Established in 2015, the SCARI Endowment recognizes over 80 years of research collaboration between the Southwestern Clinic and Research Institute and the University of Arizona Arthritis Center.
Motivated by a deep concern for patients with progessive, crippling arthritis, Drs. W. Paul Holbrook and Donald F. Hill conceived of a research institute that would encompass both clinical studies and basic research to better understand the etiology underlying Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drs. Donald Hill and Paul Holbrook started an arthritis clinic in the 1930s in Tucson, which was a major treatment center because the climate brings symptom relief. At the time, little was known about the disease. The doctors also created a research organization in an effort to improve treatment. They secured funding from well-known philanthropists such as J.D. Rockefeller and sources including the U.S. Public Health Service.
The clinic gained prominence for patient treatment as well. In 1951, famous French painter Raoul Dufy presented Hill and Holbrook with “Hoedown” as a token of gratitude for their care during his vacation to Tucson. A replica of this work hangs on the walls of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center.
The excellence in research and patient care established by SCARI, its physicians and researchers continues today.
SCARI Visiting Professors:
2021: Richard Furie, MD, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell
2020: Christopher Hernandez, PhD, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering/Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
2018: Peter Nigrovic, MD, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital
2017: V. Michael Holers, MD, University of Colorado School of Medicine
2016: James S. Louie, MD, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine