Our Mission:
- To promote the practice of rheumatology in Southern California.
- To improve the education of rheumatology physicians, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs),
and trainees on the latest and most relevant advances in rheumatic disease management. - To advocate for access to quality patient care.
SCRS holds a membership of at least 700 rheumatologists from Southern California. We have also engaged with the academic programs within Southern California to provide training in rheumatologic ultrasound, venues for fellows to enjoy camaraderie across programs, and forums for discussion related to career advancement. For each of our programs, we expect at least 60 participants – including fellows and academic faculty of at least ten rheumatology divisions in Southern California (UCLA, USC, UCI, Loma Linda University, UCSD, Scripps, Cedars Sinai, Olive View-UCLA, CHLA, UCLA-Peds), clinical practice providers as part of large health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, and private practice providers (physicians and APPs).
Board President: Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS, UCLA, Santa Monica
SCRS Program Committee: Christina Downey, MD, RhMSUS, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda | Kristal Choi, MD, RhMSUS, UCLA, Santa Monica | Sandy Lee, MD, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Medical Center – Monterey Park and La Palma
Member Engagement Subcommittee:
Chair of Member Communication – Amy Kehl, MD, RhMSUS, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles.
Chair of Digital Media and Outreach – Alexander Peck, DO, Pacific Arthritis, Santa Monica.
Scientific Subcommittee:
Chair of Research and Innovation – Courtney O’Brien, DO, RhMSUS, UCLA Simi Valley.
Chair of Education and Clinical Programs: Karla Criner, MD, RhMSUS, UCLA Torrance.
Advocacy Subcommittee:
Chair of Advocacy and Policy – Kiana Taba, MD, Newport Beach.
Finance Subcommittee:
Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Subcommittee – Jonathan Dau, MD, RhMSUS, Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach
Fellows Advisory Subcommittee:
Chair of Fellow Engagement – Eric Liu, MD, RhMSUS, UCLA Pasadena/Burbank
Chair of Fellow Development and Mentorship – Patil Injean, DO, Kaiser Sunset.