Welcome to the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology

Letter from the Director

T. Brent Graham, MD

Our division is committed to excellence in patient care, education and research in pediatric rheumatology. Our mission is to improve care for children with rheumatic diseases through clinical excellence, outreach, quality improvement and discovery, while training the physicians and scientists who will advance this work for years to come.

Our faculty’s interests span the full spectrum of pediatric rheumatology. See the list below.

  • Systemic lupus erythematosusMedication adherence
    DermatomyositisQuality improvement
    Autoimmune encephalopathyOptimizing transition to adult care
    Fibromyalgia and amplified musculoskeletal painEducation in rheumatic disease
    Mental health in rheumatic disease 

We actively collaborate with the  Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (PRCSG). We have active clinical research programs in systemic lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, dermatomyositis and mental health. Dr. Lisa Buckley and Dr. Alaina Davis are experts in quality improvement who guide clinical quality improvement in the division as well as education in quality improvement within and outside the division. Dr. Anna Patrick has developed a strong program in investigating lymphocyte biology in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is actively involved in leading translational research initiatives in pediatric rheumatology at the national level.

Pediatrician listening to a baby's heart

Education and training are central to our mission. We are deeply involved in teaching medical students, residents and fellows. Since 2013, 11 VUMC residents have entered pediatric rheumatology training programs. Our fellowship graduates have pursued academic careers across the Southeast and Midwest, with roles in clinical care, education and research; two graduates have completed combined fellowships in pediatric and adult rheumatology. We remain committed to helping address the national shortage of pediatric rheumatologists.

To expand access to specialized care, we hold regular clinics in eight locations across the state, from Knoxville in the east to Jackson in the west. Because pediatric rheumatologists are rare, this outreach is an essential part of our mission and helps ensure that more children can receive the care they need closer to home.

I invite you to explore our website to learn more about the division and to contact us regarding opportunities for education, training and collaboration.

Best regards,

T. Brent Graham, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Division Director, Pediatric Rheumatology
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Contact the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology

Mailing Address
Division of Rheumatology
2141 Blakemore Ave.
Suite 150
Nashville, TN 37212

Administrative Phone: (615) 322-4883

For Patients and Families

Visit our website for patient care or call (615) 322-4397 for more information or to make an appointment with one of our physicians.