Una Makris

Una Makris, M.D., M.Sc. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a practicing rheumatologist at the North Texas VA Health Care System. She joined UT Southwestern in 2011 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to Associate Professor in 2018.

• Education
  • B.A. in Microbiology, University of California-San Diego
  • M.D., George Washington University School of Medicine
  • M.Sc. in Clinical Sciences with distinction, UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • Rheumatology Fellowship and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, Yale University School of Medicine
  • Internal Medicine Residency, University of Washington Medical Center

Dr. Makris’s research focuses on the intersection of rheumatology and geriatrics, particularly chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Her work addresses aging-related disparities, non-pharmacological pain management, and healthcare transitions for chronic conditions. She has led studies on statin-related musculoskeletal risks, geriatric syndrome approaches to back pain, and team-based clinical research leadership.

Her 15 most recent publications (2016–2020) span rheumatology, geriatrics, and veterans’ healthcare. Key themes include aging populations with musculoskeletal disorders, health disparities in rheumatoid arthritis, patient-reported outcomes in chronic pain, and mentorship challenges in rheumatology research.

Professional Leadership and Service

• Writing Accountability Group Leader and mentor at UT Southwestern
• Member of the Rheumatology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Wellness Champion for the Department of Internal Medicine
• Active in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) research initiatives