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 Zaherer, M.D.
Program director
Program Overview
The three-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:
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 combined, four-year adult and pediatric rheumatology fellowship training in conjunction with the division's 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
Josh Samec, M.D.
Hometown: New Hampton, Iowa
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
What gets Josh Samec excited about rheumatology is working with patients. He first saw himself as a rheumatologist during his clinical years as a medical student; he saw his first scleroderma patient while on rheumatology consults in the hospital and again in the outpatient clinic after treating a flare of their disease. It was the first specialty where Samec was able to establish a personal connection with a patient and then celebrate their successes in longitudinal follow-up.
Outside of the hospital and clinic, Samec enjoys attending live performances (musicals, concerts, drag shows, etc.), trying new restaurants and breweries, and playing board games with his partner and their friends.
Aisha Zia, M.D.
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Medical school: Dow Medical College
Outside of work, Aisha Zia loves exploring new places, trying different cuisines and spending quality time with her family. She enjoys window shopping as well as capturing everyday moments and turning them into memories. She has a soft spot for cozy cafés and scenic walks. Zia is a coffee lover, a bit of a planner and someone who gets excited about both small joys and big adventures. She can happily binge a good show in one weekend, but she also loves staying active and being outdoors whenever she can.
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.
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 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.