Rheumatology Conditions

Pediatric rheumatology patient smiling during visit at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

WHAT IS RHEUMATOLOGY?

Arthritis, which means inflammation of a joint (where two or more bones meet), actually refers to more than 100 different conditions that all fall into the category of rheumatology. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are diagnosed by stiffness, swelling, pain and limited movement in joints and other supporting body structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and bones. Scottish Rite for Children's Rheumatology clinic treats children with conditions that can cause inflammation in many different parts of the body.

Meet Our Experts

Tracey B. Wright, M.D.

Chief of Pediatric Rheumatology

Julie M. Fuller, M.D.

Staff Rheumatologist

Lorien A. Nassi, M.D.

Staff Rheumatologist

Elizabeth E. Sloan, M.D.

Staff Rheumatologist

Stephanie Armendariz, APRN, FNP-C

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

LEARN MORE

Pediatric Rheumatology & Scottish Rite for Children

Scottish Rite for Children's extensive experience and recognized expertise is continually enhanced with advanced research to offer accurate diagnostic services and effective pediatric rheumatoid arthritis treatments that make a difference in the lives of our patients.

The Rheumatology clinic is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier clinical treatment and research centers for rheumatic conditions.

OUR RHEUMATOLOGY TEAM

The rheumatology team at Scottish Rite for Children includes board-certified pediatric rheumatologists, making it one of the only clinics of its kind in North Texas. They monitor the progress of approximately 1,500 pediatric rheumatology patients.

RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Scottish Rite for Children's Rheumatology clinic is actively researching advanced treatment methods for a variety of rheumatic conditions. Collaboration with Virginia Pascual, M.D., from UT Southwestern Medical Center, has led to innovative treatments for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. All of our Rheumatology physicians are active members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and participate in the national registry and other research protocols.

Scottish Rite is committed to improving patient care through its professional training programs. Our teaching program, one of only 35 in the country, allows fellows to train with our pediatric Rheumatology team and contribute to the department’s research advances.

Rheumatology COVID-19 Return to School Resources Page

Many of the patients we serve have unique medical conditions or are on certain medications that may change their risk of complications in the setting of the SARS-CoV2 infection. This problem has caused many to have concerns and questions about how to handle the beginning of school. In order to help provide guidance, we have gathered information from several of our specialists in the Rheumatology clinic to address these concerns and questions. Please remember to speak to your providers about the specifics of your child’s care.

Click here for more information that was created by your care team.