Fellowship Program

The Rheumatic Diseases Division offers continuing learning and training opportunities.

• The Rheumatology Fellowship Program is designed to provide a comprehensive experience for persons interested in careers in academic and clinical rheumatology.  The clinical training requirements are met in the first two years of fellowship.  Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in more substantial basic or clinical research projects that will involve additional years of training.  We provide clinical training in outpatient clinics and inpatient consultation services at Parkland Hospital, Zale Lipshy University Hospital, and the Dallas VA Medical Center.  In addition to hands-on clinical experience, trainees attend a number of formal teaching conferences on various aspects of rheumatic diseases. 
• For individuals interested in combined training in adult and pediatric rheumatology, we offer a mixed program with clinical training in pediatric rheumatology at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and Children's Medical Center. 
• Research is a major emphasis of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program, which offers the opportunity for in-depth research in molecular biology and cellular immunology as well as patient-oriented research.  Fellows interested in a career in clinical research are encouraged to obtain formal training (leading to a Certificate or PMH degree) offered at UT Southwestern.

For information and application, please contact Theresa.Stencer@utsouthwestern.edu.

Salahuddin Kazi, M.B.B.S.
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology Fellowship Program Director
c/o Theresa Stencer
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX  75390-8884

Arthritis Educator Program

The Arthritis Educator Program is an innovative program in which patients with rheumatic diseases are trained to guide health care professionals through the evaluation of musculoskeletal disease. The Program helps medical students develop and health care professionals improve their ability to perform an examination of the musculoskeletal system. This program places the patient at the center of the educational process and reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating rheumatic diseases and provides the following:

• Review of the musculoskeletal examination with a hands-on opportunity to perform the exam on a person with arthritis.
• Immediate feedback on the quality of the examination and general evaluation skills.
• Review of range of motion and function tests.
• Opportunity to improve diagnostic skills through a review of disease abnormalities.
• Review of history-taking and interview techniques.

The Arthritis Educators also provide peer support and education to patients attending the Arthritis Clinic at Parkland Hospital. In preparation for this, Arthritis Educators are trained in several areas of arthritis education, including exercise, nutrition, joint protection, energy conservation, pain management, relaxation techniques, psychosocial issues, and listening skills. Since the Program was first developed at UT Southwestern over 10 years ago, it has been exported to institutions all over the world.

If you would like more information about the Arthritis Educator Program, please contact Valerie Branch at 214-648-2018 or Valerie.Branch@utsouthwestern.edu.

Continuing Medical Education

Continuing Medical Education opportunities are available throughout the year through scientific symposiums and lecture programs.