The Division of Rheumatology at UTMB is experiencing significant growth—bringing expanded access, more treatment options, and, most importantly, much-needed relief to patients suffering from a wide range of often painful and chronic conditions.
Rheumatic diseases primarily affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. These disorders are frequently driven by autoimmune and inflammatory processes, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Because symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses and evolve slowly over time, these diseases are notoriously difficult to diagnose—often making the path to proper care a long and frustrating journey for patients.
“We handle many challenging cases that others may find difficult to diagnose and treat," says Vijaya Murthy, MBBS, Associate Professor, Program Director, and Interim Chief of the Division of Rheumatology in UTMB’s Department of Internal Medicine.
Common conditions treated by the division include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, spondyloarthropathies, sarcoidosis, and crystalline arthropathies such as gout and pseudogout, as well as vasculitis. Because these diseases often present in complex, overlapping ways, precise diagnosis requires specialized expertise.
Referrals come from a variety of sources—primarily Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Geriatrics—often triggered by positive serologic findings such as rheumatoid factor. The division also receives referrals from subspecialties such as Ophthalmology (for eye inflammation), Pulmonary (for interstitial lung disease), Nephrology (Glomerulonephritis), and Dermatology (for psoriatic arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis), amongst others.
Treatment plans are highly personalized, typically involving a combination of medication, lifestyle modification, and supportive care. Infusion therapy is a cornerstone for many patients, delivered through UTMB’s advanced infusion centers in League City and Galveston.
To meet growing demand and continue delivering high-quality care, the division has expanded its team and has further growth planned for 2025.
Among the newest team members is Dr. Raai Mahmood, who is board certified in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound. She has launched an MSK ultrasound clinic in League City, held on Tuesdays, using real-time imaging to assess muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage. Dr. Mahmood is also developing a training curriculum in this technique for fellows.
Dr. Deborah Koh recently joined the team to improve clinic access in League City, with plans to take over consult services there. Dr. Ronak Gandhi, the division’s Chief Fellow, will transition to faculty this summer as Associate Program Director and will see patients in both Galveston and League City. Dr. Ankitha Ligamaneni will also be joining the team, serving patients at the Clear Lake and League City campuses.
Alongside faculty growth, the division’s ACGME-accredited two-year fellowship program is expanding. The program recently received approval to increase its intake from one to two fellows per year—helping to train the next generation of rheumatologists and expand access to this vital specialty.
 | Vijaya Murthy, MBBS, is the Interim Chief of the Division of Rheumatology. She sees patients at the UTMB Health Rheumatology Clinics at League City Town Center and the Primary Care Pavilion in Galveston. Learn more about rheumatology services at UTMB Health. |