Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

James (Jim) C. Oates, M.D. was appointed to lead the Division following a national search in 2018. Dr. Oates is a graduate of Bates College and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he was a scholar in the prestigious Four Schools Physician Scientist Training Program. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Oates moved to Charleston with his mentor, Dr. Gary Gilkeson, to complete an additional year of research fellowship training and in 1997 joined the MUSC Rheumatology faculty. Oates is an avid sailor much like his father, Dr. John Oates (Vanderbilt), which may have influenced his decision to move from Durham to Charleston. Dr. Oates was promoted to the rank of Professor of Medicine and has held a number of important leadership positions at MUSC, including Chief of the Rheumatology Section for the Charleston VA Medical Center, Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine, Chair of the Clinical and Translational Research Center Advisory Committee, and Informatics Medical Director for Research and Reporting. He has also held important leadership positions in regional and national societies, including President, Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (SSCI), President, American Federation for Medical Research, and editorial board member of the American Journal of Medical Sciences.

Dr. Oates’ major research interest is the role of reactive intermediates and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis and atherosclerosis, for which he has conducted animal as well as human research. The discovery and validation of potential biomarkers and machine learning models for lupus nephritis outcomes and atherosclerosis are major goals. With funding awards from the NIH, US Department of Veteran Affairs, and various non-federal funding agencies, Dr. Oates maintains an active research program along with his clinical, teaching, and administrative roles. He envisions strengthening the Scleroderma and Lupus Centers with population health approaches, adding a Vasculitis Center, and maintaining the culture of dignity and respect created by Dr. Silver in the last 23 years. In addition to his passion for sailing, Dr. Oates is happiest when spending time with his wife Jennifer, children Evan and Aubrey, and Sherlock, the family dog.