Message from the Division Chief

Building on a five-decade history of excellence, today’s Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology performs outstanding work in the rheumatic diseases in the form of care to patients, the discovery of novel treatments and the training of future doctors.

Our faculty of master clinicians provide diagnosis and treatment to patients with the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases from throughout South Texas. We provide both ongoing care as well as consultative services at the clinical facilities of UT Medicine, the University Health System and the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center. In addition to our general rheumatology clinics, we have specialized clinics focused on the management of systemic lupus erythematosus and hard-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Building on our research into the outcomes and comorbidities of rheumatoid arthritis, our current research is focused on testing innovative therapies for systemic lupus, Sjogren’s disease, and the spondyloarthropathies, among other conditions.

The rheumatology division has long history of training rheumatologists. Our graduates provide care to rheumatic disease patients throughout the U.S.  We also participate in the training of internal medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation residents, as well as medical students.

Agustin Escalante, M.D.

Professor and Chief
Division of Rheumatology