Saad Tariq, MD, FACR, MACP, RhMSUS

Welcome to Ortho Illinois!

I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little more about my background and medical practice.

I believe medicine is one of the noblest professions.  I developed that belief early in life while accompanying my physician mother as a young boy.  I saw her dedicated to treating her sick patients with kindness and honor.  It is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling to be able to alleviate suffering and bring joy.  My parents have been instrumental in helping me choose my career and have always been my inspiration and support. My brother and sister are also physicians and we share our passion for health care and wellness.

In pursuit of becoming a physician, I attended Rawalpindi Medical College in Pakistan where I earned my medical degree.  I did some additional post graduate training for 2 years before coming to the United States where I underwent my residency training in Internal Medicine at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey affiliated with Seton Hall University.

It was during my residency rotation in Rheumatology that my focus shifted to becoming a specialist. I found my wife had an autoimmune disease during my residency, compelling me to choose Rheumatology for specialization. I find autoimmune diseases intriguing requiring close attention to detail and complex brain work to find the right diagnosis. I then pursued the advanced specialty training of a Rheumatology Fellowship at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis where I also received specialized diagnostic and procedural training in complex world of Rheumatology including musculoskeletal ultrasound. I had the honor to be the Chief Rheumatology Fellow in my second year. I was lucky to have great mentors who taught me the art and science of rheumatologic diseases. I was also involved in research during my training including drug trials and I published a review article about a rare disease called multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.  To further my skills and interest in treatment of osteoporosis and bone disease, I qualified for my certification in clinical Densitometry in 2019 by the premier organization in bone density, The International Society for Clinical Densitometry.  Recently, I was interviewed by LiveStrong.com on tips for on how to prevent arthritis.  Read article.

Following my education and training I worked for three years at Mercy Clinic Hospital in Springfield, Missouri before relocating my practice to OrthoIllinois.  I am Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. I am certified in Rheumatology Musculoskeletal ultrasound (RhMSUS).  As a Rheumatologist, I treat a wide spectrum of diseases experienced by patients, pediatric (age 6+) through  adult years.  These include rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjogren’s disease, connective tissue disease, gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and many other inflammatory and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain syndrome including tendinopathies and bursitis.  In addition to my clinical practice, I also serve as an Assistant Professor  and am the Rheumatology Course Director for medical students at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, allowing me to pursue my interest in teaching and helping to advance the skills and knowledge of future medical providers.

Successful treatment comes as the result of carefully listening to what my patients are experiencing, understanding lab test results, and working together on a treatment plan and potential lifestyle changes that can reduce or eliminate symptoms and potentially halt the progression of disease.

When I am not practicing medicine I value my family time.  I enjoy reading, home and sporting activities especially with my wife and children and opportunities to travel.

I value thorough, ethical and compassionate care for my patients. I appreciate that you have entrusted me with your care and look forward to working with you on your path to a more healthy, pain free and active life.

Sincerely,

Saad Tariq, MD , FACR , MACP , RhMSUS