Christie Bartels, MD

Christie Bartels, MD, is a rheumatologist at UW Health and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health where she is chief of the Division of Rheumatology. She treats inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting the joints, bones, skin and muscles.

While she enjoys seeing patients with various conditions, Dr. Bartels’ primary interests are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and rare diseases such as dermatomyositis (which causes muscle weakness and skin rashes) and polymyositis (which causes bilateral muscle weakness).

Dr. Bartels is passionate about helping patients feel better, avoid preventable complications of rheumatic disease (especially heart problems) and be as healthy as possible. She works with a team of nurses, pharmacists and others to provide holistic care that is well-coordinated and focused on what is important to each patient.

Dr. Bartels conducts research focused on helping patients with rheumatic disease lower their risk for cardiovascular disease and improve overall health outcomes.

In her free time, Dr. Bartels enjoys hiking with her children and reading books that her patients recommend to her.

It’s a huge joy for me when we can partner with patients to decide on a treatment plan that helps get their disease under control so they can keep doing the activities they enjoy.