Providers

Meet our Physicians

At Arthritis Centers of Texas, we are focused on the needs of our patients. We understand how frustrating and devastating rheumatic diseases can be. This is why we strive to provide thoughtful care to patients, whether the problem is a benign commonplace problem or a complicated life-threatening illness. In this era of rapidly expanding treatment options, we are committed to the timely and appropriate use of both established and cutting edge therapies. We believe in tailoring therapy to the needs of our patients. Arthritis Centers of Texas has nine board-certified rheumatologists and two rheumatology-trained nurse practitioners. We diagnose and treat a full spectrum of musculoskeletal pain syndromes and rheumatic diseases, including regional pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, gout, osteoporosis, lupus, and vasculitides. As a consultative rheumatology practice, we cooperate with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive care to our patients.

Dr. Iftikhar A. Chowdhry

Dr. Chowdhry is an attending physician at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. For as long as he can remember, Dr. Chowdhry wanted to be a physician. In keeping with this desire, he earned a medical degree from Allama Iqbal Medical College in Pakistan in 1990. After arriving in the U.S. in 1993, Dr. Chowdhry spent several years in New York, completing his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center, NYU, and his fellowship in Rheumatology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Chowdhry spent the next three years doing bench research in the area of Systemic Lupus at AECOM. His findings were published in “Arthritis & Rheumatology”. He has some other publications published in peer-reviewed journals as well.  He then decided to enter private practice because he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, helping to ease their misery and suffering.

Before joining Arthritis Centers of Texas, he spent seven years practicing rheumatology in Tacoma, WA. Dr. Chowdhry joined the Arthritis Centers of Texas in January 2010 and currently serves as president of the clinic. He also serves as co-Chief of Rheumatology at Baylor University Medical Center. His responsibilities include teaching and educating medical students and residents, giving lectures on various topics of Rheumatology, and other administrative duties. Dr. Chowdhry is Board Certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. 

Dr. Chowdhry’s special interests include the diagnosis and treatment of various autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Knee Osteoarthritis, Gout and Pseudogout, Inflammatory Myositis, Osteoporosis, various forms of Vasculitides, and other rare conditions. Outside of the office, Dr. Chowdhry likes to spend time with his family, traveling, playing table tennis and cricket, working out in nature, and volunteering his time to various non-profit organizations.

Srilatha Kothandaraman

Dr. Srilatha Kothandaraman

Dr. Kothandaraman (Dr. Raman) is the co-Chief of Rheumatology at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M School of Medicine. She is certified in Internal Medicine (NBPAS) and board-certified in Rheumatology (ABIM).

She earned her medical degree from Stanley Medical College and completed her Internal Medicine training at Rutgers/Saint Peter’s University. Subsequently, she pursued Rheumatology training at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her fellowship, she conducted lupus research, published articles and abstracts for national and international conferences, and presented at the American College of Rheumatology. Additionally, she co-authored a chapter titled “Rheumatological Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disease” in the book Geriatric Gastroenterology.

Dr. Kothandaraman then joined the Arthritis Centers of Texas, where she actively engages in patient care, clinical research, and academic medical education with medical students and residents. Furthermore, she provides consultative services at Baylor University Medical Center and is an active member of the American College of Rheumatology. She is passionate about medical education and works on several humanities in medicine-related projects.

Dr. Kothandaraman practices at our Dallas and Richardson offices, welcoming new patients.

“I am passionate about using my expertise and strong clinical acumen to help patients manage their condition effectively. My patients consistently express confidence and reassurance in the care I provide.” – Dr. Kothandaraman (Dr.Raman)

Dr. Dianne L. Petrone

Dear Arthritis Centers of Texas patients,

 

Dr. Petrone is resigning from medical practice on September 30, 2024.  Dr. Petrone’s colleagues here at Arthritis Centers of Texas are committed to continuing to provide your rheumatologic care and will strive to make your transfer to a new provider as easy and smooth as possible. 

 

We are currently contacting patients of Dr. Petrone to arrange the transfer of their care to another of our providers, but please reach out to our scheduling department at (214) 823-6503 if that is your preference. Our staff will be happy to go over the options that are available to you at both of our locations for your continuing care here at ACT.

 

We apologize for any inconvenience this short notice may cause but hope you join us in wishing Dr. Petrone a joyful retirement. We will truly miss her.

Dr. Ritesh Rampuré

Dr. Rampuré arrived in Texas as an internist after having served communities in the Eastern and Mid-western United States as both a physician and an educator.  In his role as an educator, he won accolades from medical students and doctors-in-training.  His hunger to broaden his clinical skills led him into Rheumatology fellowship training at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock. As part of the team at the Arthritis Centers of Texas in Dallas, Dr. Rampuré strives to provide evidence-based care to bring about a meaningful impact on the overall rheumatological care of the community he serves. As a Physician, he values actively listening to his patients and educating them with the goal of empowering them toward joint medical decision-making. Dr. Rampuré is accepting new patients. Requests for appointments are typically accommodated within 3 to 5 working days.

Education

  • Medical Degree – Mysore Medical College, 2001
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, 2002-2005
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, 2005-2007
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Hahnemann University Hospital, 2007-2010
  • Rheumatology Fellowship – University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 2020-2022

Honors and Memberships

  • Nominated by Saint Louis University School of Medicine for Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Faculty Member in Internal Medicine, St Louis, MO 2018
  • Outstanding Student Educator Award – in recognition of Exceptional Commitment and Talent in the Education of Medical Students, Abington Jefferson Health, PA 2016
  • Golden Apple Primary Care Award – in recognition of outstanding academic contributions to the medical residents and faculty, Abington Jefferson Health, PA 2016
  • American College of Rheumatology 2019- present
  • American College of Physicians 2015 – present
  • Society of Hospital Medicine 2012 – 2018 Pennsylvania Medical Society 2012, 2013
  • Fellow of American College of Physicians (FACP)

YusufDr. Yusuf Chao

Dr. Chao received his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley and his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He was selected by his program directors to be chief rheumatology fellow in his final year of fellowship.

His scholarly pursuits have spanned basic science research, clinical research, and healthcare quality improvement projects, resulting in publications and presentations at local and national conferences. In addition, he has worked for a biotech company in immunoassay development and monoclonal antibody generation, providing him an advanced understanding of biologics from a research & development standpoint.

As a rheumatologist at the Arthritis Centers of Texas, Dr. Chao is passionate about providing excellent patient-centered care. He values thoroughness, attention to detail, clear communication, and shared decision making, and draws upon his prior experiences in teaching to educate and counsel his patients effectively. Dr. Chao is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. He practices at the Dallas office and is accepting new patients.

He currently lives in Plano with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing with his family, traveling, hiking, reading, and photography.

Doreena Tran

Doreena Tran is a board certified Physician Assistant who joined Arthritis Centers of Texas in 2021. She obtained her masters degree from the USC Keck School of Medicine and has an undergraduate degree in Community Health with a minor in Chemistry.  Her previous experience includes working in primary care serving the underprivileged community of South Los Angeles.    

Doreena has the personal and professional objective of advocating for all patients and is committed to giving her patients the time, attention, and care to improve their quality of life.

She currently lives in Plano with her husband.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, trying out new restaurants, watching movies, traveling, and rock climbing.

Samantha Gomes, MPAS, PA-C

Samantha is a board-certified physician assistant who earned her bachelors degree in Nutrition with concentration in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin  and her masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Towson/CCBC Program. 

She was first exposed to rheumatology as a medical assistant back in 2017 prior to her PA school training. After her training, she became a physician assistant in rheumatology at a private practice in Houston, TX prior to joining Arthritis Centers of Texas. 

Samantha desires to provide thorough patient care that is evidence-based with compassion. She enjoys educating and empowering patients through shared-decision making. She is a member of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, Association of Women in Rheumatology, and State of Texas Association of Rheumatologists. 

She is originally from Houston, TX, and is a recent implant in the DFW area. In her leisure time, she enjoys trying a variety of cultural cuisines, cooking, learning languages, creating art, birdwatching, and reading. 

Meet our Physicians

At Arthritis Centers of Texas, we are focused on the needs of our patients. We understand how frustrating and devastating rheumatic diseases can be. This is why we strive to provide thoughtful care to patients, whether the problem is a benign commonplace problem or a complicated life-threatening illness. In this era of rapidly expanding treatment options, we are committed to the timely and appropriate use of both established and cutting edge therapies. We believe in tailoring therapy to the needs of our patients. Arthritis Centers of Texas has nine board-certified rheumatologists and two rheumatology-trained nurse practitioners. We diagnose and treat a full spectrum of musculoskeletal pain syndromes and rheumatic diseases, including regional pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, gout, osteoporosis, lupus, and vasculitides. As a consultative rheumatology practice, we cooperate with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive care to our patients.

Dr. Iftikhar A. Chowdhry

Dr. Chowdhry is an attending physician at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. For as long as he can remember, Dr. Chowdhry wanted to be a physician. In keeping with this desire, he earned a medical degree from Allama Iqbal Medical College in Pakistan in 1990. After arriving in the U.S. in 1993, Dr. Chowdhry spent several years in New York, completing his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center, NYU, and his fellowship in Rheumatology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Chowdhry spent the next three years doing bench research in the area of Systemic Lupus at AECOM. His findings were published in “Arthritis & Rheumatology”. He has some other publications published in peer-reviewed journals as well.  He then decided to enter private practice because he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, helping to ease their misery and suffering.

Before joining Arthritis Centers of Texas, he spent seven years practicing rheumatology in Tacoma, WA. Dr. Chowdhry joined the Arthritis Centers of Texas in January 2010 and currently serves as president of the clinic. He also serves as co-Chief of Rheumatology at Baylor University Medical Center. His responsibilities include teaching and educating medical students and residents, giving lectures on various topics of Rheumatology, and other administrative duties. Dr. Chowdhry is Board Certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. 

Dr. Chowdhry’s special interests include the diagnosis and treatment of various autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Knee Osteoarthritis, Gout and Pseudogout, Inflammatory Myositis, Osteoporosis, various forms of Vasculitides, and other rare conditions. Outside of the office, Dr. Chowdhry likes to spend time with his family, traveling, playing table tennis and cricket, working out in nature, and volunteering his time to various non-profit organizations.

Srilatha KothandaramanDr. Srilatha Kothandaraman

Dr. Kothandaraman (Dr. Raman) is the co-Chief of Rheumatology at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M School of Medicine. She is certified in Internal Medicine (NBPAS) and board-certified in Rheumatology (ABIM).

She earned her medical degree from Stanley Medical College and completed her Internal Medicine training at Rutgers/Saint Peter’s University. Subsequently, she pursued Rheumatology training at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her fellowship, she conducted lupus research, published articles and abstracts for national and international conferences, and presented at the American College of Rheumatology. Additionally, she co-authored a chapter titled “Rheumatological Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disease” in the book Geriatric Gastroenterology.

Dr. Kothandaraman then joined the Arthritis Centers of Texas, where she actively engages in patient care, clinical research, and academic medical education with medical students and residents. Furthermore, she provides consultative services at Baylor University Medical Center and is an active member of the American College of Rheumatology. She is passionate about medical education and works on several humanities in medicine-related projects.

Dr. Kothandaraman practices at our Dallas and Richardson offices, welcoming new patients.

“I am passionate about using my expertise and strong clinical acumen to help patients manage their condition effectively. My patients consistently express confidence and reassurance in the care I provide.” – Dr. Kothandaraman (Dr.Raman)

Dr. Dianne L. Petrone

Dear Arthritis Centers of Texas patients,

Dr. Petrone is resigning from medical practice on September 30, 2024.  Dr. Petrone’s colleagues here at Arthritis Centers of Texas are committed to continuing to provide your rheumatologic care and will strive to make your transfer to a new provider as easy and smooth as possible. 

We are currently contacting patients of Dr. Petrone to arrange the transfer of their care to another of our providers, but please reach out to our scheduling department at (214) 823-6503 if that is your preference. Our staff will be happy to go over the options that are available to you at both of our locations for your continuing care here at ACT.

We apologize for any inconvenience this short notice may cause but hope you join us in wishing Dr. Petrone a joyful retirement. We will truly miss her.

Dr. Ritesh Rampuré

Dr. Rampuré arrived in Texas as an internist after having served communities in the Eastern and Mid-western United States as both a physician and an educator.  In his role as an educator, he won accolades from medical students and doctors-in-training.  His hunger to broaden his clinical skills led him into Rheumatology fellowship training at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock. As part of the team at the Arthritis Centers of Texas in Dallas, Dr. Rampuré strives to provide evidence-based care to bring about a meaningful impact on the overall rheumatological care of the community he serves. As a Physician, he values actively listening to his patients and educating them with the goal of empowering them toward joint medical decision-making. Dr. Rampuré is accepting new patients. Requests for appointments are typically accommodated within 3 to 5 working days.

Education

  • Medical Degree – Mysore Medical College, 2001
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, 2002-2005
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, 2005-2007
  • Internal Medicine Residency – Hahnemann University Hospital, 2007-2010
  • Rheumatology Fellowship – University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 2020-2022

Honors and Memberships

  • Nominated by Saint Louis University School of Medicine for Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Faculty Member in Internal Medicine, St Louis, MO 2018
  • Outstanding Student Educator Award – in recognition of Exceptional Commitment and Talent in the Education of Medical Students, Abington Jefferson Health, PA 2016
  • Golden Apple Primary Care Award – in recognition of outstanding academic contributions to the medical residents and faculty, Abington Jefferson Health, PA 2016
  • American College of Rheumatology 2019- present
  • American College of Physicians 2015 – present
  • Society of Hospital Medicine 2012 – 2018 Pennsylvania Medical Society 2012, 2013
  • Fellow of American College of Physicians (FACP)

YusufDr. Yusuf Chao

Dr. Chao received his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley and his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He was selected by his program directors to be chief rheumatology fellow in his final year of fellowship.

His scholarly pursuits have spanned basic science research, clinical research, and healthcare quality improvement projects, resulting in publications and presentations at local and national conferences. In addition, he has worked for a biotech company in immunoassay development and monoclonal antibody generation, providing him an advanced understanding of biologics from a research & development standpoint.

As a rheumatologist at the Arthritis Centers of Texas, Dr. Chao is passionate about providing excellent patient-centered care. He values thoroughness, attention to detail, clear communication, and shared decision making, and draws upon his prior experiences in teaching to educate and counsel his patients effectively. Dr. Chao is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. He practices at the Dallas office and is accepting new patients.

He currently lives in Plano with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing with his family, traveling, hiking, reading, and photography.

Doreena Tran

Doreena Tran is a board certified Physician Assistant who joined Arthritis Centers of Texas in 2021. She obtained her masters degree from the USC Keck School of Medicine and has an undergraduate degree in Community Health with a minor in Chemistry.  Her previous experience includes working in primary care serving the underprivileged community of South Los Angeles.    

Doreena has the personal and professional objective of advocating for all patients and is committed to giving her patients the time, attention, and care to improve their quality of life.

She currently lives in Plano with her husband.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, trying out new restaurants, watching movies, traveling, and rock climbing. 

Samantha Gomes, MPAS, PA-C

Samantha is a board-certified physician assistant who earned her bachelors degree in Nutrition with concentration in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin  and her masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Towson/CCBC Program. 

She was first exposed to rheumatology as a medical assistant back in 2017 prior to her PA school training. After her training, she became a physician assistant in rheumatology at a private practice in Houston, TX prior to joining Arthritis Centers of Texas. 

Samantha desires to provide thorough patient care that is evidence-based with compassion. She enjoys educating and empowering patients through shared-decision making. She is a member of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, Association of Women in Rheumatology, and State of Texas Association of Rheumatologists. 

She is originally from Houston, TX, and is a recent implant in the DFW area. In her leisure time, she enjoys trying a variety of cultural cuisines, cooking, learning languages, creating art, birdwatching, and reading