What Is Rheumatology?

Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology focuses primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Every day, you use your muscles, bones and joints. Whether you’re walking, typing, eating, stretching, or just getting out of bed in the morning, you’re getting help from your body’s connective tissues.

When your musculoskeletal system isn’t working properly, you may need to see a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are physicians who are dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the joints, muscles and bones.

Improving our patients’ quality of life is one of our goals. To help our patients deal with the sometimes debilitating effects of musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders, we offer a variety of treatments and procedures.

Leading Rheumatology Program in Illinois

What does it take to provide better rheumatology care? A patient-centered, integrated approach guided by research and delivered by experts in the field. Specialists Eric M. Ruderman, MD, and Harris R. Perlman, PhD, explain how Northwestern Medicine is leading the way.