than ever before, with a record-breaking initiation time. This means less waiting and more action toward managing your condition.
Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
We’re committed to your well-being, which is why our pharmacy team is with you throughout your treatment journey. From navigating insurance and copay assistance to managing side effects and drug adherence, our pharmacists offer frequent touchpoints to ensure you’re fully supported.
Tracking and Improving Outcomes
Our pharmacy team doesn't just dispense medications—they’re a key part of tracking your progress. Through regular follow-ups, they help monitor your response to treatment, providing insights and adjustments to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
RA Clinic Metrics
*All metrics represent FY25, October 2024 - September 2025
Research & Clinical Trials
Novel Therapeutic Studies
Leading groundbreaking clinical trials investigating targeted biologics and innovative cellular therapies for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Collaborative Research Network
Participating in multi-center trials through partnerships with leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, to accelerate therapeutic discoveries.
Our research program maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor and patient safety, with all trials conducted under strict regulatory oversight and ethical guidelines. Patients interested in participating in clinical trials can contact our research coordinator for more information about current enrollment opportunities.
Aligning with UMass Strategic Goals
Elevating the Standard of Arthritis Care
By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge digital technologies, our program is transforming the standard of arthritis care, empowering patients and delivering exceptional outcomes.
