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          Labs @ NIAMS
          Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program





Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program A diverse group of young medical students

        Rheumatology Fellowship Training  Program
                              We provide a genuine growth experience for our trainees that advances your independent research career, within and outside the NIH.
  
  Welcome to the Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program at the National Institutes of Health.

Here, you will find information about our ACGME-accredited fellowship program in rheumatology and details of the advanced training in our Scholars in Translational Research program. Read profiles of our internationally renowned faculty in rheumatology, immunology, and musculoskeletal research, and discover cutting-edge clinical studies at the NIH.

Our training programs are fully funded by the Intramural Research Programof the NIH.
      Home
	How to Apply
	Current Fellows
	Faculty and Staff
	AlumniAccredited thru the NIH Clinical Center / Children's National Medical Center



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              ACGME Logo
              Overview
      
  

      For more than 50 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Program (IRP) and Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, together have been a leading force in rheumatology training and research. NIH laboratories and clinical investigators have made pioneering discoveries about the genetic causes and pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, laying the foundation for new therapies.

Several generations of fellows have completed the NIH Fellowship Training Program in Rheumatology. Many of our alums are now internationally recognized basic or translational research rheumatologists.

Hosted in the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) since the Institute's founding in 1986, rheumatology training and research have grown to encompass laboratories and clinical programs in other institutes as well.



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              Group of medical students and their mentor gathered around a patient.


Broad Goals of the Program

Diagnose/manage rheumatologic diseases.
	Develop expertise in normal vs. abnormal immune function.
	Understand and gain comfort with glucocorticoids and steroid sparing treatments.
	Hone critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
	Take great care of patients.
	Grow your leadership skills, work well in teams, prep for your career journey.
	Develop next generation of leaders in research.
              
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              Headshots of four program alumni.
      **Meet Previous Program Fellows**

Featured Alumni
              Why Choose NIH?
              Fellows typically train at the NIH to become excellent clinical rheumatologists experienced in managing both common and complex rheumatologic diseases, including rare and orphan diseases. Fellows also choose our program to develop the research skills necessary to become independent investigators or academic rheumatologists.

We also offer opportunities for training in pediatric rheumatology through our collaboration with Children's National Hospital.

Throughout the training, fellows experience cutting-edge science, disease discovery, and immunologic advancements with opportunities to learn from world renowned experts in immunology and clinical rheumatology.

In addition, there are opportunities to supplement training at other rheumatology programs within the DC/Metro area to gain experience with a broad spectrum of diseases in different clinical environments.
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              The South Building of the NIH Clinical Center, shown with a large sign on the pathway in the foreground.
              Opportunities for Advancement

Scholars in Translational Research Program
	Fellows graduating from rheumatology programs have opportunities for additional training within the NIAMS Scholars in Translational Research Program. This program gives outstanding candidates advanced training in rheumatology, dermatology, and related fields in genetics, immunology, and inflammation biology upon completing adult or pediatric fellowships in rheumatology or dermatology. The purpose of this program is to serve as a bridge to progress toward independently funded positions.
 



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              Doctor with a child patient holding up an x-ray image
      A History of Discovery at NIAMS

First use of methotrexate for arthritis
	First use of cyclophosphamide for lupus
	Cloning of Fc receptor and dissection of signal
	Deciphering structure of the herpes virus
	Discovery of nucleic acid sensing and Toll receptors
	Defining the term autoinflammatory diseases
	Elucidating components of the JAK-STAT pathway and development of JAKinibs
	Regulation of Immunoglobulin Class switching
	Unraveling the role of HLA-B27 and mechanisms of spondyloarthritis
	Defining neutrophil dysregulation in lupus
	Discovery of statin myopathy
	Discovery of VEXAS syndrome
              APPLY TO THE PROGRAM TODAY
              Course Structure
      
  

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              PET scan of a patient showing the vascular system and highlighting areas of inflammation.

**Credit** NIAMS


Clinical Care at the Cutting Edge

Translational groups working at the NIAMS use cutting-edge clinical and research tools to advance the clinical understanding of complex diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and various forms of vasculitis. For example, advanced molecular imaging techniques visualize inflammation for research purposes, and clinical fellows participate in the work necessary to translate these discoveries into clinical application.

Away Rotations

In the first two years of the fellowship, our fellows participate in one-month away electives at local hospitals. They learn inpatient rheumatology in academic settings outside of the NIH and gain exposure to a broader group of colleagues and educators.

Georgetown University Hospital: *one month inpatient elective in Year 1*
	Johns Hopkins University Hospital: *one-month inpatient elective in Year 2*Image
              Medical students in a class, one with a hand raised.


Educational Activities

Fellows participate in a structured educational curriculum that includes a series of different educational activities, including hands-on training in physical examination, arthrocentesis, ultrasonography, and weekly case-based learning sessions. Fellows also participate in Institute-Wide educational activities, including the weekly Grand Rounds and Translational Journal Club and the annual NIAMS Scientific Retreat.

*First Year*

DC-wide emergency lecture series
	Weekly didactics (faculty led), case conference, grand rounds, journal club, lectures and visiting speakers
	In-patient consult (approximately 4 months)
	Outpatient clinics
	Community health clinic
	Specialty clinics (Sjögrens, periodic fever, autoinflammatory disease, vasculitis, lupus, myositis)
	Away rotation (Georgetown University x 1 month)
	Exploration of research opportunities, including research retreat
	Attend one scientific conference in the 1st year*Second Year*

Research - protocol development and implementation, initiation of bench projects, formal training
	Continuity clinic
	Specialty clinics
	Away elective (Johns Hopkins University)
	Inpatient consult (approximately 1-2 months)*Third Year*

Research
	Continuity clinic
	Inpatient consult (1-2 weeks)Friday Education Day

Every Friday fellows participate in structured learning sessions.

Case-Based learning
	NIAMS Rheumatology Grand Rounds
	Translational Journal Club
              Research and Mentorship
      
  

      A faculty-led research committee works with each fellow from the onset of fellowship to identify an appropriate research mentor and provide advice to develop a research project during fellowship. In addition, all fellows participate in our annual Scientific Retreat.



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              Covers of previous retreat brochures in a stack.


Annual NIAMS Retreat

Two-day annual research retreat
	Invited gurus
	Opportunities to interact and present work
	Abstract and poster presentations with faculty and senior fellows
              
              Photo of Sandra Williams against a blurred background
              
        It’s wonderful that NIAMS supports collaborative research across institutes.
      Photo of Brian Dizon against a blurred background.
              
        My training helped identify knowledge gaps and address them through cutting-edge research.
      Female student in a lab holding a flask
              
        The environment is incredibly supportive, with so many opportunities.
              Program Administration
      
  

      At the NIAMS we have an active culture and extensive resources that encourage career development. Our mission is to provide you, the trainee, with access to educational resources and career development services that enhance and complement your biomedical research training.



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              A middle aged man in a lab coat, smiling.

**Paul DeMarco**

*Fellowship Director* ‌‌​‌

Well versed in academic and private practice, Dr. DeMarco infuses clinical trials techniques and rheumatologic ultrasound training into the fellowship experience.

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              Headshot of a female medical professional with long, dark hair.

**Kaitlin Quinn**

*Associate Director* ‌‌​‌

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Quinn provides trainees with access to resources and services to enhance and complement their biomedical research training.

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              Photo of Ronnie Gladney

**Ronnie Gladney**

*Program Coordinator* ‌‌​‌

Ronnie serves as a liaison and administrator for our trainees and actively manages numerous student activities.
              APPLY TO THE PROGRAM TODAY


Last Updated: June 2023


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