James T. Rosenbaum, MD and Family Commit $1 Million to Establish Endowed Research Fund to Advance Rheumatic Disease Research
ATLANTA, GA. – (February 13, 2025) – The Rheumatology Research Foundation proudly announces the establishment of the James T. Rosenbaum and Family Endowed Research Fund, made possible through the generous commitment of Dr. James T. Rosenbaum and his family. This endowment will support established investigators conducting vital research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
For Dr. James T. Rosenbaum, medicine and philanthropy are deeply personal – rooted in both professional gratitude, family legacy, and personal experience. His father, Dr. Edward E Rosenbaum, was Oregon’s first rheumatologist and a pioneer in the field. Continuing this legacy, Dr. Rosenbaum, built a distinguished career as a board-certified rheumatologist and preeminent immunologist, serving for over 20 years as the Edward E. Rosenbaum Professor at Oregon Health & Science University – a title that carried deep personal significance.
“The Foundation has been incredibly generous to me,” said Dr. Rosenbaum. “Rheumatology has been a wonderful career for both my father and me. This endowment is a way to give back to the field that has given us so much and to honor my father’s legacy”.
Philanthropy is a shared commitment in the Rosenbaum family. His wife, Dr. Sandra J. Lewis, a cardiologist, has led efforts to support mid-career female cardiologists, demonstrating the power of giving to create lasting change. Their passion for giving became even more personal when their eldest daughter was diagnosed with lupus.
Dr. Rosenbaum expressed his confidence in the Foundation to steward the funds wisely to support the most promising research. “The discoveries made through this research will shape the future of rheumatology and deepen our understanding of rheumatic diseases,” he said.
Dr. Rosenbaum offers simple but powerful advice, “People are good, but ultimately selfish. If you want to be selfish, give away. Giving is deeply fulfilling and truly rewarding.”
James T. Rosenbaum, MD was awarded the Foundation’s Innovative Research Award in fiscal year 2018 and 2023. This award provides essential support for innovative studies focused on generating new insights into the cause, progression, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training programs in the U.S. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases. More information about the Foundation can be found at rheumresearch.org.