Rheumatology

Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg in the lab

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.

Today, our division is made up of nearly 70 faculty members and is internationally recognized for excellence in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. 

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.

Welcome from the Chief
Meet Dr John Varga, MD, Chief of Rheumatology
USNWR 26-27 Rheumatology Badge

Nationally Ranked in Rheumatology

U-M Health has been recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals for rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. 

Learn more about our U.S. News rankings

Stay Connected With Internal Medicine

Featured News & Stories

 See all news Dr. Madison
Department News

Faculty Spotlight: Jacqueline Madison Advances Care for Patients with Autoimmune Disease

For Jacqueline Madison, MD, a career in rheumatology began with an early lesson in the power of long-term, relationship-centered care.
 scratching arm pink sweater in living room teal couch
Health Lab

A metabolic “switch” that could help reset scar-producing cells in scleroderma

Researchers at University of Michigan Health and collaborating institutions have identified a metabolic enzyme that may offer a fundamentally new way to attack one of the most difficult-to-treat features of systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma: progressive and potentially life threatening tissue scarring.
 graphic of red green orange blue close up of inside of body and insides shaking
Health Lab

Pain, psychological factors and physical function closely linked in people with systemic sclerosis

For many people living with chronic conditions like systemic sclerosis, pain can be persistent, unpredictable, and difficult to manage leading to a strong impact on a patient’s mental health.
 Sara McCoy
Department News

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sara McCoy

For Dr. McCoy, a career in rheumatology is deeply personal. Diagnosed with a rheumatic disease as a child, Dr. McCoy experienced firsthand the difference that effective treatment can make. That experience ultimately shaped a career focused on improving care and developing new treatment options for patients living with Sjögren’s disease.
 woman in michigan sweatshirt zipped up holding tomato smiling with hat on in green farm
Health Lab

Rheumatologist finds contentment and community through family farm

A U-M rheumatologist finds contentment and community through family farming.
 Photo of U of M Hospital with the 2026-27 US News & World Report badge
Department News

7 Internal Medicine Specialties Nationally Recognized in USNWR Rankings

The Department of Internal Medicine was recognized in seven specialties in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

Rheumatology Internal Website

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

Rheumatology Intranet