Rheumatology Research

The Swedish Rheumatology Research Group conducts research in hopes of alleviating suffering and preventing damage caused by arthritis, osteoporosis and other rheumatic diseases. The department undertakes drug and biologic studies that are often sponsored by major drug manufacturers. 
 
The department's philosophy is to perform high-quality, ethical studies; to maintain the patient’s welfare and quality care; and to make substantial contributions to the treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis and other rheumatic diseases.

Research studies

View a list of current rheumatology-related search studies being conducted at Swedish.

Studies primarily involve: 
              Rheumatoid arthritis 
              Fibromyalgia
              Ankylosing spondylitis 
              Psoriatic arthritis
              Lupus 
              Scleroderma
              Osteoarthritis
              Osteoporosis 
              Chronic pain

Swedish rheumatology research undertakes a wide variety of studies. The department’s focus includes the first trial of a drug as well as testing the optimal effect and safety of drugs alone or in combination.
 
Department researchers:
 
Philip J. Mease, M.D.
Dr. Mease has been practicing for 20 years in rheumatology and internal medicine. He currently works with Seattle Rheumatology Associates. He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, the Northwest Rheumatism Society and the International Society of Clinical Densitometry. His primary research interests include pain and rheumatologic and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Dr. Mease is very involved in physician education and public education about rheumatic diseases and their treatment. He has received the Educator of the Year award from the American College of Rheumatology. He also actively consults with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in high-quality and ethical research-study design.
 
Kori Dewing, A.R.N.P., M.N.
Kori Dewing has been practicing for three years and is licensed as a registered nurse and board-certified as an ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner. She is actively involved with community education and gives lectures about osteoporosis and rheumatologic diseases. Kori is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, ARNP United, Puget Sound Nurse Practitioner Association and the Arthritis Foundation. Her research interests include osteoporosis, physical activity and rheumatologic diseases.

Nicole Furfaro, A.R.N.P., M.S.N
Nicole Furfaro has been practicing for 10 years and is certified both as a registered nurse and as a family medicine nurse practitioner. She is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, the Washington State Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Washington State Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Alliance for Better Bone Health. Her primary research interests include the rheumatologic and inflammatory diseases, pain, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
 
Contact us
Swedish Rheumatology Research
1101 Madison, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:  206-386-3792
Fax: 206-386-2773
rheumatology.research@swedish.org

Related links
The American College of Rheumatology
The Arthritis Foundation
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center

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