Mayes named Distinguished Clinical Investigator
The American College of Rheumatology named Maureen D. Mayes, MD, MPH, professor of rheumatology and the Elizabeth Bidgood Chair in Rheumatology at McGovern Medical School, the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award.
Mayes earned the award as a leading authority in the field of systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, and for her significant contributions to research, clinical care, and medical education.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award,” Mayes said. “Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to the study and treatment of scleroderma, a complex and challenging disease. This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but also a reflection of the incredible collaboration I’ve shared with dedicated researchers, clinicians, and — most importantly — the patients who inspire our work every day. Our collective goal has always been to improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, and I hope this award signifies that we are making meaningful progress toward that mission.”
Mayes received her undergraduate degree from Notre Dame College and her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She completed her residency in internal medicine and a rheumatology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.
Her academic career began in 1981 when she joined the faculty at West Virginia University School of Medicine. She later served on the faculty at Wayne State University before joining McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston in 2002.
At UTHealth Houston, she became a key member of the Scleroderma Program and established a dedicated scleroderma clinic. The clinic continues to serve as a center of excellence, where she provides specialized patient care, mentors residents and rheumatology fellows, and conducts translational research and clinical trials aimed at developing more effective treatments for systemic sclerosis.
In 1998, Mayes founded the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The registry provided the basis for the first large-scale genomewide association study in systemic sclerosis. Her work, in collaboration with national and international researchers, has been critical in defining the genetic underpinnings of the disease and advancing understanding of its pathogenesis.
Over the past three decades, Mayes has been a key figure in the design and execution of most multicenter clinical trials in systemic sclerosis. Her scholarly output includes more than 300 original research articles exploring the genetic, serologic, and clinical characteristics of the disease.
Mayes is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a longtime member of the National Scleroderma Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. Her dedication to research, patient care, and education has established her as a leading figure in the field of rheumatology and a champion for individuals living with scleroderma.