Sheetal B. Desai

Sheetal B. Desai, MD serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, holding the academic rank of Associate Professor. Board-certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she directs clinical research while providing patient care in autoimmune disorders.

Education:

• Medical Degree: Keck USC School of Medicine
• Residency: Internal Medicine, UCLA Medical Center
• Fellowships: Faculty Development (USC School of Medicine), Rheumatology (UCLA Medical Center)

Research Focus: Dr. Desai specializes in translational rheumatology research with emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus (including lupus nephritis), rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, and novel biologic therapies. Her work bridges clinical practice and therapeutic innovation through multicenter trials targeting autoimmune mechanisms.

Awards & Recognition:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
• Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
• Physicians of Excellence, Orange County Medical Association (2018, 2020-2023)

Research Leadership: As Principal Investigator, she oversees multiple Phase 2-3 clinical trials including VIB4920 for lupus nephritis, dapirolizumab pegol for systemic lupus erythematosus, and ianalumab studies for autoimmune renal and musculoskeletal disorders, driving advancements in targeted immunomodulation therapies.