Saira Z Sheikh, MD
Linda Coley Sewell Distinguished Professor of Medicine; Director, UNC Rheumatology Lupus Clinic; Director, Clinical Trials Program, UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center
Dr. Saira Sheikh is board certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Allergy/Immunology. She is Director of the UNC Rheumatology Lupus Clinic and Director of the Clinical Trials Program at the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center.
Dr. Sheikh’s work involves answering scientific questions that directly impact the care of patients with complex immunologic diseases, mainly Lupus. She is Principal Investigator on numerous clinical trials involving new therapeutics in Lupus, as well as Principal Investigator on translational projects focused on understanding the development of biomarkers in autoimmune disease. Her projects apply an integrated approach of research, teaching, and clinical practice to advance team science through clinical trials, basic and translational research collaborations and community-based studies. She is working on a national level to develop programs to address racial disparities in Lupus clinical trials. She is actively involved in the education of patients, medical students, residents and sub-specialty fellows.
She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (FAAAAI), the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (FACAAI) and a member of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).