Rate My Professor Melissa Elder

Dr. Elder's research and clinical expertise encompass a wide range of pediatric autoimmune and rheumatic conditions, including angioedema, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune disorders, dermatomyositis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, immunodeficiency disorders, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteomyelitis in children, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, selective IgA deficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus, Takayasu arteritis, and uveitis. Her investigative work focuses on immunosuppressive agents, rituximab, autoantibodies, and T-lymphocytes. She participates as an investigator in several active clinical trials, such as SMART-JIA, an open-label randomized multicenter trial for juvenile idiopathic arthritis; CAIN457G22101, evaluating secukinumab in pediatric psoriatic arthritis; and the Pediatric Vasculitis initiative. With 49 publications and 1,787 citations, her scholarship has advanced understanding and treatment of complex pediatric rheumatologic diseases. As Chief, Dr. Elder directs the Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program, contributing to the training of future specialists and enhancing workforce development in the field. She has taught elective courses in pediatrics, including MDT7400 and MEL7937.