Department of Rheumatology

About the Department
The Department of Rheumatology traces its origins back to 1942, when the Faculty of Medicine at the National University of Mongolia began training the country’s first medical doctors. Since then, Internal Medicine has been a core foundation of medical education. On August 1, 1944, by Rector’s Order No. 33, the Department for the Study of Internal Diseases was formally established.

The history of Mongolian rheumatology is closely linked with the Third Central Clinical Hospital of Ulaanbaatar and the State Central Clinical Hospital. Notable pioneers include Academician and Professor B. Ragchaa, and Professor Ch. Tserennadmid, both recipients of the titles People’s Doctor and Distinguished Health Worker of Mongolia. Their contributions, together with those of many practicing clinicians, established the foundation of rheumatology in the country. On August 11, 2018, by Rector’s Order No. A/111, the Department of Rheumatology was founded as an independent academic unit within MNUMS.
2023 – 2025: Associate Professor Kh. Chingerel, MD, PhD, served as department head.
2018 – 2023: Professor D. Zulgerel, MD, PhD, served as the founding head.
Clinical Services
The Department manages the Rheumatology Center of the Mongolian–Japanese Hospital, where the Department Head also serves as Center Director.
Our team provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:
Outpatient consultations
Inpatient care within the Internal Medicine Department
Musculoskeletal and salivary gland ultrasonography
Ultrasound-guided procedures
These services are delivered by two board-certified rheumatologists in collaboration with academic faculty, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care for patients nationwide.

Professor D. Zulgerel, MD, PhD
Consultant Rheumatologist, Mongolian–Japanese Hospital
Senior Faculty Member, Department of Rheumatology
Professional Experience
1990 – present – Faculty, Department of Rheumatology and Cardiology, MNUMS
1987 – 1990 – Cardiologist, State Central Clinical Hospital, Ulaanbaatar
1986 – 1987 – Physician, Central Military Hospital
Education & Training
2005 – 2006 – Rheumatology Fellowship, Aichi Medical University, Japan
2000 – 2003 – Doctoral Studies, Irkutsk State Medical University, Russia
1996 – Cardiology Fellowship, Yonsei University, South Korea
1990 – 1992 – Residency in Internal Medicine, Institute for Advanced Medical Studies, St. Petersburg, Russia
Research Interests
Autoimmune systemic diseases and quality of life assessment
Pathophysiology and clinical epidemiology of cardiac arrhythmias
Education and Training
The Department provides instruction in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine across five component schools of MNUMS.
Courses include:
Core subjects in diagnostics and internal medicine
Rheumatology and elective modules
Clinical clerkships and final-year rotations
Residency programs in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
One-year specialized training in Rheumatology
Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in Rheumatology
Main events
2002: Introduced Rheumatology into the official MNUMS curriculum
2008: Developed and approved the first national Rheumatology specialty training program
2010: Integrated Rheumatology training into the Internal Medicine residency program
2016: Published the First National Textbook of Rheumatology
2017: Developed and approved national clinical guidelines for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
2022: Developed and approved the Ministry of Health clinical guidelines for
Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
2022: Published the textbook Inflammatory Joint Diseases: Differential Diagnosis
2023: Published the Second Revised Edition of the National Textbook of Rheumatology

Current Structure of the Department
Devshil Zorig, MSc, MD
Head of Department, Senior Rheumatologist
Professional Experience
Autoimmune systemic diseases
Lecturer, Department of Rheumatology, MNUMS
Rheumatologist, Mongolian–Japanese Hospital
Education
2009 – Bachelor’s Degree, MNUMS
2020 – Master’s Degree, MNUMS
Research Interests
Ankylosing spondyloarthritis

Tsolmon Darisuren, MSc, MD
Lecturer, Senior Rheumatologist
Professional Experience
Lecturer, Department of Rheumatology, MNUMS
Rheumatologist, Mongolian–Japanese Hospital
Education
2006 – Doctor of Medicine, MNUMS
2012 – Master’s Degree, Yokohama City University, Japan
Research Interests
Nailfold capillaroscopy
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography in diagnosis and therapy

Altanzul Bayarsaikhan, MSc, MD
Training lecturer, Rheumatologist
Professional Experience
2015 – 2016 – Family Physician, Enkh Titem Family Health Center
2016 – 2019 – School Physician, Orchlon International School
2019 – 2020 – Education Officer, School of Medicine, MNUMS
2023 – present – Assistant Lecturer, Department of Rheumatology, MNUMS
2023 – present – Rheumatologist, Mongolian–Japanese Hospital
Education
2015 – MD, MNUMS, School of Medicine
2018 – Master’s Degree in Clinical Medicine, MNUMS Graduate School
2022 – Residency in Internal Medicine, Institute of Continuing Medical Education, MNUMS
2023 – Specialty Training in Rheumatology, MNUMS
Research Interests
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography
Osteoporosis
Memberships
Member, Mongolian Rheumatology Society
Young Member, APLAR (Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology)