Founded in 1971, the Division of Rheumatology at Lurie Children's provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for children who have rheumatologic associated musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions. Our team of experts is the largest in Illinois. We provide coordinated care through our multidisciplinary clinics for a variety of conditions.

Our multidisciplinary specialists include:

  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Nurse Practitioners​
  • Social workers
  • Laboratory technicians (for vascular disease testing)

Approach 

We have a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to care, that uses specialized and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. To help provide our patients with the best and most comprehensive care possible, we also work collaboratively with experts in the areas pediatric dermatologyallergy and immunologykidney diseasesradiologyneurologyorthopedics and sports medicine, and rehabilitation.

Nationally-Ranked Care

Lurie Children’s continues to be the #1 children's hospital in Illinois and is ranked in 11 specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

Conditions We Treat

Our physicians are at the forefront of advances in treatment to ensure they provide our patients with the best care possible. We take specialized and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and treatment. The following is a list of some of the conditions we treat.

Pediatric Rheumatology Specialists

Our team of specialists is led by Marisa Klein-Gitelman, MD, MS​,​ who has served as the division head since 2002. Together they treat a variety of childhood rheumatic diseases. Dr. Klein-Gitelman has expertise in pediatric lupus, vasculitis, uveitis and neuro inflammatory diseases. Special areas of expertise for Deirdre De Ranieri, MD, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and musculoskeletal ultrasound; and Brian Nolan, MD, in periodic fevers, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), autoinflammatory disease, and syndromes of immune dysregulation. Megan Hiskey MSN, APN,​ is our advancded practice nurse whose areas of expertise are JIA, lupus, uveitis, and other musculoskeletal diseases.

Our multidisciplinary specialists include:

Marisa S. Klein-Gitelman, MD

Marisa S. Klein-Gitelman, MD

Division Head, Rheumatology

Angela C. Chun, MD

Attending Physician, Rheumatology

Deirdre De Ranieri, MD

Attending Physician, Rheumatology

Brian E. Nolan, MD

Attending Physician, Rheumatology

Pooja N. Patel, DO

Director of Clinical Services, Rheumatology

Megan L. Hiskey, APRN-NP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Rheumatology

Lauren G. Witt, APRN-NP, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Rheumatology

Make an Appointment

We offer easy online scheduling for your child's rheumatology needs. 

Our Locations

Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Arlington Heights

Busse Center for Specialty Medicine
880 W. Central Rd, Ste 6400
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
312.227.5410

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Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in New Lenox

1870 N. Silver Cross Blvd. (formerly Clinton Street)
Suite 100
New Lenox, Illinois 60451
312.227.3620

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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

225 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000

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Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park

2515 N. Clark Street/467 W. Deming Place
Chicago, Illinois 60614-3393
1.800.543.7362

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Lurie Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center in Skokie

3722 W. Touhy Avenue
Skokie, Illinois 60076
312.227.5600

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Research

The Division of Rheumatology is engaged in research targeted to improve quality and outcomes for children who live with autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders including childhood forms of arthritis, lupus and vasculitis.

Rheumatology News & Stories

Orchestra Aficionado Zachary Overcomes Rare Disease Struggles Through Symphony

For Zachary, two things have been constants in his life from a young age: his passion for music and an unfortunate series of health challenges. 

Read more

Chicago's Top Doctors for Kids

Several Lurie Children's providers were recognized in Chicago magazine's Top Doctors for Kids list

Read more

One in One Million – Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

In February 2017, Kate became one in a million. She was diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), a very rare neurological disorder.

Read more

Fellowsh​ips

Keeping with our belief that quality education is inseparable from our quality patient care, we partner with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to train tomorrow’s leading pediatric physicians. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Feinberg School of Medicine, we offer several opportunities for residents to further their education in a pediatric specialty.

The Division of Rheumatology offers a three-year ACGME accredited fellowship training program in pediatric rheumatology. The first year of fellowship is weighted toward clinical training; in the second and third years, the majority of time is spent on research training and execution. Fellowship applicants must complete an ACGME-approved residency in pediatrics from a US based institution before entering our program. For more information on the program or to learn how to apply, please review the Rheumatology Fellowship information on the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics website.

Philanth​ropy

Your support is ​important in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children’s relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please contact the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org, call 312.227.7500 or make a gift today.