Section investigators are at the cutting edge of multiple clinical and methodologic fields. Large ongoing collaborative studies and trials are investigating systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory myositis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, as well as crystal-induced arthritis (such as gout and pseudogout), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and Lyme disease. Clinical, translational, and epidemiologic studies led by BWH Rheumatology Section of Clinical Sciences are identifying risk factors for these diseases, studying disparities in their diagnosis and treatment, comparing therapeutic options, examining medical comorbidities, and testing ways to improve outcomes for people living with these conditions. We are using genetics and genomics, novel biomarkers, newly developed and validated surveys and qualitative methods, bioinformatics, electronic health records, machine learning and advanced statistical techniques. We are mentoring the next generation of rheumatology clinical investigators and engaging them in-depth firsthand research experiences and training.
