Hello! I’m” — part of Dr. Michelle Koolaee’s patient introduction section

R. Michelle Koolaee, DO, FACR

DIRECT CARE RHEUMATOLOGY

I have been practicing rheumatology in Los Angeles since 2013. During that time, I have gained experience in various medical settings, including supervising medical residents in an academic environment, working in a busy HMO-based office, practicing in a PPO/private insurance model, and now running a direct care practice. I truly value the relationships I build with my patients, and have sought out this model of care at this point in my career out of a strong desire to enhance the quality of care that my patients receive.

While I am deeply grounded in practicing evidence-based medicine, I also know that being able to spend more time on preventative and proactive care in this model can help decrease the use of immune suppressing medications in my patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases; I am really excited about this. It is also very fulfilling for me to spend more time with each patient in order to develop a thoughtful, personalized treatment plan.

In rheumatology, there are sometimes difficult and heavy conversations I have with my patients. I see the peace of mind my patients have knowing that I am alongside supporting them in their health journey, and this is incredibly rewarding for me personally to see that I have made a positive impact on their lives.

Qualifications

  • Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology

  • Rheumatology Clinical Faculty, Huntington Hospital, an Affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, lecturing and precepting Internal Medicine residents and medical students

  • Attending Rheumatologist in downtown Los Angeles, providing specialized care to underserved populations as part of a multidisciplinary team

  • Assistant Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC

  • Medical Expert, Pillar4 Media company

  • Co-founder of the medical book series published by Elsevier titled “Morning Report- Beyond the Pearls”

  • Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania (received Fellow of the Year Award) (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Chief Residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Roosevelt-Columbia University Hospital (New York, NY)

  • Residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Roosevelt-Columbia University Hospital (New York, NY)

  • Medical degree from New York College of College of Osteopathic Medicine (Old Westbury, NY)

  • Undergraduate degree from University of Maryland, College Park

  • Fluent in Spanish

Dr. Michelle Koolaee smiling and welcoming patients at her Pasadena rheumatology clinic
“Hello! I'm” — part of Dr. Koolaee’s introduction to personalized care approach

R. Michelle Koolaee, DO, FACR

DIRECT CARE RHEUMATOLOGY

Dr. Michelle Koolaee welcoming new patients with a smile — Pasadena rheumatologist

I have been practicing rheumatology in Los Angeles since 2013. During that time I have experienced practice in a variety of medical practices, ranging from an academic setting supervising medical residents and fellows, a busy HMO based office, PPO/private insurance and now a direct care practice. I truly value the relationships I build with my patients, and have sought out this model of care at this point in my career out of a strong desire to enhance the quality of care that my patients receive.

While I am deeply grounded in practicing evidence-based medicine, I also know that being able to spend more time on preventative and proactive care in this model can help decrease the use of immune suppressing medications in my patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases; I am really excited about this. It is also very fulfilling for me to spend more time with each patient in order to develop a thoughtful, personalized treatment plan.

In rheumatology, there are sometimes difficult and heavy conversations I have with my patients. I see the peace of mind my patients have knowing that I am alongside supporting them in their health journey, and this is incredibly rewarding for me personally to see that I have made a positive impact on their lives.

  • Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology

  • Rheumatology Clinical Faculty, Huntington Hospital, an Affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, lecturing and precepting Internal Medicine residents and medical students

  • Attending Rheumatologist in downtown Los Angeles, providing specialized care to underserved populations as part of a multidisciplinary team

  • Assistant Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC

  • Medical Expert, Pillar4 Media company

  • Co-founder of the medical book series published by Elsevier titled “Morning Report- Beyond the Pearls”

  • Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania (received Fellow of the Year Award) (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Chief Residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Roosevelt-Columbia University Hospital (New York, NY)

  • Residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Roosevelt-Columbia University Hospital (New York, NY)

  • Medical degree from New York College of College of Osteopathic Medicine (Old Westbury, NY)

  • Undergraduate degree from University of Maryland, College Park

  • Fluent in Spanish

Qualifications