Begin your application through the ERAS system.
505-272-4761
The UNMHSC, Division of Rheumatology provides ACGME accredited fellowship training in Rheumatology. The Division’s two-year program is currently funded for four fellows annually—two enter the program each year.
Fellows receive:
The Division requires each fellow to participate ina scholarly/research project during the program. Fellows are expected to attend and present an abstract at the annual ACR Convergence meeting at least once during fellowship.
UNM Rheumatology fellows publish at least 1 scholarly article per year, often more. They present research at ACR, Western Medical Research Conference in Carmel and others.
The UNM Rheumatology Fellowship has a 100% board pass rate, attributed to excellent clinical exposure and education, a board review curriculum and extended course implementation.
The Division of Rheumatology Fellowship Program only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications are accepted beginning in July and must be completed by September. Interviews will begin in the middle of September and conclude no later than November.
Foreign graduates must have:
Maheswari Muruganandam, MD
DoIM Rheumatology Division
1 University of New Mexico MSC 10-5550
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505-272-4761
Vijayalakshmi Kumar, MD
Albuquerque Veterans Association Medical Center
Albuquerque, NM
Office: 505-272-4761
Email: HSC-DOIMRheumatology@salud.unm.edu
Jackie Cremar
Unit Administrator
Phone: 505-272-4761
Fax: 505-272-3624
Email: JCremar@salud.unm.edu
Shuhei Hattori, MD
Where did you complete residency?
UCHealth Parkview Medical Center
Why do you love Rheumatology?
Rheumatology, to me, is more than just a medical specialty. It offers a unique blend of science and art, requiring a thorough diagnostic approach. Additionally, I aim to help patients manage their disease with minimal activity, allowing them to perform their daily activities without restriction. This goal is now achievable thanks to continuous advancements in pharmacology, leading to life-changing transformations for many patients. I am excited to embark on this fellowship journey, continuously learn, and contribute to my future patients' well-being.
Why did you choose New Mexico?
I chose UNM for its diverse coverage of rheumatic diseases, providing extensive inpatient and outpatient clinical experience. The culture at UNM is friendly and supportive.
Dania Kaur, MD
Where did you complete residency?
North Alabama Medical Center
Why do you love Rheumatology?
I have a personal connection to Rheumatology, having witnessed several family members navigate life with autoimmune conditions. This firsthand experience sparked my interest in the field and continues to fuel my commitment to it. What I find especially meaningful about Rheumatology is the opportunity to build long-term, trusting relationships with patients—not just on a professional level, but often on a deeply personal one as well. It is rewarding to walk alongside patients as they manage their conditions, celebrate improvements, and achieve remission.
Why did you choose New Mexico?
New Mexico has a very distinctive patient population, shaped by a rich blend of cultural and geographic influences. Training in this region offers invaluable exposure to a wide spectrum of rheumatologic diseases, including conditions that may present differently due to genetic, environmental, or cultural influences. The diversity in clinical presentations will enhance my diagnostic acumen and broaden my understanding of autoimmune diseases in different patient populations. Additionally, New Mexico’s rich history and unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures have been fascinating to explore. Its natural beauty and pleasant climate make it a truly special place.
Tam Dinh, MD
Where did you complete residency?
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Why do you love Rheumatology?
I will never stop learning when I am in Rheumatology. The diseases that we focus on are complex, requiring a deep understanding of biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology. I like the variety of cases that we see in the field, from cases with typical presentations to cases that require a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. I appreciate the long-term relationships that I can build with patients, as we work together to manage chronic illnesses and find ways to improve their quality of life.
Why did you choose New Mexico?
I completed my residency at UNM. I have made wonderful friends and colleagues here, and I love being part of the care team for the community that we take care of here at UNM.
Jaimee Palakeel, MD
Where did you complete residency?
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital/ USF Morsani College of Medicine.
Why do you love Rheumatology?
I love Rheumatology because it combines so many of the things I enjoy about medicine—complex clinical reasoning, the challenge of putting together the pieces of a diagnosis, and building meaningful, long-term relationships with patients. I love that rheumatologic diseases can affect almost every organ system, which makes every patient unique and keeps me constantly learning. I also enjoy that Rheumatology often requires you to look at the whole patient rather than focusing on just one symptom or one organ system. There is something incredibly rewarding about recognizing patterns, connecting seemingly unrelated findings, and finally making sense of a complex clinical picture. Most importantly, I value the opportunity to build trust with my patients over time and to see how the right diagnosis and treatment can genuinely change their day-to-day lives. That combination of intellectual curiosity, continuity, and meaningful patient impact is what makes Rheumatology so fulfilling to me.
Why did you choose New Mexico?
I chose New Mexico because I was looking for a program that would provide excellent clinical training while also giving me the opportunity to care for a diverse and underserved patient population. I was particularly drawn to the strong sense of community and the opportunity to learn from complex rheumatologic disease in a unique patient population. Beyond clinical experience, I was drawn to New Mexico's unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor lifestyle. I love that there is so much to explore outside of the hospital, from the mountains and hiking trails to the incredible sunsets and local culture. It feels like a place where I could grow both professionally and personally.
Morvarid Kavosh, MD
Jigisha Rakholiya, MD
Fatma Dihowm, MD
Adarsh Vangala, MD
Eyerusalem Akpan, MD
Meredith Keller, DO
Angie Ariza-Hutchinson, MD
Rosemina Patel, MD
Ashan Iqbal, MD
Sumir Brahmbhatt, MD
Adnan Kiani, MD
David Cisneros, MD
Jaren Trost, MD
Fatemeh Jafari Farshami, MD
Maheswari Muruganandam, MD
Noelle Rolle, MD
Sabeen Yaqub, MD
James Bennett, MD
Romy Cabacungan, MD
Tej Bhasvar, MD
Timothy Moore, MD
Luis Salayandia, MD
Basmah Jalil, MD
Santhi Penmetsa, MD
Tony Makhlouf, MD
Yumna Thariani, MD
N. Suzanne Emil, MD
Hillary Norton, MD
Colbert Chavez, MD
Suzanne DeLea, MD
Natalia Chavez-Chiang, MD
Kye Park, MD
Division of Rheumatology
Department of Internal Medicine
MSC10-5550
1 University of New Mexico
Contact
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505-272-4761
Fax: 505-272-3624