Fellowship | School of Medicine

Apply for a Fellowship

Begin your application through the ERAS system.

ERAS Application

Rheumatology Fellowship Program

Rheumatology Fellowship

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:

Extensive inpatient and outpatient clinical experience covering a wide range of rheumatic diseases at the University of New Mexico and the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Four weekly continuity Clinics at VA and UNM
Weekly Educational Conferences and Journal Club
Dedicated pediatric rheumatology clinic experience, and longitudinal education in transitions of care from UNM’s Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital to adult rheumatology experience
Dedicated training in ultrasound and palpation guided injections
Weekly training and experience in onsite infusion centers
Monthly MOC Board Review
Monthly Musculoskeletal Radiology conference in conjunction with UNM Radiology
Off-service electives in Neuromusclar Disease (EMG/NCS), Pediatric Rheumatology, Orthopedics (including hand orthopedics and podiatry) and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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.

How to Apply

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.

Applicants must include:
Completed application
Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic physicians you have worked with in the United States
A dean’s letter
A certified copy of your official medical school transcript
A current curriculum vitae (dated)
Personal statement
Passing USMLE scores on step 1, 2, and 3

Foreign graduates must have:

A valid ECFMG certificate with Clinical Skills Assessment® Certification
Green card, J-1 visa or documentation of US citizenship

Fellowship Program Directors

Program Director

Maheswari Muruganandam, MD
DoIM Rheumatology Division
1 University of New Mexico MSC 10-5550
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505-272-4761

Assistant Program Director

Roderick Fields, MD
DoIM Rheumatology Division
1 University of New Mexico MSC 10-5550
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505-272-4761

VA Site Director

Vijayalakshmi Kumar, MD
Albuquerque Veterans Association Medical Center
Albuquerque, NM

For Additional Information

Office: 505-272-4761

Email: HSC-DOIMRheumatology@salud.unm.edu

René Forsythe
Medical Education Program Coordinator
Phone: 505-272-5666
Email: rforsythe@salud.unm.edu

Jackie Cremar
Unit Administrator
Phone: 505-272-4761
Fax: 505-272-3624
Email: JCremar@salud.unm.edu

Current Fellows

Senior Fellows

fatma

Fatma Dihowm, MD

Where did you complete residency?

University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center

Why do you love Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a young but unique and challenging specialty. I enjoy intellectual stimulation the specialty offers. Rheumatology makes me see a patient's problem on multiple levels, from the whole person to the molecular. It also offfers unique research opportunities.

Why did you choose New Mexico?

The faculty and fellows made choosing UNM an easy choice. From my interview day to now being a fellow, everyone has been so welcoming and approachable. I am incredibly lucky to be training at a program that allows me to see such a wide spectrum of rheumatologic disease while learning from experts in the field. Additionally, this program offers many different resources to support my career goals and places a priority on helping fellows find good mentorship.New Mexico has very nice people and beautiful nature. As an outdoors enthusiast, I also love how close we are to mountains and national parks! Amazing weather all year long with very affordable cost of living!

adarsh

Adarsh Vangala, MD

Where did you complete residency?

University of Arizona, Tucson

Why do you love Rheumatology?

It's the most interesting subspecialty, with an interesting mix of different pathologies.

Why did you choose New Mexico?

I am originally from New Mexico so it was good to be able to come back home.

Junior Fellows

Morvarid Kavosh, MD

Where did you complete residency?

I completed my Internal Medicine Residency program at South Brooklyn Health, New York.

Why do you love Rheumatology?

I have a close connection to individuals affected by rheumatologic diseases, which has given me a unique empathy for patients and a deep understanding of their experiences. Coupled with my background in basic science, I am fascinated by the complex immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune conditions. The dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of Rheumatology motivates me, as it offers endless opportunities to integrate the most advanced research into clinical practice. I am excited to contribute to the scientific advancements in this field and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based, compassionate care.

Why did you choose New Mexico?

People in New Mexico make this land a truly unique place, and I have had the privilege of learning about its special blend of cultures and diverse patient population. Additionally, the beautiful landscapes and supportive medical community make New Mexico an ideal place to grow both personally and professionally.

Jigisha Rakholiya, 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. Also, I desire to help patients live with minimal disease activity, enabling them to perform routine activities. This goal is now achievable thanks to continuous pharmacological advancements, 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.

Past Fellows

Past Fellows

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

Explore Our Fellowship

Train and research alongside patient care experts in the UNM Division of Rheumatology. Our mission is to provide outstanding clinical care to all patients with rheumatic disease, while advancing the discipline of rheumatology through cutting edge research and training the next generation of rheumatologists.

More about Project ECHO

Learn how ECHO expands rheumatology treatment capacity underserved areas.

Hear From a Fellow

Jaren Trost, MD

ACR2019

Currently Viewing

Explore Our Fellowship

Currently Viewing

More about Project ECHO

Currently Viewing

Hear From a Fellow

Contact the Division of Rheumatology

Division of Rheumatology

Department of Internal Medicine

MSC10-5550

1 University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: 505-272-4761

Fax: 505-272-3624