Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Debendra Pattanaik, MD
Division Chief of Rheumatology
The Division of Rheumatology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has a long-standing tradition of excellence in patient care, education, and research. We are privileged to have a diverse and accomplished faculty whose expertise strengthens our mission and allows us to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care across the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases.
Our ACGME-accredited two-year fellowship program, established in 1959, has trained more than 100 rheumatologists now practicing nationwide. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, mentorship, and scholarly development, preparing fellows for leadership in academic medicine, research, and clinical practice.
The Division also has a distinguished history of scientific discovery, with research spanning collagen biology, fibroblast function, inflammation, immunoregulation, animal models of autoimmune disease, and translational clinical research. Notably, the rodent model of type II collagen–induced arthritis—now widely used worldwide as a model of rheumatoid arthritis—was discovered and developed through collaborative efforts at UTHSC and the Memphis VA Medical Center, informing more than 25,000 publications globally.
Through excellence in care, education, and research, we remain committed to advancing rheumatology while improving outcomes for patients and training future leaders in the field.