Chicago, IL – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Robert S. Katz, MD, FACR is recognized as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Rheumatology and Clinical Research.
Robert S. Katz, MD, FACR, has established a distinguished career in rheumatology, academic medicine, and clinical research, recognized for his longstanding contributions to the advancement of patient care and treatment innovation. As owner and practicing rheumatologist at Rheumatology Associates, he provides comprehensive care while maintaining active roles at Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Katz is widely respected for his expertise in rheumatology, internal medicine, and biologic therapies, with a focus on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. He serves as Professor of Medicine at Rush Medical College and Attending Physician at Northwestern Medicine, while also holding the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Chair for Arthritis Research at Rush University Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Dr. Katz has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of rheumatology. He contributed to the revision of fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria accepted by the American College of Rheumatology and was instrumental in the first successful clinical trial of Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis. He also helped secure approval of Benlysta, the first biologic treatment for lupus, marking significant milestones in patient care.
Dr. Katz earned his Bachelor of Science from Columbia University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes Jewish Hospital affiliated with Washington University in St. Louis, followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
His extensive body of work includes more than 450 scholarly publications, encompassing research papers, book chapters, and abstracts. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, he has contributed to public education as a medical reporter for CBS2 Chicago and as a medical editor for the Chicago Sun Times.
Dr. Katz’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including being named among Chicago Magazine’s Best Doctors every year since 1998 and ranking within the top 1 percent of rheumatologists nationally by U.S. News and World Report. He has also received the prestigious Master designation from the American College of Rheumatology.
He credits mentors Mary Betty Stevens, MD, Robert Kliger, MD, and Lawrence Shulman, MD, for their guidance throughout his career. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Katz enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and traveling. He is married to Carlen and is the father of three children and grandfather of eleven, and he practices alongside his daughter, Alexandra Katz Small, MD, and son in law, Ben Small, MD.
Looking ahead, Dr. Katz remains committed to continuing his research and advancing treatment options within the field of rheumatology. Guided by a philosophy rooted in compassionate patient care and evidence based medicine, he continues to make a lasting impact on both the medical community and the lives of his patients.
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