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.
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1949
Founding of SCRS
Dr. Carlos Sacasa founds the Southern California Rheumatology Society, becoming its inaugural president.
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1950s–60s
Arthritis Foundation Partnership
SCRS operates under the support of the Arthritis Foundation, expanding educational programs and hosting the first regional scientific conferences.
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1970s
Independent Non-Profit Status
SCRS achieves 501(c)(3) non-profit status, marking independence from the Arthritis Foundation.
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2000s
CRA Collaboration Begins
SCRS begins its partnership with the California Rheumatology Alliance, co-hosting the Annual Meeting.
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2024
75th Anniversary Celebration
SCRS celebrates 75 years of service with a special anniversary gala and commemorative newsletter.
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2024–25
Legacy Under Dr. Karina Torralba
Pioneer of the SCRS MSK ultrasound course, expanding fellow programs and digital outreach.
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2025–26
Continued Growth Under Dr. Howard Yang
Under Dr. Yang’s leadership, SCRS has grown into one of Southern California’s most active rheumatology societies, forging partnerships with organizations such as the California Rheumatology Alliance to bring together practicing rheumatologists and fellows in training through collaborative conferences, education, and community-building across the region.
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 |
| 1990–1991 | Dr. Rodanth Kitridou | USC | Pioneering female rheumatologist and trailblazer; champion of lupus research and women in medicine |
| 1991–1998 | Dr. Swamy Venuturupalli | Cedars-Sinai | Launched integrative rheumatology initiatives |
| 1998–2000 | Dr. Orrin Troum | USC / St. John’s | Pioneer of extremity MRI in the US for inflammatory arthritis; Past President of ISEMR |
| 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 |
| 2024–2025 | Dr. Karina Torralba | Loma Linda University | Expanded fellow programs and digital outreach |
| 2025–Present | Dr. Howard Yang | UCLA | Current President |