Rheumatology Genetics Clinic
The Columbia Rheumatology Genetics Clinic, directed by Yiming Luo, MD, MSc, 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. Situated within Columbia’s medical campus, the Center offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and serves as a hub for innovative clinical and translational research.
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.
Our Services
ColumbiaDoctors world-class clinical genetic specialists provide clinical evaluation, risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for a variety of genetic conditions. For patients with genetic conditions, we provide ongoing, multidisciplinary care, along with access to a wide range of resources which can include research trials and additional therapeutic options.
We are a leading research and clinical center in precision medicine, a new paradigm in medicine where treatment is personalized for individual patients, often based on genetic testing and analysis. To help patients understand their conditions better or to provide additional therapeutic options, when appropriate, our genetic specialists identify research studies for which patients may qualify.
The Columbia Rheumatology Genetics 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.
Our Team
Yiming Luo, MD, MSc
- Director, Rheumatology Genetics Clinic
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.
Liv Palma, MS, CGC
- Certified Genetic Counselor
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.
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Our Location
Make An Appointment
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.
To make an appointment with a member of our Genetics Care team, please call 212-305-4308 and our office will schedule your appointment.
Connect Patient Portal
Current patients can count on secure messaging, the use of our online bill payment feature, and 24/7/365 access to their healthcare information through the Connect online portal.
Signing up for Connect is easy. Ask about joining Connect at your next visit. If you already have an invitation and activation code, visit our sign-up page. If you do not have an activation code, visit our self-sign-up page and follow the directions.
Connect is a joint effort of Columbia, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine, so a single Connect account links you to all three institutions.