The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University is an emerging academic discipline integrating clinical practice, education, and research. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of both common and rare refractory rheumatic diseases, the department demonstrates particular expertise in critical care of severely ill patients. Our physicians team consists entirely of master’s degree holders or above, including three PhDs who have contributed to formulating two Chinese expert consensus documents. The nursing staff, all holding bachelor's degrees or higher, includes 3 master's-prepared nurses with specialized clinical expertise. As a key teaching unit, we are responsible for educating undergraduate students, postgraduate candidates, and resident physicians. The department's research focus centers on basic and translational studies of mesenchymal stem cells in refractory rheumatic diseases. Pioneering a novel therapeutic strategy combining stem cells with pharmacological agents for treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis, our groundbreaking work has been published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD), the premier journal in rheumatology.. The department leads or participates in multiple national and provincial-level research projects, holding certification for clinical drug trials and contributing to nationwide multicenter registration trials.
The department operates comprehensive outpatient services and dedicated inpatient units, equipped with advanced diagnostic capabilities including complete autoimmune antibody profiles (myositis antibody panels, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-ENA, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ANCA, HLA-B27), lymphocyte subset analysis, and genetic testing. In addition, the department encompass advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques such as joint ultrasound, skin biopsy, muscle biopsy, lymph node biopsy, lip gland biopsy, joint aspiration, and plasma exchange. We specialize in precision therapy using biologic agents (TNF-α inhibitors, IL-6/IL-17 inhibitors, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies) and small-molecule targeted drugs for diverse rheumatologic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, and Behçet's syndrome.. Adhering strictly to international diagnostic criteria and treatment evaluation systems, our multidisciplinary team conducts regular cross-departmental consultations to address complex cases with multi-organ involvement. This collaborative approach ensures continuous advancement in managing refractory rheumatic diseases and safeguarding patient health.
The department maintains strategic collaborations with leading domestic and international institutions, ensuring alignment with global standards in rheumatologic care. We actively implement innovative technologies and therapeutic approaches to pioneer novel clinical management paradigms.
Clinical Expertise: The department provides comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of rheumatic and autoimmune disorders, including but not limited to:
• Systemic lupus erythematosus & Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis & Osteoarthritis
• Spondyloarthropathies (Ankylosing spondylitis)
•Inflammatory myopathies (Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Antisynthetase syndrome, Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, Inclusion body myositis)
• Sjögren's syndrome & Systemic sclerosis
• Connective tissue diseases (Mixed/Undifferentiated/Overlap syndromes)
• Vasculitis (ANCA-associated, Large vessel, Behçet's, Polyarteritis nodosa, Cryoglobulinemic, IgA vasculitis)
• Autoinflammatory disorders (Adult-onset Still's disease)
• Metabolic arthropathies (Gout, Osteoporosis)
• Hepatobiliary autoimmune diseases (Primary biliary cholangitis, Autoimmune hepatitis)
• Rheumatic diseases in pregnancy
• IgG4-related diseases
• RS3PE syndrome
Department Director & Academic Leader:
YANG Yi, MD, PhD
Associate Chief Physician & Associate Professor
• Chongqing High-Level Young & Middle-Aged Medical Talent
• Advanced Fellowship in Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
• Professional Affiliations:
· Vice Chairperson, Rheumatology Committee, Chongqing Medical Association
· Committee Member, China Women Physicians Association
· Executive Member, Rheumatology Branch, China Primary Health Care Foundation
· Committee Member, Chinese Preventive Medicine Association
· Council Member, Asia-Pacific Bioimmunology Association
· Ethics Committee Member, Stem Cell Research, Children's Hospital Affiliated to CQMU
• Principal Investigator:
· National Natural Science Foundation Project
· Chongqing Social Development & Technological Innovation Project
• Consensus Contributor:
· Chinese Expert Consensus on Biologics in SLE (2024)
· Chinese Expert Consensus on Rituximab in Rheumatic Diseases
• Published multiple high-impact papers in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and other leading journals
Guided by our solemn oath - "Entrusted with health and lives" and "Life paramount with compassionate care" - the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at CQMU First Affiliated Hospital remains unwavering in its commitment to excellence. Through relentless pursuit of medical innovation and compassionate service, we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding patient health and enhancing quality of life with world-class clinical expertise.