Advancing Care.
Connecting Experts.
Shaping the Future.
The Southern California Rheumatology Society unites physicians, researchers, and allied health professionals to elevate the standard of rheumatologic care across the region.
2026 Annual Conference
In collaboration with the California Rheumatology Alliance — CRA 22nd Annual Meeting & 4th Annual APP Meeting
Register NowWho We Are
Founded in 1949 by Dr. Carlos Sacasa, the Southern California Rheumatology Society has grown from a small group of dedicated physicians into the region’s leading professional organization for rheumatology.
Originally supported by the Arthritis Foundation, SCRS evolved into an independent 501(c)3 non-profit, driven by the mission to advance rheumatologic care through education, advocacy, and professional connection.
Our members include board-certified rheumatologists, fellows, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals across Southern California.
“A glowing lineage of rheumatologists who have shaped the field across Southern California for over seven decades.”— Southern California Rheumatology Society, Est. 1949
Join the Society
Connect with Southern California’s rheumatology community and access exclusive resources, events, and advocacy opportunities.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
SCRS is grateful for the generous support of our corporate partners who help advance rheumatology care across Southern California.
Committee Members
Meet the dedicated physicians and professionals who guide and govern the Southern California Rheumatology Society.
Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS
Christina Downey, MD, RhMSUS
Kristal Choi, MD, RhMSUS
Sandy Lee, MD
Amy Kehl, MD, RhMSUS
Alexander Peck, DO
Courtney O’Brien, DO, RhMSUS
Karla Criner, MD, RhMSUS
Kiana Taba, MD
Jonathan Dau, MD, RhMSUS
Eric Liu, MD, RhMSUS
Patil Injean, DO
Interested in Serving on a Committee?
SCRS welcomes active members who wish to contribute their expertise and time to our committees.
Quarterly Meetings & Events
SCRS holds at least 4 quarterly meetings per year featuring scientific advances, advocacy updates, professional development, and hands-on training.
Scleroderma – Skin, Lung, and Gut
📅 February 8, 2025
📍 Hilton Los Angeles Culver City
~60 attendees: Fellows, private practice & academic rheumatologists, APPs
Rheumatology Unlocked: Innovations, Guidelines, and Emerging Challenges
In collaboration with the California Rheumatology Alliance (CRA)
📅 May 31 – June 1, 2025
📍 Long Beach Marriott Downtown, Long Beach, CA
~100 attendees: Fellows, private practice & academic rheumatologists, APPs
For further details contact: info@calrheum.org (Shanna Castro, CRA)
Basic–Intermediate Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course
📅 October 4–5, 2025
📍 Anaheim, California
40–50 rheumatology fellows + 20 rheumatological healthcare providers
Crystal & Bones
📅 December 13, 2025
📍 Hilton Los Angeles Culver City
~60 attendees: Fellows, private practice & academic rheumatologists, APPs
History of SCRS
From a small gathering of dedicated physicians in 1949 to a thriving regional society, SCRS has shaped rheumatology in Southern California for over 75 years.
Founding of SCRS
Dr. Carlos Sacasa founds the Southern California Rheumatology Society, becoming its inaugural president.
Arthritis Foundation Partnership
SCRS operates under the support of the Arthritis Foundation, expanding educational programs and hosting the first regional scientific conferences.
Independent Non-Profit Status
SCRS achieves 501(c)3 non-profit status, marking independence from the Arthritis Foundation.
CRA Collaboration Begins
SCRS begins its partnership with the California Rheumatology Alliance, co-hosting the Annual Meeting.
75th Anniversary Celebration
SCRS celebrates 75 years of service with a special anniversary gala and commemorative newsletter.
Legacy Under Dr. Karina Torralba
Pioneer of the SCRS MSK ultrasound course, expanding fellow programs & digital outreach.
Continued Growth Under Dr. Howard Yang
SCRS expands digital resources and hosts the 2026 Annual Conference at The Westin South Coast Plaza.
Years of Excellence
For over seven decades, SCRS has been the home of rheumatology in Southern California.
Our Mission
To advance the care of patients with rheumatic diseases in Southern California by providing education, advocacy, and professional development opportunities.
Past Presidents of SCRS
| Year(s) Served | Name | Institution | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949–1952 | Dr. Carlos Sacasa | Founder | Founded SCRS; established foundational governance |
| 1952–1956 | Dr. Carl Pearson | UCLA | Pioneered research in inflammatory myopathies |
| 1956–1960 | Dr. George Friou | Scripps Research Institute | First to develop ANA immunofluorescence test |
| 1960–1966 | Dr. Edmund Dubois | USC Keck | Authored seminal Dubois’ Lupus Erythematosus textbook |
| 1966–1972 | Dr. James Klinenberg | Cedars-Sinai | Advanced gout and hyperuricemia research |
| 1972–1980 | Dr. Harold Paulus | UCLA | Led SCRS through independence from Arthritis Foundation |
| 1980–1990 | Dr. Francisco Quismorio Jr. | USC Keck | Expanded lupus research and education programs |
| 1990–2000 | Dr. Swamy Venuturupalli | Cedars-Sinai | Launched integrative rheumatology initiatives |
| 2000–2008 | Dr. Robin Dore | Private Practice, Anaheim | Strengthened private practice advocacy |
| 2008–2014 | Dr. Daniel Furst | UCLA | Expanded SCRS scientific programming and CRA collaboration |
| 2014–2018 | Dr. Karen Marzan | Children’s Hospital LA | First pediatric rheumatologist to lead SCRS |
| 2018–2021 | Dr. Samy Metyas | Crestwood Medical Center | Navigated SCRS through the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021–2023 | Dr. Rhina Castillo | Cedars-Sinai | Led post-pandemic recovery and digital transformation |
| 2023–2024 | Dr. Anne Quismorio | Huntington Memorial | Spearheaded 75th anniversary celebration initiatives |
| 2025–Present | Dr. Karina Torralba | Loma Linda University | Current President; expanding fellow programs & digital outreach |
Apply to Join SCRS
Become part of Southern California’s premier rheumatology society. Membership is free for all applicants.
Membership Application Form
All fields are required unless marked optional. Applications are reviewed within 5–7 business days.
Membership Type
Upcoming Events
Join us at our 2026 quarterly meetings across Southern California — featuring cutting-edge rheumatology education, hands-on training, and networking.
Questions or Registration Help?
Contact us at scrs@srahec.org or call (386) 462-1551 for more information.
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