Tamar Rubinstein, MD, has received the K23 award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation for her pioneering work in rheumatology, with a particular focus on childhood-onset systemic lupus (cSLE). Dr. Rubinstein's research, in line with the objectives of the K23 award, aims to deepen the understanding of cSLE and its effects on vulnerable groups. The K23 award, tailored for individuals with a clinical doctoral degree, offers a comprehensive, supervised research experience in patient-oriented studies, crucial for fostering independent clinical research careers.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus (cSLE), a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality, especially among adolescents and young adults (AYA) of color and low-income, requires engagement in SLE care to prevent poor outcomes. Depression is highly comorbid with cSLE and may contribute to disengagement in care, along with socio-demographic, clinical and other psychosocial factors. This research will investigate specific depression symptoms as potential contributors to disengagement in AYA with cSLE and pilot a mobile app intervention targeting engagement in care and providing psychological support in a vulnerable population of predominantly low-income, Black and Hispanic AYA from The Bronx, New York.