Pediatric Rheumatology

Your child receives comprehensive care from a team of pediatric rheumatology experts.
Pediatric Rheumatology

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Comprehensive pediatric rheumatology care

Our specialists care for children of all ages living with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. These conditions involve connective tissues, joints and muscles. Conditions we treat include:

Rheumatic diseases affect children differently than adults and often require different treatments. In our program, your child receives care from a pediatric rheumatologist who is knowledgeable in the treatment approaches that work best for kids. In fact, our entire team specializes in working with young patients.

Your child's team may include:

  • Pediatric rheumatologists

  • Other pediatric specialists, if needed

  • Nurses

  • Physical and occupational therapists

  • Social workers

Locations (dynamic)

    Providers (dynamic)

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    Awards & achievements

    Recognized nationally for excellence, we pair world-class medical expertise with compassionate care to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
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    • Top hospital (Oakland) and "A" rating for safety (San Francisco) from the Leapfrog Group

    • Recognized for nursing excellence (San Francisco hospitals and clinics)

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    Related conditions & treatments

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    Clinical trials

    Support services

    • Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
    • Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
    • social-services-2x
      Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
    • activity-rooms-2x
      Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
    • art-therapy-program-2x
      Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
    • music-program-2x
      Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
    • school-program-2x
      Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
    • school-re-entry-program-2x
      We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
    • individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x
      If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
    • interpreters-2x
      Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
    • We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.
    • family-support-program-2x
      Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
    • patient-relations-2x
      Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
    • spiritual-care-2x
      Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
    • international-services-2x
      If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Rheumatology care for adults

    When your teen is ready to transition to adult care, UCSF Health rheumatologists offer a range of treatments to meet their needs.