Rheumatology Fellowship
The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Rheumatology Fellowship Program offers comprehensive training — including combined training in both adult and pediatric rheumatology — providing broad clinical and research experience and career advantage.
A Message From the Program Director
Welcome to the Rheumatology Fellowship Program.
Our fellowship provides a comprehensive and rigorous training experience that prepares physicians to excel in the field of rheumatology. We are committed to fostering clinical excellence, intellectual curiosity and professional development within a structured and supportive academic environment.
Fellows at Saint Louis University benefit from extensive clinical exposure to a diverse patient population, encompassing the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including complex and uncommon conditions. This breadth of experience, combined with close faculty mentorship, allows fellows to develop advanced clinical reasoning, procedural skills and a high level of diagnostic proficiency.
In addition to clinical training, the program offers meaningful opportunities for scholarly activity, including clinical research, as well as participation in quality improvement initiatives. For those with a strong interest in academic medicine, a dedicated clinician-educator pathway supports the development of teaching skills and educational scholarship.
Our overarching objective is to graduate rheumatologists who are exceptionally well-trained, clinically confident and fully prepared for independent practice. Whether pursuing careers in academic medicine or community practice, our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, professionalism and adaptability required to succeed in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.
We take pride in cultivating a collegial and professional environment that emphasizes mentorship, accountability and continuous learning. We invite applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care, academic excellence and the advancement of rheumatology.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Muhammad Zaheer, M.D.
Program director
Program Overview
The two-year, ACGME-accredited rheumatology fellowship offers a comprehensive curriculum, diverse clinical rotations and opportunities for transformative research.
Fellows rotate through inpatient and outpatient settings at the following sites:
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
- SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
- Specialty clinics
The program features dynamic conferences covering arthritis and immunology; musculoskeletal radiology; immunology basic science; complex clinical case reviews; journal club; research; and preparation for board certification. Dedicated, enthusiastic faculty work to improve and innovate the curriculum each year.
The program also offers four years of combined adult-pediatric fellowship training in conjunction with the division's three-year pediatric rheumatology training program.
Explore Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Training
Program Highlights
- Highly regarded program with distinguished faculty
- Combined medicine-pediatric training
- Mentored research and robust research funding
- Interprofessional education
Current Fellows
Marwa Ahmed, M.D.
Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Medical school: University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine
In her free time, Marwa Ahmed loves capturing nature through photography, playing Sudoku and spending time with her family.
Reynaldo Gomez, M.D.
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Medical school: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
Reynaldo Gomez was born in Venezuela and came to St. Louis as a child, where he was raised for most of his life. He has been interested in rheumatology since medical school because of the complex cases and continuity of patient care.
In his free time, Gomez likes to go on runs around Forest Park and go out with friends to try new St. Louis restaurants.
Tatevik Aloyan, M.D.
Residency: Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago
Medical school: Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia
Ahmad Al Tumizi, D.O.
Residency: Charleston Area Medical Center
Medical school: West Viginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Apply
The fellowship program has two available positions each year.
The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
Review the GME Application Process
About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program
SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.