Rheumatology
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Division of Rheumatology

Uncovering the underlying causes of rheumatic disease, discovering new treatments and improving outcomes.
Advancing Scientific Knowledge

The U-M Medical School Department of Internal Medicine Division of Rheumatology is internationally recognized for excellence in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, basic and clinical research, and training of rheumatology clinicians and students. It is also home to the Rackham Arthritis Research Unit, one of the oldest and best known Rheumatology units in the United States.
About

Learn more about the groundbreaking research, training and patient care in the Division of Rheumatology.

Education

Our programs aim to equip trainees with the skills and tools needed to become expert clinicians and successful researchers.

Research

Our division performs cutting-edge clinical, translational, and basic research with funding from the NIH, and industry and foundation grants.

Faculty

See a list of the faculty who guide our clinical, research and educational programs on the path to excellence.

Patient Care

Our clinicians treat patients with a vast array of rheumatic conditions at U-M Health, VA Ann Arbor and numerous outpatient clinics.

Giving

Your gift can help our physicians provide the highest-quality care while contributing to major advances in patient care, research and education.

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.

Join Us
U-M Health Ranks Among Nation’s Best

University of Michigan Health was named among the nation’s best hospitals, with rheumatology ranking in the top ten and best in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn More About Our Rankings
Rheumatology Internal Website

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

Rheumatology Intranet
See Where Training Takes Place

Expand your career trajectory in a high-volume academic medical center that also supports and excels in a wide range of basic science, translational and clinical research programs.

See Training Locations
CME Courses

View a list of upcoming Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities available through the Department of Internal Medicine.

Stay Connected With Internal Medicine
Featured News & Stories See all news Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg
Department News
The Complexities Behind Lupus and Evolving Strategies on Lupus Care
J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD discusses the complexities behind lupus and evolving strategies on lupus care with ReachMD.
 two hearts next to each other with small figure people inside and out of it
Health Lab
How neutrophil calprotectin unmasks future atherosclerotic heart disease risk
The immune system is showing evidence of playing a roll in the emergence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A rush of neutrophils, or immune cells to the site could be an explanation for how this condition forms as well as how to prevent this heart disease in the future.
 lungs beating pink and orange and yellow and white circles floating around
Health Lab
Protein found in rheumatic diseases causes inflammation in COVID-19 patients
Research on the inflammatory mediator called sCD13 has identified this molecule and its receptors as new targets for treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The data suggests that sCD13 may also be of great importance in severe complications of COVID-19.
 Dr. Elizabeth Sloan and Dr. Jacqueline Madison at 2025 CARRA
Department News
APS at CARRA 2025
Dr. Jacqueline Madison, a dual adult and pediatric rheumatologist, is a member of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA), an organization that unites North American rheumatologists focused on pediatric rheumatology research. This year, Dr. Madison had the opportunity to organize and lead the APS Workgroup at CARRA’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
 ultrasound scan on yellow background with red dot found in two images
Health Lab
Using ultrasound technology to quickly diagnose giant cell arteritis
Ultrasound technology at University of Michigan Health is helping diagnose giant cell arteritis in patients to begin potentially moving away from using invasive surgical biopsy methods.
 hands up in to sun blocking it in shadowy area under tree
Health Lab
Decoding mechanisms of photosensitivity in autoimmune diseases
Photosensitivity is a common occurrence in patients with autoimmune disorders, especially lupus and dermatomyositis. The only treatment for this currently is diligent sunscreen use, but research is leading to new insights in how photosensitivity is created on a cellular level.