Christian Rhea, D.O., F.A.C.R.

Dr. Christian Rhea has practiced as a Rheumatologist with Heritage Medical Associates since 2006. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 1994, and again in 2000 as valedictorian of his medical school class at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Rhea then completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of South Carolina where he was named the Charles S. Bryant Academic Scholar and served there as a Chief Resident. In 2004, he came to Nashville to complete his Fellowship in Rheumatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Rhea has earned board certification in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology through the ABIM, and is certified in Clinical Densitometry through the ISCD and in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RhMsUS) through the ACR. Dr. Rhea has a particular interest in integrating ultrasound in the everyday practice of Rheumatology.

While his practice covers the spectrum of Rheumatologic disease, Dr. Rhea has an specific interest in treating patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Vasculitis, Gout and Degenerative Arthritis of the extremities. He actively participates in research as a Primary Investigator for the CORRONA Database for Rheumatic diseases, and his patients partner with him to contribute valuable research in the study of rheumatologic disease through the nation’s largest research databases for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Outside of his practice at HMA, Dr. Rhea also holds an appointment as an associate adjunct teaching faculty with the University of Tennessee and teaches residents at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Additionally, since 2010, he has been volunteering regularly at the Siloam Clinic for the uninsured in Nashville and believes in the mission of this organization.

Dr. Rhea grew up in south Florida, but he and his family (wife and four children) moved to Nashville in 2004 and have made Nashville their home. During his time away from work, Dr. Rhea enjoys coaching and playing baseball, CrossFit training and spending time with his wife and kids.