Rheumatology Fellowship

The Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital Rheumatology Fellowship Program offers comprehensive, ACGME-accredited training for physicians seeking an exceptional foundation in clinical rheumatology, research and medical education.

 Why choose Scripps?About the Division of RheumatologyResearch opportunitiesConferences and didacticsFellowship outcomesSalary and benefitsHow to apply

Advanced training in autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders

For more than 40 years, the program has trained future leaders in rheumatology through a combination of high-volume clinical experience, personalized mentorship and access to world-class research opportunities. Fellows gain broad exposure to the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases while learning from nationally recognized faculty in one of the country's premier medical and scientific communities.


Graduates leave the program prepared for successful careers in clinical practice, academic medicine, clinical research and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Rheumatology fellow consults with a patient.

Why choose Scripps?

Fellows care for patients with a wide range of autoimmune, inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions across inpatient and outpatient settings. The division manages approximately 3,500 new patient referrals and more than 14,000 return visits annually, providing extensive exposure to both common and complex rheumatologic diseases.

Our faculty are dedicated educators who provide close supervision, individualized career guidance and progressive clinical autonomy throughout fellowship training.

Fellows develop expertise in joint injections, procedures and musculoskeletal ultrasound through hands-on training and dedicated educational experiences.

A longitudinal pediatric rheumatology experience at Rady Children's Hospital–San Diego broadens clinical training and provides exposure to rheumatic diseases across the lifespan.

Protected research time, experienced faculty mentors and proximity to internationally recognized research institutions create an ideal environment for fellows pursuing clinical, translational or basic science research.

Fellows participate in multidisciplinary conferences and educational programs alongside colleagues from UCSD Rheumatology and Scripps Clinic specialists in allergy/immunology, endocrinology, pathology, pulmonology, nephrology, radiology and sports medicine.

Looking for additional program details?

Visit our fellowship information site (link coming soon) for curriculum schedules, rotation details, fellow profiles, research opportunities and applicant resources.

About the Division of Rheumatology

The Division of Rheumatology at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital is a vital component of the Department of Medicine and is comprised of nine faculty members who are recognized clinicians, educators and researchers.


The division has a distinguished history that includes groundbreaking contributions to the identification and characterization of antinuclear antibodies and the original development of cladribine as an anti-lymphocyte therapy. Program faculty leadership has included two past presidents of the American College of Rheumatology.


Faculty care for patients at the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines campus and throughout the Scripps Clinic network across San Diego County. Fellows benefit from access to an integrated electronic health record, advanced imaging systems and coordinated care across ambulatory and hospital settings.

Clinical training is the foundation of the fellowship experience. Throughout the two-year program, fellows serve as the primary physician for their continuity patient panel under the supervision of dedicated faculty preceptors. This longitudinal model fosters progressive responsibility, continuity of care and the development of independent clinical decision-making skills.

Under the supervision of attending rheumatologists, fellows provide inpatient consultation services for patients with complex rheumatologic conditions at Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

The fellowship is based at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines with additional clinical sites throughout San Diego County. Fellows gain experience caring for diverse patient populations while working in a highly collaborative ambulatory environment.


Clinical experiences include:


  • Systemic autoimmune diseases
  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Vasculitis
  • Crystal arthropathies
  • Osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
  • Pediatric rheumatology
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound
  • Joint injections and procedures

Research opportunities

Research is an integral component of fellowship training.


Working closely with experienced investigators, fellows design and conduct original research projects in clinical, quality improvement, translational or basic science disciplines. Research opportunities are tailored to each fellow's interests and career goals.


Scripps Clinic is located within one of the nation's most dynamic biomedical research communities. Nearby institutions include:


  • Scripps Research
  • Scripps Research Translational Institute
  • Salk Institute for Biological Studies
  • Sanford Burnham Prebys
  • University of California San Diego
  • Scripps Center for Orthopedic Research
  • Numerous biotechnology and life sciences companies


Fellows receive protected research time during their first and second year of training to support scholarly activity and academic development.

Conferences and didactics

A robust educational curriculum complements clinical and research training.


Weekly educational experiences include:


  • Rheumatology Grand Rounds
  • Board review sessions
  • Musculoskeletal radiology rounds
  • Journal club
  • Immunology conference
  • Research conference
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound education
  • Core curriculum conferences


Additional collaborative educational opportunities include:


  • Rheumatology Summer Boot Camp with UC San Diego Rheumatology Fellowship Program
  • ACR Guidelines Conference with US San Diego Rheumatology Fellowship Program
  • San Diego Citywide Rheumatology Grand Rounds
  • Bone Metabolism Conference with Endocrinology
  • Interstitial Lung Disease Conference with Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology and Pathology
  • Immunology Boot Camp with the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program
  • Pathology Case Conferences with Nephrology

Faculty

The Division of Rheumatology is comprised of nine dedicated faculty members who are committed to excellence in patient care, education and research.

Fellowship outcomes

Graduates of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program are well prepared for a wide range of career paths in rheumatology and have gone on to successful careers in:


  • Private practice
  • Academic medicine
  • Clinical research
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
  • Medical education and leadership


The program has a strong track record of preparing fellows for board certification, with graduates achieving a 100% board pass rate.


Through comprehensive clinical training, dedicated mentorship and scholarly opportunities, fellows develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen career path and become leaders in the field of rheumatology.

Salary and benefits

Scripps offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support fellows throughout training.


Benefits include:


  • $10,000 housing stipend
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Wellness program incentives
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Long-term disability insurance options
  • Professional liability insurance with tail coverage
  • Annual educational allowance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid parking
  • Hospital-provided lab coats
  • On-site dining facilities
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)


For current salary information, please refer to the annual fellowship compensation schedule.

Applicants interested in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program should apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).


Required application materials include:


  • Completed ERAS application
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, including one from a residency program director
  • Medical school transcript
  • ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
  • USMLE or COMLEX transcript


The Rheumatology Fellowship participates in the National Residency Matching Program Medical Specialties Matching Program (MSMP).

Applicants must:


  • Have completed or expect to complete an ACGME-accredited residency program
  • Meet all licensure and certification requirements
  • Obtain a California Physician's and Surgeon's License and DEA certificate prior to the start of fellowship training


Please note that Scripps Clinic does not sponsor J-1 or H-1 visas.

Learn more about the Rheumatology Fellowship Program


Discover how the Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital Rheumatology Fellowship Program can help you build a rewarding career in rheumatology through outstanding clinical training, dedicated mentorship and meaningful research opportunities.


For additional information about curriculum, rotations, faculty, research opportunities and fellow life, visit our comprehensive fellowship information site (link coming soon).


Contact: Dawn Curtis

Phone: 858-554-3200

Email: curtis.dawn@scrippshealth.org