Department of Pediatric Rheumatology
Pediatric Rheumatology at Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA
The Department of Pediatric Rheumatology serves children with a variety of rheumatic diseases that involve multiple organ systems, especially the muscloskeletal system. Rheumatic diseases are frequently associated with dysregulation of the immune system resulting in inflammation and autoimmunity. The Pediatric Rheumatologists at UCLA care for patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, and many other rheumatic diseases. UCLA has one of the most rapidly growing rheumatology departments in all of California.
UCLA is also designated as a comprehensive California Children’s Services (CCS) center for treating children with rheumatologic disorders. Children with chronic rheumatic diseases may qualify for CCS and are followed by a team of healthcare providers including Rheumatologists, a designated CCS nurse, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and a pediatric nutritionist. By using a team approach, pediatric rheumatology patients at UCLA receive complete care in a single clinic setting. In addition, UCLA offers a monthly Lupus Clinic for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and kidney involvement, where patients are seen by both the Pediatric Rheumatologist and Pediatric Nephrologists at the same visit.
The Pediatric Rheumatology division is working with the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation to establish meetings and other support activities including phone lists and internet services for patients with arthritis (i.e. JRA, ankylosing spondylitis) and lupus.
The Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship training program was started in 2004 and is a three year program accredited by the American Board of Pediatrics. The program consists of one year of intense clinical training followed by two years of research and continuity care clinics. Upon completion of their three years, fellows are eligible to sit for the American Board of Pediatrics Rheumatology certification exam.
Center of Excellence
The goal of the UCLA Center of Excellence in Pediatric Rheumatology is to coordinate clinical care, education and research in Pediatric Rheumatology at UCLA. We strive to promote academic leadership by Pediatric Rheumatologists, and to serve as a national model for academic Pediatric Rheumatology Centers.
Our first goal is to provide excellent patient care. UCLA serves one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the nation with many of the populations represented having an increased incidence of rheumatic diseases. Pediatric Rheumatology offers a comprehensive program for children with Rheumatic Diseases and provides consultation with other medical and surgical sub-specialties as needed.
The clinical setting provides a varied experience for medical students, residents, and fellows to see the diversity and complexity of Rheumatic Diseases in the pediatric patient. In addition, lectures and curricular materials are provided during rotations that cover the essential features of Rheumatic Diseases and the dynamic advances being made in pathogenesis and treatments for these conditions.
UCLA is recognized as a national leader in research. Research profits from strong ties between the schools of medicine, public health, basic research laboratories, and the participation of many internationally recognized scientists in diverse areas of investigation. There is collaboration between adult and pediatric rheumatology with opportunities for basic science and clinical research in genetics, immunology and immune regualtion, and inflammation. Clinical studies include treatment protocols and epidemiology.
The UCLA National Center of Excellence in Pediatric Rheumatology website provides the following information:
- Information about the comprehensive and specialty health care for pediatric patients with Rheumatic Diseases available through UCLA
- Profiles of the staff involved with pediatric rheumatology patients
- Medical information, including links to other website resources on aspects of Pediatric Rheumatology
- Information for pediatric rheumatology fellowship applicants, including an application form
- Information about our clinic including phone numbers, location, parking, what to bring to bring to your first visit, and how to get a hold of our doctors after hours