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Hi! I’m Dr. Thao Tran.
 
I’m a board-certified rheumatologist  and I also live with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome.
 
After earning my medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, I completed my Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Today, I practice in Auburn, Alabama, where I care for patients living with autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.
 
But my story doesn’t stop with my white coat.
 
Living with autoimmune illness has profoundly shaped how I practice medicine. As both a physician and a patient, I understand the uncertainty, daily challenges, and resilience that chronic illness demands. This dual perspective pushes me to approach each patient with empathy, patience, and a commitment to truly collaborative care.
 
Advocacy & Mentorship
 
I serve as the Auburn chapter leader for the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR), and each year, I travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for policies that improve access to care for people with chronic illnesses. I’m certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound (RhMSUS) and bone densitometry (CCD).

Creative Outlets
 
Outside of medicine, watercolor painting is one of my greatest joys. It grounds me and is a quiet way to reflect and heal. I also enjoy yoga, reading, building Legos, and time with my family.
 
Rheum Wars: Storytelling for Awareness
 
As a fan of epic fantasy and great story telling, I created Rheum Wars as a sci-fi-inspired storytelling project that reimagines autoimmune diseases as epic galactic conflicts. It’s my way of blending medical insight, creative narrative, and education to make rheumatology more accessible and empowering.
 
If you’re curious, you can explore the galaxy of Autoimmunis, meet characters like Empress Lupus Erytheme, Methotrex Sage, and Stiff-3PO, or download patient-friendly resources from the Sanctum of Remission Records.

Watercolor Gallery
 
Sometimes, healing looks like brushstrokes. Below are a few quiet moments I’ve painted: glimpses of stillness and softness in a fast-moving world.

Welcome, always.
 
Whether you’re seeking trusted information, support, or simply a quiet space to explore the world of rheumatology: I am glad you are here.

© 2025 Dr. Thao Tran, MD | All Rights Reserved

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