Program Leadership
Pediatric Rheumatology
Cuoghi Edens, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine
Cuoghi Edens, MD is a rheumatologist trained to see both pediatric rheumatology and adult rheumatology patients. Dr. Edens treats patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, dermatomyositis and other more rare conditions. Due to her combined adult and pediatric training, she has a special interest in rheumatic diseases in children and ensuring their healthcare as they transition into adulthood. She is also interested in the interplay between reproductive health, pregnancy and rheumatic diseases and is currently conducting research in this area.
Aside from her clinical work, Dr. Edens is also the pediatric rheumatology fellowship director and involved in medical student and resident education.
Joseph McDonald, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Joseph McDonald, MD, MS is a pediatric rheumatologist who is dedicated to caring for children and teens with a wide variety of pediatric rheumatologic disorders. He has a particular interest in juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and ocular inflammatory disorders. He has also pursued additional training in musculoskeletal ultrasound and uses this to complement his clinical exam.
Dr. McDonald’s research interests include incorporating ultrasound into the diagnosis and management of pediatric rheumatologic conditions and characterizing quality of life and outcomes in children with uveitis. In addition to clinical work and research, he is involved in education of medical students and residents.
Melissa Tesher, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Section Chief, Pediatric Rheumatology
Melissa Tesher, MD, is a board-certified pediatric rheumatologist. Dr. Tesher manages care for children and teens that have been diagnosed with a wide variety of pediatric rheumatologic disorders, but has a particular focus on juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic musculoskeletal pain. She enjoys working with trainees of all levels including medical students, residents and fellows, and is also active in clinical research. Her research focuses on chronic pain in children with juvenile arthritis, and on development of a multidisciplinary clinic to provide optimal care for pediatric lupus patients. She believes in a "whole patient" approach to care of patients with chronic diseases, with careful attention to patients' mental health and social situations. When not at work, Dr. Tesher can often be found bicycling Chicago-area trails with her family.
Linda Wagner-Weiner, MD, MS
Clinical Associate of Pediatrics
Linda Wagner-Weiner, MD, MS, is a board certified pediatric rheumatologist who is dedicated to the treatment of children with a variety of pediatric rheumatology diagnoses. She has a special interest in caring for those with systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile arthritis and vasculitis.
Dr. Wagner-Weiner is active in clinical research. One of her projects is a multi-center study to assess and improve the medical management of children with vasculitis. In addition to research and clinical work, she lectures regularly on pediatric rheumatology topics at national conferences. Since 1997, Dr. Wagner-Weiner has been named one of the “Top Doctors” in the city by Chicago magazine.
