Dr. Vijaya Murthy is a graduate of JSS Medical College, Mysore, India. She has advanced training from the UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch). Her clinical interests include Rheumatology.

The diverse and challenging field of Rheumatology keeps her driven, grounded and committed to providing the best care possible.

Dr. Raymond M. Pertusi is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at UTMB. He joined the UTMB faculty in 2014 from UMASS Memorial / UMASS Medical School in Worcester, MA. Prior to that, he held positions as Chief of Rheumatology at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Boston, Massachusetts; where he was an associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and University of North Texas Health Science center in Fort Worth. He trained in rheumatology at Seaton Hall University Post Graduate School of Medicine / Saint Michael's Medical Center. He is Board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.

Dr. Pertusi has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. He has also contributed to textbook chapters. He has served as principal investigator in a few research studies and co-investigator in many studies. His interests include general rheumatology and non-narcotic pain management. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology.

Mrs. Laura Murphy graduated from the UTMB Physician Assistant program in 2011. She has worked in Rheumatology since graduation in multiple clinics including Houston, Tacoma, WA, and Killeen, Texas prior to joining the UTMB department in 2021.

Laura is originally from the Dallas area but considers Galveston her home. When she is not working, she enjoys playing beach volleyball, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband. As a UTMB alumna, Laura has a strong commitment to the local community and strives to provide the best quality care to her patients.