Rheumatology Research Center of Excellence

OMRF’s Rheumatology Center of Excellence provides comprehensive, compassionate care for patients suffering from rheumatologic conditions. Our clinician‑scientists work collaboratively to deliver individualized treatment plans that support wellness, manage disease activity, and improve quality of life. Alongside exceptional patient care, we are committed to advancing early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through innovative clinical and translational research. By integrating scientific discovery with day‑to‑day clinical practice, we strive to bring new insights and therapeutic advances to patients in Oklahoma and beyond.

Rheumatology Center Physicians

Judith James, M.D., Ph.D.

Matlock Jeffries, M.D.

Cristina Arriens, M.D.

Teresa Aberle, PA-C

Amanda Moyer, M.D.

Services offered

Rheumatology consultation and disease management for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and related autoimmune conditions.
Specialized diagnostic evaluation, including clinical assessments and access to a CLIA-certified laboratory for serologic testing of lupus and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Autoimmune-focused clinical assessments supported by large patient collections and cohort-based research, such as the Oklahoma Cohort for Rheumatic Diseases.
Personalized treatment planning using the most current and effective therapeutic strategies for lupus and other rheumatic diseases.
Multidisciplinary care coordination, integrating rheumatologists, physician assistants and immunology specialists.
Participation in clinical trials, offering patient access for investigational therapies across lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s and additional autoimmune disorders.
Opportunities for research involvement, linking clinical evaluation with translational immunology and treatment-response studies.
Patient education and disease-management support, helping individuals understand their condition and treatment options.

Clinical Trials

Because technologies and therapeutic options are continually developing, the OMRF Rheumatology Research Center of Excellence uses clinical trials as one way of delivering cutting-edge treatments to our patients. Of course, participating in clinical trials is optional. But many choose to enroll to receive new therapies and improve standards of care for individuals with lupus, arthritis and rheumatologic disorders. Patients also receive medication, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and intensive medical evaluation and assessment—all at no cost.

Patients may also participate in our Oklahoma Cohort for Rheumatic Diseases. This unique research tool allows individuals with lupus, arthritis and other rheumatologic disorders to provide clinical information and samples to help our physician-scientists better understand this complicated disease.

View Studies