April 14, 2011 -- E. William St. Clair, MD, has been named chief of the Duke Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, effective immediately. St. Clair has been interim chief of the division since 2007 and succeeds David Pisetsky, MD, as division chief.

St. Clair has a long relationship with Duke University, where he received his undergraduate degree in chemistry. After earning his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine, St. Clair returned to Duke for his residency and fellowship years, serving as chief resident from 1984 to 1985. He has been a member of the faculty since 1985.

In addition to serving as division chief, St. Clair is involved in research of the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjogren’s syndrome, and systemic vasculitis. He is the author or co-author or more than 140 publications.

Under his leadership the Duke Division of Rheumatology and Immunology has developed several new programs, including dedicated clinics and patient registries for gout and lupus.