The Yale Rheumatology training program has a rich history in training leaders in clinical medicine, and scientists in laboratory, translational, and patient-focused research. Fotios Koumpouras, MD, associate professor (rheumatology) is the director of education of training, and Betty Hsiao, MD, assistant professor (rheumatology) is the associate program director. Together they oversee the implementation of the clinical training program, alongside a cadre of full-time faculty and clinical faculty in rheumatology.
Recently, the section celebrated this year’s graduating fellows:
- Jacob Meindertsma, MD, who will be joining the faculty of the University of Virginia (UVA) as an assistant professor.
- Yuliya Afinogenova, MD, who has joined Optum/Riverside Medical Group in North Arlington, New Jersey.
- Trina Pal, MD, MPH, who has joined Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut.
- Rex Huang, MD, who has joined Northeast Medical Group (Primed) as a rheumatologist in Trumbull, Conn.
Also during the celebration, Mei Xue Dong, MD, PhD, was honored by the fellows as their Teacher of the Year. Dong, in turn, praised the fellows for their dedication, saying they joined the fellowship program during a challenging time in medicine with the Covid pandemic. “However, you are motivated and energetic and have markedly improved in all skills over the past two years. Thank you for keeping up the great work,” Dong said.