Carolina Muñoz Grajales, MD, PhD

Research summary

My research bridges clinical rheumatology and fundamental immunology to advance our understanding of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs)—a group of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage. 

During my PhD in fundamental immunology at the University of Toronto, I investigated immune alterations that drive the development of these diseases. Building on this foundation, my postdoctoral clinical and research fellowship at the Toronto Western Hospital lupus clinic focused on identifying serum biomarkers of cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 

In 2024, I began my role as a clinician-scientist at the University of Manitoba, where my research continues to focus on translational approaches to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients living with lupus.

I am an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba and a clinician-scientist in the Division of Rheumatology. I am also a cross-appointed assistant professor in the Department of Immunology. I am originally from Colombia, where I trained as an internist and rheumatologist and developed a strong interest in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and translational research.

Motivated by the need to better understand the immunological basis of autoimmune diseases, I pursued a PhD in Fundamental Immunology at the University of Toronto. After completing my PhD, I undertook a postdoctoral clinical and research fellowship in SLE at the Toronto Western Hospital lupus clinic and Schroeder Arthritis Institute.

I joined the University of Manitoba in 2024 as a clinician-scientist. By bridging clinical rheumatology and immunology, I aim to elucidate the immune mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations and severity of SLE. 

As a member of the Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, my work centres on discovering biomarkers that enhance disease monitoring and enable more precise, individualized care for people living with SLE. Throughout my career, I have been honoured to receive awards from the Canadian Rheumatology Association, the Lupus Foundation of America (Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award), and the Arthritis Society (PhD Salary Award).

Education

• Clinical and Research Fellowship in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases, University of Toronto (Feb 2024–June 2024)
• Clinical Fellowship in Rheumatology (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), University of Toronto (Feb 2022–Feb 2024)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fundamental Immunology, University of Toronto (2017–2022)
• Rheumatology Fellowship, Universidad de Antioquia (2010–2012)
• Internal Medicine Residency, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (2006–2009)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD), Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (2000–2005)

Awards

• Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee Award, Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) (2024)
• Best clinical research oral presentation at the Annual Ogryzlo research day, University of Toronto (2023)
• Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award, Lupus Foundation of America (2021)
• Arthritis Society PhD Salary Award (2020)
• Best abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee, CRA (2020)
• Best abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee, CRA (2019)