Rheumatology Program

At National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, our rheumatologists provide expert, personalized care for people living with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Each year, we help hundreds of patients from across the United States: 

  • Manage their disease
  • Achieve remission when possible
  • Protect their long-term health
  • Live fuller, more active lives

Our whole-person approach to care combines advanced treatments with an understanding of the everyday challenges that can come with chronic illness. Through individualized care and ongoing support, we help patients navigate their condition with confidence and improve their overall quality of life.

Rheumatology Program Highlights

  • Nationally recognized care center for Scleroderma and Sjögren’s disease
  • Rheumatologists recognized as 5280 Magazine and Castle Connolly Top Doctors
  • One of the only programs in Denver that uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to diagnose conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints in real-time
  • Advanced diagnostic and treatment options for autoimmune conditions
  • Access to the latest clinical trials
  • Onsite injection clinic
  • Bone Health clinic
  • Specialized pulmonary and physical rehabilitation programs
  • Patient education and support groups

Personalized Medicine and Care

Living with an autoimmune disease can affect every aspect of your life. Your rheumatologist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan designed to: 

  • Meet your personal goals
  • Manage symptoms
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Slow disease progression
  • Support lasting remission whenever possible

You'll also receive guidance on nutrition, sleep, physical activity and other healthy habits that can help you stay active and maintain your quality of life.

Our rheumatologists treat a wide range of autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, including:

When your condition affects multiple parts of your body, you'll benefit from coordinated care across specialties. Our collaborative approach helps ensure every aspect of your health is considered, making it easier to navigate complex care and achieve better outcomes.


Doctors

  • Vivianne Allsop

    Vivianne Allsop, MD

  • Luz D. Cowell

    Luz D. Cowell, AGPCNP-C

  • Harry D Fischer

    Harry D Fischer, MD

  • Ivana Ilic

    Ivana Ilic, MD

  • Stuart S. Kassan

    Stuart S. Kassan, MD

  • Mehrnaz Maleki Fischbach

    Mehrnaz Maleki Fischbach, MD

  • Lyndsey Roetker

    Lyndsey Roetker, AG-ACNP

  • Smarika Sapkota

    Smarika Sapkota, MD, RhMSUS

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Clinical Trials

For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.

Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health

  • The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses
  • Ranked #1 or #2 in Pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report for 26 consecutive years
  • Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS
  • Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly
  • Among the top 6% of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to hundreds of active clinical trials
  • 124-year history of focus on care, research and education serving patients from around the world with lung, heart, immune and related disorders
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Nationally Recognized Expertise

National Jewish Health is recognized nationally for its expertise in autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

  • Our hospital is recognized by the National Scleroderma Foundation as a Designated Research and Treatment Center for scleroderma and sclerosis.
  • Our physicians have helped write the clinical care guidelines for diagnosis and care of autoimmune diseases patients that are used by rheumatologists throughout the nation.
  • Articles written by our physician-scientists and researchers are regularly published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including many of the most influential publications such as Cell, New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA and Nature.
  • Our rheumatologists are often invited to present at national and international conferences where physicians gather to learn about the latest advancements in medicine. 


Benefit from the Latest Research

Our physician-scientists and researchers have long been leaders in rheumatologic research, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest medical advancements. This research includes:

  • Development of diagnostic tests
  • New treatments and therapies for symptoms
  • Studies to improve the quality of life for patients with autoimmune diseases

Clinical Trials & Research Studies

National Jewish Health offers clinical trials and research studies for patients with inflammatory rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Our research coordinators can help determine which studies may be right for you.



Make an Appointment

A referral from your doctor is required to be seen by one of our rheumatologists. 


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Treatment Location

National Jewish Health Main Campus