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Erica F. Lawson

MD

Pediatric rheumatologist
Researcher, educator, mom of two boys and outdoor enthusiast

Dr. Erica Lawson is a pediatric rheumatologist who cares for children with rheumatic diseases, which are inflammatory conditions involving the joints or connective tissues. She has a special focus on adolescents and young adults, and provides care in both the clinic and the hospital. She directs UCSF's fellowship program in pediatric rheumatology.

In research, Lawson's interests center on improving long-term outcomes and access to adult care for individuals who develop rheumatic diseases in childhood. Specifically, she has sought to predict long-term health, social and work outcomes for patients with childhood-onset lupus. She also has looked at easing the transition to adulthood for young adults with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases through better access to health care as well as improved self-care.

Lawson earned her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Seattle Children's Hospital and a fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at UCSF.

She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

  • Education

    Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 2005

  • Residencies

    Seattle Children's Hospital, Pediatrics, 2008

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Pediatric Rheumatology, 2012

  • Board Certifications

    Pediatric Rheumatology, American Board of Pediatrics

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

  • Languages

    English

    Spanish

My goal is helping patients thrive, even during chronic illness. I'm privileged to walk with patients and families on their journeys toward wellness.

Where I see patients (3)

    Fetal surgery firsts

    The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.

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