Published: September 13, 2025; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa
A special panel presentation highlighting the causes, treatments, and latest research on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Arthritis and related rheumatologic diseases touch the lives of millions, often limiting movement, independence, and quality of life. From the persistent pain of osteoarthritis to the complex challenges of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, these diseases affect not only physical health but also emotional well-being, families, and communities.
This special program introduces the University of Arizona Arthritis Center’s newest faculty members—physicians and scientists dedicated to improving patients’ lives through compassionate care, groundbreaking discoveries, and education.
Attendees will explore the latest insights into living well with arthritis, from practical strategies for early detection and symptom management to the promising therapies reshaping treatment today. Participants will leave with a greater sense of hope, tools to support themselves or loved ones, and a clear view of how innovation in rheumatology is transforming the future of care.
Ernest R. Vina, MD, MS
Dr. Vina completed his undergraduate degree in psychobiology from UCLA and his medical doctorate from the Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where he also completed a Health Services Research fellowship. Dr. Vina completed his rheumatology fellowship and earned a master’s degree in health studies at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Division of Rheumatology in 2014.
Samuel Cook, DO
Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine
Dr. Cook completed his undergraduate degree in kinesiology at Arizona State University and osteopathic medical doctorate at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine — Midwestern University. He completed his internal medicine residency at Wright State University and his fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson.
Justin Dunn, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine
Dr. Dunn completed his bachelor’s degree in sports medicine at Pepperdine University and his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, followed by one year as chief resident of quality and safety before going on to complete his rheumatology fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Marci Macaraeg, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Rheumatology)
The Charles W. and Sophie T. McKenzie Endowed Chair in Rheumatology
Dr. Macaraeg completed her undergraduate degree in molecular and cellular biology, with a minor in business, at the University of Arizona. She also received her medical degree and performed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson, where she was the chief resident. She followed with her pediatric rheumatology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and a master’s in clinical and translational science, also at the University of Cincinnati.
Carlos Tafich-Rios, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine
Dr. Tafich completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and performed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Arizona. Before his fellowship, he served as an assistant professor of medicine in the University of Arizona Department of Medicine/Banner University Medicine. While a practicing internist at the U of A, Dr. Tafich served as Associate Internal Medicine Residency Program Director (south campus) in the Division of Geriatrics, General Medicine, and Palliative Care.
If we may assist, please email livinghealthy@arthritis.arizona.edu
Time: 8:00 pm EST
Free!
Detailed information and discussion of the event.