Melissa DeFoe

Melissa DeFoe, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in rheumatology. She is affiliated with the Division of Rheumatic Diseases and joined the faculty in 2022. Her clinical interests focus on myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatologic side effects of cancer immunotherapy.

Dr. DeFoe earned her bachelor's degree in biology magna cum laude from Texas A&M University. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School, followed by internal medicine residency at Washington University School of Medicine. She completed a rheumatology fellowship, serving as Chief Fellow, and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in rheumatology.

Her research investigates rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, and has led to multiple publications and Grand Rounds lectures. She actively contributes to advancing clinical care and understanding of autoimmune conditions.