The rheumatology fellowship is a two-year program with an optional third year. Candidates must have at least three years of medical training in the U.S., including two or more years of internal medicine residency. Candidates must also be board-certified or board-eligible in internal medicine at the fellowship start date and be eligible for licensure to practice medicine in Illinois. We accept international medical graduates who have trained in a ACGME internal medicine residency program, and have a H1 or J1 visa with at least two remaining years of eligibility. Our fellows come from many different backgrounds; we welcome racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and gender diversity in our program. Positions are currently available for two first-year fellows for Academic Year 2026. Find full details and begin your application today!
If I had to redo my fellowship I can not think of a better place to do my training."
– Narender Annapureddy, MD, Rush Class of 2014
The Rush University Medical Center Rheumatology program participates in ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and the fellowship match program administered by the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program). Instructions for completing and submitting the ERAS application can be found at Training in a Residency or Fellowship. Our program is listed as RUSH University Med-Ctr-IL. All applications should include:
- 3 LORs, including a letter from your residency training director
- Passing Score USMLE for all Candidates
- Passing Score COMLEX AND USMLE for all DO applicants
NRMP Registration
All applicants to the Rheumatology fellowship program are required to register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). View information on how to register and important deadlines on the NRMP website.
“Between the Rush and Cook County Hospital patient populations, I feel that I will have seen a good balance seeing all patient populations and cases between bread and butter Rheumatology to complex tertiary care referral making me feel confident going into independent practice.”
– Ami Purohit, MD, Rush Class of 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2, 2025 | ERAS website opens to applicants to begin working on their applications |
| July 16, 2025 | Rush will begin downloading applications for review |
| August 1, 2025 | Interview offers will be sent out to selected applicants via email |
| August 21 to October 9, 2025 | In-person and Virtual Interviews |
| October 1, 2025 | Rank Order Lists due |
| December 17, 2025 | Match Day |
| July 1, 2026 | Fellowship begins |
“I made the decision to pursue my Rheumatology training at Rush due to several compelling factors. Foremost among these is the caliber of the faculty members who possess a genuine commitment to our success.”
– Karun Nair, MD, Rush Class of 2025
If you have further questions, please email Chris Alonzo, Rheumatology Fellowship Coordinator, or call (312) 942-4256.
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