Advancing Comprehensive Vasculitis Care at Northwestern
Dr. Brian Jaros, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Program Director of Rheumatology at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, is making significant strides in the field of vasculitis care and research. Dr. Jaros is also Associate Director of the Northwestern Vasculitis Center, where his clinical expertise and passion for patient-centered care are helping to transform the treatment landscape for patients with this complex and often debilitating disease.
“Having trained as a fellow at Northwestern, I had the opportunity to work with and learn under Dr. (Anisha) Dua’s expertise and mentorship with the vasculitis patient population,” Dr. Jaros shared. Staying at Northwestern allowed me to continue treating patients with whom I had already started navigating their vasculitis journey during fellowship.” This continuity of care is something he values deeply. He added, “Joining the vasculitis center here also meant continuing to work with Dr. Dua, and all our fantastic collaborators across a variety of different departments and specialties, which is one of my favorite aspects of being a vasculitis doc and paramount to providing our vasculitis patients’ comprehensive care.” Dr. Dua is a Professor of Medicine, Fellowship Program Director and Director of the Vasculitis Center, Division of Rheumatology, at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Jaros brings a broad range of expertise to the team, treating patients with all types of vasculitis, from small to large vessel disease. His clinical work is complemented by an active involvement in research initiatives. He is particularly focused on the use of avacopan, an adjunctive treatment for ANCA-vasculitis, and the ongoing CAR-T trials that explore novel therapies for the disease. “We have several different ongoing research initiatives that are exciting. In the ANCA-vasculitis disease state, we are looking to characterize patient experience and outcomes with the use of avacopan, an adjunct treatment medication. We are a site for a CAR-T trial, exploring the effectiveness and safety of this novel therapy in ANCA-vasculitis,” he said.
As a strong advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Jaros highlights the importance of collaboration in vasculitis care. “Collaboration between specialties is crucial in vasculitis care, and it is one of the things I enjoy most about treating vasculitis, which often ‘takes a village.’” Given the complex and systemic nature of vasculitis, working closely with specialists in other areas—such as nephrology, cardiology, and pulmonology—helps ensure patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible. Dr. Jaros elaborated, “Since vasculitis can affect a variety of different areas or organ systems within the body, we rely on our colleagues, with other expertise and specific skills, to comprehensively evaluate our patients.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Jaros is optimistic about the future of the vasculitis center. “My hope is that the Northwestern Vasculitis Center will continue to be a place where patients receive not only expert, compassionate care, but also access to the latest therapies and clinical trials. We aim to treat patients as effectively as possible to improve their quality of life, while expanding the realm of research.”
For those facing a vasculitis diagnosis, Dr. Jaros offers an important message of hope. “A vasculitis diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that advances in research and treatment have dramatically improved outcomes and quality of life. With the right care, many people lead full and active lives. Stay engaged with your healthcare team, ask questions, and lean on support networks—both medical and personal. You are not alone in this journey, and there is real reason to hope for continued better health ahead.”
Dr. Jaros’ work at Northwestern is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of patients with vasculitis. His clinical expertise, research pursuits, and passion for collaboration position him as a rising leader in the field, bringing hope to those impacted by the disease.
“Dr. Jaros is an invaluable addition to the vasculitis community and to our center at Northwestern. He is proactive, intelligent, warm, thoughtful and is dedicated to caring for complex patients with vasculitis,” added Dr. Dua. “He has helped me to expand our reach in both clinical care as well as research initiatives and I am more than thrilled to have his passion and expertise driving the future of our center. He is a brilliant collaborator and a true gem of a doctor and colleague.”