Board certified rheumatologists at Riley Children’s Health specialize in autoimmune diseases such as juvenile arthritis, juvenile dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Our physicians offer the latest and most promising treatments, some of which are only available through research trials. RHEUMATOLOGY
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
■ Enrolling patients in 10 CARRA clinical trials and registries – Juvenile dermatomyositis – Childhood lupus – Juvenile idiopathic arthritis – Pediatric vasculitis
64 patients enrolled in clinical trials in 2025
Specialized programs
TOP DISTINCTIONS
Riley Rheumatology participates in multicenter clinical trials related to: ■ JIA treatment and outcomes ■ Vasculitis
Professional organization affiliations COMMITTEE CHAIR, CRMO/CNO WORK GROUP Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Melissa S. Oliver, MD, MS EDITOR, PREP FOR PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY American Academy of Pediatrics Stacey E. Tarvin, MD, MS LEADER, NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS WORK GROUP CARRA Martha M. Rodriguez, MD
Comprehensive Psychosocial Care Program With a dedicated psychologist, our program brings psychological support directly into the clinical setting, offering patients with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions a truly holistic experience. By addressing emotional well‑being alongside physical health, we help patients build resilience, improve quality of life and feel fully supported throughout their treatment journey. Rheumatology, Immunology, Hematology and Infectious Diseases Program One of the few programs of its kind in the Midwest, Riley Children’s launched this multidisciplinary program in 2024. Specialists in rheumatology, immunology, hematology and infectious diseases (RIHI) collaborate to diagnose and treat patients with immune dysregulation. Temporomandibular Joint-Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (TMJ-JIA) Program A national leader in TMJ-JIA, Riley Children’s has the only dedicated program of its kind in the region. This program provides multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for children with TMJ disease. Our rheumatologists collaborate with specialists in pediatric oral maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, neuroradiology and physical therapy to facilitate this unique program. Specialists in the program are also active in research. Rheumatology-Uveitis Program We provide multidisciplinary expertise in the treatment of severe pediatric eye inflammation, combining rheumatology and ophthalmology care to protect vision and improve long-term outcomes. Education and training Riley Children’s in collaboration with IU School of Medicine offers a pediatric rheumatology fellowship and a combined fellowship focusing on pediatric rheumatology and adolescent medicine.
■ One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation ■ Active contributors to clinical and translational research, with nationally recognized leadership in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA); physicians help advance the science of pediatric rheumatology through multicenter studies, clinical innovation and leadership in national research initiatives ■ No. 15 in the nation for patient enrollment in the CARRA registry ■ Only group of board certified
■ Uveitis ■ Lupus
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases: July 2025 Treating juvenile dermatomyositis to target: Paediatric Rheumatology European Society/Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance-endorsed recommendations from an international task force Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology: February 2026 Treatment outcomes in 63 cases of juvenile dermatomyositis- associated calcinosis Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism: December 2025 Identifying domains for CNO and SAPHO: A scoping review to create domains from existing outcomes by the OMERACT CNO and SAPHO working group The Journal of Rheumatology: October 2025 Quality of life in adult patients with SAPHO syndrome and chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, and comparison to chronic rheumatic and inflammatory diseases
pediatric rheumatologists in Indiana; provides care in outreach locations across the state to bring Riley expertise closer to home
Riley rheumatologists facilitated more than 3,500 patient visits in 2025. In addition to downtown Indianapolis, our team provides patient care in several Indiana communities: Carmel, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Bloomington.
Rheumatologists at Riley Children’s are involved in clinical trials of novel medications and drug combinations that are defining how to treat chronic inflammatory diseases in children.
DIVISION CHIEF Susan R. Ballinger, MD Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Ballinger on Doximity.
Riley rheumatologists facilitate more than 1,100 new patient consultations each year.
8 board certified physicians
See full team member list >
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