About / Providers
Santa Cruz Rheumatology was founded by Dr Thaila Ramanujam and has been serving the Santa Cruz area since 1992. SCR is happy to announce our expansion into the San Jose, Monterey and Southern California areas as California Rheumatology. As our footprint grows we hope to be able to serve a larger patient population with rheumatologic and other autoimmune diseases.
Inflammatory Arthritis impacts over 4% of the population, demanding early diagnosis to prevent organ damage. With advanced treatments and personalized care, my practice ensures tailored solutions for each patient, promoting near-normal living. As a consultant Rheumatologist, I am committed to advocating for my patients, offering expert guidance and compassionate support to enhance their quality of life.
Dr. Ramanujam is a specialist/consultant in private practice in Santa Cruz since 1992. She is the CEO of Santa Cruz Rheumatology/Thaila Ramanujam MD Inc., a state-of-the-art Clinic started in 1995. She also runs an infusion center since 2001 that serves the community needs for biologic/immunologic treatment of rheumatologic and other autoimmune diseases. Dr. Ramanujam has admitting privileges at the Dominican Hospital and oversees the work of two excellent advanced physician Extenders(APE)- a PA and an NP.
Medical Training
Dr. Ramanujam received her medical degree from Stanley Medical College, University of Madras, India. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, and obtained her M.D. This was followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. She is board certified in Rheumatology. Dr. Ramanujam is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, the Northern California Rheumatism Association, the California Medical Society, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Ramanujam is listed as a Lifetime Member of Who’s Who for demonstrating leadership and for achievements in her medical profession.
Research
Dr. Ramanujam did extensive research both at the University of Pennsylvania (T-cell receptor expression in RA) and University of Washington (Role of LAK cells in tumor Oncology), Seattle, WA. She has co-authored a textbook in Immunology (Tyrosine Kinase Signal Transduction) and has various publications (below)* Currently, Dr. Ramanujam is involved in clinical research and has been an investigator for Clinical Studies for (Exagen and Janssen). She has actively participated in SLE trials and Real-World Evidence (RWE) trials looking for side effects of various biologic medications
Publications
Lee AH, Chin AE, Ramanujam T, Thadhani R, Callegari PE, and Freundlich B., Gonococcal septic arthritis of the hip. J Rheum. 18: 1932-1933, 1991
Ramanujam T, and Schumacher HR. Ankylosing Spondylitis J of Musc. Skeletal. Dis. 9:75-91, 1992
Williams W, Von Feldt JM, Ramanujam T, and Weiner DB. Tyrosine kinase signal transduction in rheumatoid synovitis, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Lee AH, Ramanujam T, et al. Molecular diagnosis of Ureaplasma urealyticum septic arthritis in a hypogammaglobulinemic man. Arthritis and Rheumatism
Ramanujam T, et al. T cell receptor in early arthritis. (Abstract), Update in Rheumatology, Philadelphia, PA 1991
Personal note
Dr. Ramanujam is a passionate advocate for patients and is a teacher/coach. She has overseen the training and actively taught APE trainees and medical interns. She is an International Speaker on Gender Disparity and is the Director of global affairs for AWIR group, which is a non-profit organization with membership all over the world. She is involved in advocacy and non-profit work in the field of Rheumatology and serves in various boards including AWIR (Association of Women in Rheumatology) and NCRS (Northern California Rheumatology Association). Dr. Ramanujam is a member of California Medical society and American College of Rheumatology (ACR), CRA and is a donor for the Leadership Circle for Rheum Pac.
Maia Entropo is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Maia received training as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The University of California San Francisco, graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2013. Prior to joining Santa Cruz Rheumatology, Maia worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and Occupational health. Maia was a Registered Nurse in adult critical care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for over six years before pursuing her Master’s degree. Maia takes a holistic and individualized approach to promoting health and wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the team at Santa Cruz Rheumatology Clinic. Maia lives in Santa Cruz with her family. She enjoys hiking, yoga, running, and cycling, and spending time with her family.
Maia Entropo is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Maia received training as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The University of California San Francisco, graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2013. Prior to joining Santa Cruz Rheumatology, Maia worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and Occupational health. Maia was a Registered Nurse in adult critical care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for over six years before pursuing her Master’s degree. Maia takes a holistic and individualized approach to promoting health and wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the team at Santa Cruz Rheumatology Clinic. Maia lives in Santa Cruz with her family. She enjoys hiking, yoga, running, and cycling, and spending time with her family.
Maia Entropo is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Maia received training as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The University of California San Francisco, graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2013. Prior to joining Santa Cruz Rheumatology, Maia worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and Occupational health. Maia was a Registered Nurse in adult critical care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for over six years before pursuing her Master’s degree. Maia takes a holistic and individualized approach to promoting health and wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the team at Santa Cruz Rheumatology Clinic. Maia lives in Santa Cruz with her family. She enjoys hiking, yoga, running, and cycling, and spending time with her family.
Maia Entropo is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Maia received training as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The University of California San Francisco, graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2013. Prior to joining Santa Cruz Rheumatology, Maia worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and Occupational health. Maia was a Registered Nurse in adult critical care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for over six years before pursuing her Master’s degree. Maia takes a holistic and individualized approach to promoting health and wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the team at Santa Cruz Rheumatology Clinic. Maia lives in Santa Cruz with her family. She enjoys hiking, yoga, running, and cycling, and spending time with her family.