Nicole M. Orzechowski

Nicole M. Orzechowski, DO, RhMSUS is a Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the UNC Rheumatology Clinic at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She specializes in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, where she provides clinical care and leads academic initiatives in rheumatology.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology and Philosophy from University of Scranton (1993-1997)
• DO from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (1998-2002)
• Internship in Osteopathic Medicine at Community General Osteopathic Hospital (2002-2003)
• Residency in Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester (2003-2006)
• Fellowship in Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic Rochester (2006-2008)

Dr. Orzechowski's clinical expertise focuses on vasculitis, inflammatory arthritis, and scleroderma, with specialized skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Her academic interests center on medical education, where she mentors medical students, residents, and Rheumatology fellows, and participates in educational committees at the American College of Rheumatology. She has contributed to enhancing rheumatology patient care through innovative care delivery models.

Her research portfolio spans autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on vasculitis, scleroderma, and macrophage biology. Recent publications demonstrate her ongoing contributions to understanding ANCA vasculitis mechanisms, fibrotic processes in systemic sclerosis, and novel therapeutic approaches. Her work bridges clinical practice with laboratory research to advance understanding of rheumatologic conditions.

Dr. Orzechowski is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine (2016) and Internal Medicine-Rheumatology (2018), reflecting her dual expertise in general medicine and rheumatology subspecialty care.

As an educator and clinician, she has mentored numerous medical students, residents, and Rheumatology fellows. Patient reviews consistently highlight her exceptional clinical skills, compassionate care, and thorough approach to patient education and treatment planning. Her leadership as Medical Director of the UNC Rheumatology Clinic demonstrates her commitment to advancing rheumatology care delivery.