Current Research and Scholarly Interests
My research interests focus on all aspects of systemic sclerosis. I am currently involved in clinical, translational, and epidemiologic research in these areas, and dedicate a substantial portion of my research time to investigator-initiated and multi-center clinical trials of novel therapeutics for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. I collaborate closely with the Department of Dermatology and multiple divisions in the Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Cardiology, Gastroenterology) in the ongoing study of molecular and clinical responses to novel therapeutics for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, with the goal of identifying useful biomarkers from skin and blood samples. I am especially interested in the vascular disease related to systemic sclerosis, including investigating the pathogenesis, biomarkers, and potential treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension and digital ulceration. In addition to research, I am devoted to providing superb care to patients with systemic sclerosis and related rheumatic diseases. I am absolutely committed to further developing the Stanford Scleroderma Center of Excellence where we will provide outstanding comprehensive patient care, and we will perform state-of-the-art research to better understand the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis, and ultimately to develop new treatments for this devastating disease. Lastly, I am actively involved in teaching and mentoring medical students, housestaff, and fellows and encouraging the brightest minds of the future to pursue careers in scleroderma research.
