Marisa Klein-Gitelman, MD Division Head, Rheumatology

The Division of Rheumatology at Children's Memorial Hospital provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for children who have problems involving their musculoskeletal system. In addition to providing family education, identifying support services and coordinating with home health to facilitate treatment, members of the division are engaged in research that has fostered new approaches to both diagnosis and treatment.

Division members are leaders in specific areas of pediatric rheumatic disease, and together they serve as a national and international resource. Some of the joint and muscle diseases that are autoimmune in nature are juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmune diseases are those in which the body mistakes good cells for foreign and attacks them.

The rheumatology division is well known for its significant research and academic contributions. In fact, children throughout the nation and elsewhere are referred to our division for evaluation and care. In addition to the special programs for JDM and Lupus, there are also facilities for the care of children with a variety of other pediatric rheumatic disorders.

Dr. Marisa Klein-Gitelman oversees the care of children with systemic lupus, Dr. Lauren Pachman is internationally recongnized for her research and care of children with JDM, Dr. Michael Miller has a special interest in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Dr. Charles Sisung has expertize in rehabilitation of children with rheumatic diseases and pain syndromes. Within the team of clinicians, at least one member is board certified in each of the following subspecialties: pediatric dermatology, immunology/allergy, pediatric rheumatology and pediatric physiatry.