Dr. Danny Soulsby is a Pediatric Rheumatologist at UCSF Children’s Hospital Oakland, where he balances clinical care with research focused on social determinants of health in pediatric rheumatic diseases, particularly Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
His interest in rheumatology began in medical school when he cared for a complex patient who was ultimately diagnosed with Lupus. During residency, he encountered more cases that further fueled his interest in the field- particularly the problem-solving approach required to diagnose complex conditions. With the support of Dr. Erica Lawson, he launched a research project examining the link between poverty and arthritis outcomes. She also encouraged him to attend the CARRA Residents’ Program, an experience that solidified his decision to specialize in pediatric rheumatology.
As an active CARRA member, Dr. Soulsby is involved in the Health Equity and Lupus Nephritis Work Groups. He credits CARRA with playing a key role in his professional development, providing mentorship, research collaborations, and career support. Through CARRA, he has been involved in research projects utilizing Registry data, gaining valuable experience as a clinical researcher with a focus on health equity. He also received a Career Development Award, which has provided support to further his research career.
One of his most meaningful projects has explored how cumulative social disadvantage—factors like poverty, education barriers, and resource limitations—impacts JIA outcomes. His research has shown that increased exposure to these challenges is linked to worse disease activity. This work was recently highlighted at ACR, with a manuscript forthcoming. He hopes these findings will serve as a foundation for future studies aimed at designing interventions to address health disparities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Soulsby is committed to providing the highest quality care to his patients while continuing research that helps untangle the complex social factors influencing health outcomes. His goal is to develop strategies that can be implemented in clinical settings to improve care for all children with rheumatic diseases.
Outside of work, he loves spending time with his wife and their 2.5-year-old son. Whether exploring San Francisco, discovering new spots around the Bay Area, or traveling elsewhere, he finds spending quality time with his family the best way to recharge.
– Bailey Parker, Membership Coordinator
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