About Thaila Ramanujam, M.D., FACR

Dr. Ramanujam is a specialist/consultant in private practice in Santa Cruz since 1992. She is the CEO of Santa Cruz Rheumatology/Thaila Ramanujam MD Inc., a state-of-the-art Clinic started in 1995. She also runs an infusion center since 2001 that serves the community needs for biologic/immunologic treatment of rheumatologic and other autoimmune diseases. Dr. Ramanujam has admitting privileges at the Dominican Hospital and oversees the work of two excellent advanced physician Extenders(APE)- a PA and an NP.

Medical Training

Dr. Ramanujam received her medical degree from Stanley Medical College, University of Madras, India. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, and obtained her M.D. This was followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. She is board certified in Rheumatology. Dr. Ramanujam is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, the Northern California Rheumatism Association, the California Medical Society, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Ramanujam is listed as a Lifetime Member of Who’s Who for demonstrating leadership and for achievements in her medical profession.

Research

Dr. Ramanujam did extensive research both at the University of Pennsylvania (T-cell receptor expression in RA) and University of Washington (Role of LAK cells in tumor Oncology), Seattle, WA. She has co-authored a textbook in Immunology (Tyrosine Kinase Signal Transduction) and has various publications (below)* Currently, Dr. Ramanujam is involved in clinical research and has been an investigator for Clinical Studies for (Exagen and Janssen). She has actively participated in SLE trials and Real-World Evidence (RWE) trials looking for side effects of various biologic medications

Publications

• Lee AH, Chin AE, Ramanujam T, Thadhani R, Callegari PE, and Freundlich B., Gonococcal septic arthritis of the hip. J Rheum. 18: 1932-1933, 1991
• Ramanujam T, and Schumacher HR. Ankylosing Spondylitis J of Musc. Skeletal. Dis. 9:75-91, 1992
• Williams W, Von Feldt JM, Ramanujam T, and Weiner DB. Tyrosine kinase signal transduction in rheumatoid synovitis, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
• Lee AH, Ramanujam T, et al. Molecular diagnosis of Ureaplasma urealyticum septic arthritis in a hypogammaglobulinemic man. Arthritis and Rheumatism
• Ramanujam T, et al. T cell receptor in early arthritis. (Abstract), Update in Rheumatology, Philadelphia, PA 1991

Personal note

Dr. Ramanujam is a passionate advocate for patients and is a teacher/coach. She has overseen the training and actively taught APE trainees and medical interns. She is an International Speaker on Gender Disparity and is the Director of global affairs for AWIR group, which is a non-profit organization with membership all over the world. She is involved in advocacy and non-profit work in the field of Rheumatology and serves in various boards including AWIR (Association of Women in Rheumatology) and NCRS (Northern California Rheumatology Association).    Dr. Ramanujam is a member of California Medical society and American College of Rheumatology (ACR), CRA and is a donor for the Leadership Circle for Rheum Pac.

General Philosophy of Practice

Inflammatory Arthritis affects greater than 4% of the population and targets not just the joints, but multiple organs. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing not only joint damage but also devastating effects on other organ systems. Treatment options have been exponentially growing over the past twenty years as biological drugs have been added to the armamentarium. Our keen understanding of immunobiology and immune genetics has also helped prevent joint damage and erosions. These factors have changed the face of this disease, altering long-term prognoses and improving the quality of life for those afflicted. With advanced molecular studies Personalized medicine is today a reality,

In my practice, I have adopted a unique approach to complement these advances in the field of Rheumatology. The ley to a good assessment starts with an extensive and through history taking followed by thorough investigation, and using State of the art ACR recommended diagnostic tools, we arrive at a diagnosis. It is my firm believe that the patients are active participants in their own care and hence, I invite the patient to collaborate in drawing up a treatment plan tailored to their needs. We define treat-to-target goals and I role up my sleeves and go to work steadfastly until the goals are achieved.

By getting to know my patients intimately, I am able to customize individual therapies in creative and realistic ways to benefit them and enhance their lifestyles while increasing their compliance. This approach of care allows each and every patient to live a near-normal, productive and meaningful life. My goal as a consultant Rheumatologist is to be my client’s exclusive advocate, providing whatever forms of help that are hugely beneficial: education or guidance to reliable sources of information; help with diagnosis or questions about treatment; or consulting on treatment options or weighing in on various options of therapy. With a combination of personal touch and exemplary listening skills, backed by sound knowledge of medical science and Rheumatology board certification, my office promises to deliver the best care to you.