History of Rheumatology

The Johns Hopkins tradition in rheumatic disease dates back to the turn of the 20^th century with the contributions of its first professor of medicine, Sir William Osler. The divisional structure of the Department of Medicine was established in the 1950s by Dr. A.M. Harvey who appointed Lawrence E. Shulman, M.D., Ph.D. Director (1955-1975) of the Connective Tissue Division. A vigorous and prominent program with pre-and post-doctoral education, clinical research and patient care was developed. Succeeding Dr. Shulman was Dr. Mary Betty Stevens (1975-1987). In the late 1980s, with added emphasis on the basic research component of the Department of Medicine, Dr. John D. Stobo established a co-directorship with Douglas T. Fearon, M.D., Division Director and Director of Research (1987-1993) and David B. Hellmann, M.D., Clinical Director (1987-1992). Dr. Fredrick M. Wigley led the Division from 1992-2002, and was followed by Dr. Antony Rosen.

During its 57-year existence, Rheumatology at Johns Hopkins has been characterized by an abiding focus on outstanding scholarship in the rheumatic diseases, emphasizing and facilitating the vigorous interaction between the molecular and clinical components of the Division. Our commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education remains strong.

The overall goal of the Johns Hopkins Rheumatology Fellowship Program is to train the next generation of leaders in Rheumatology and Medicine. The program recruits, trains and develops the careers of rheumatology scholars, providing trainees with rigorous instruction clinical rheumatology, research methodology and providing the opportunity for pursuing research projects under the mentorship of members of our outstanding faculty. The graduates of this training environment will further our understanding of human rheumatic diseases through their scholarship and teaching.