Rheumatology Genetics Clinic
The CUIMC/NY-Presbyterian Rheumatology Genetics Clinic, led by Dr. Yiming Luo, specializes in evaluating patients with immune-mediated conditions with highly unusual clinical presentations. This includes cases with features of autoinflammation (including fever of unknown origin), atypical autoimmune disease overlaps, and immunodeficiency.
The clinic offers cutting-edge genetic testing to identify potential rare monogenic causes (scenarios where a single genetic defect makes a major contribution to the illness) underlying these complex conditions. A hallmark of this clinic is its expertise in independently interpreting genetic testing results, integrating each patient's unique clinical context with advanced knowledge of molecular genetics.
Through collaborations with the Department of Medicine Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics (CPMG) and the New York Regional Inborn Errors of Immunity Resource Initiative League (NY ROYAL), the clinic offers genetic counseling, specialized assays for specific findings, and opportunities to participate in pioneering research studies. This multifaceted approach ensures patients with challenging immunological conditions or diagnostic uncertainties receive state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations and potential therapeutic interventions tailored to their genetic underpinnings.
ColumbiaDoctors Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology is a leader in the care and treatment of rheumatic disease, offering the latest therapies for patients of all ages. Many of our treatment services are also offered through participation in research studies.
Call (212) 305-4308 for an appointment or referral!
Genetics Clinic Director | Yiming Luo, MD, MSc
Dr. Yiming Luo is the founder of the Columbia Rheumatology Genetics Clinic and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Luo joined Columbia after completing his rheumatology fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As part of his genetic evaluation, he re-analyzes raw sequencing data to identify germline and somatic variants that may contribute to a patient’s conditions, and collaborates with national experts to facilitate access to functional assays in both clinical and research settings for patients with selected variants of uncertain significance (VUS). In addition to evaluating patients with rare monogenic immune disorders, Dr. Luo also cares for individuals with genetically complex immune-mediated diseases, including systemic sclerosis.
Dr. Luo has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Rheumatology Research Foundation. His research program leverages population genetics and computational biology to advance the understanding of immune-mediated diseases and to promote precision medicine for both monogenic and complex immune disorders.
Genetics Clinic Counselor | Liv Palma, MS, CGC
Liv Palma is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
She completed her master’s program in genetic counseling at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. Her clinical and research interests include a range of genetics specialties including rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology, hematology, and endocrinology. Liv works closely with Dr. Yiming Luo to provide counseling for patients pursuing genetic testing for immune-mediated conditions.