Michael I. Keller, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Founder of San Diego Arthritis Medical Clinic in 1975, is board certified in Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, and a member of the American College of Physicians.  He has been active with the Arthritis Foundation and is a guest lecturer to medical staffs and to the public.  He has been principal investigator in over 100 clinical trials.

G. Paul Ignat, M.D.

Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.  He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Rheumatology.  He has worked as a Medical Director and has been an assistant professor of Internal Medicine.  He has published research on topics including rheumatology and internal medicine.

Puja Chitkara, M.D.

Prior to joining our clinic, Dr. Chitkara studied and trained at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where she completed her Fellowship in Rheumatology. Subsequently, Dr. Chitkara conducted significant Clinical Research involving autoinflammatory syndromes. She concluded her Internal Medicine training at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Chitkara has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her research and findings at numerous national conferences, including those organized by the American College of Rheumatology and American College of Physicians. Dr. Chitkara has a long and distinguished record of excellence and achievement, which is only exceeded by her passion for her work and dedication for her patients.

Ara H. Dikranian, M.D.

Board certified in Rheumatology.  He completed his rheumatology training at the University of California  San Diego.  He has practiced rheumatology both here and abroad since 2000, and is involved in clinical trials dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia,  and osteoporosis.

Oleg Gavrilyuk, M.D.

Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  He completed specialty training at Tufts University and is a member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists and the American Medical Association.  He has authored various medical publications on spinal cord injury, surgical treatment and medical rehabilitation.  He completed his medical degree from Leningrad Medical Institute with honors and has been principal investigator for osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia studies.

Timothy Lazarek R.N., M.S.N., F.N.P.C

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. His affiliations include the California Association for Nurse Practitioners where he serves as a board member and the American College of Nurse Practitioners.  He has practiced in San Diego since 1982 and has been a sub-investigator for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and pain management studies.