Meet The Providers.

Dr. Graves is excited to be a rheumatologist! It took many years to get to this point. He received a B.A. in chemistry and B.S. in biology from UT Arlington in 1987 (both with high honors).

During his first year in medical school, Dr. Graves developed arthritis and kidney problems. After several months of visiting doctors, he was diagnosed with lupus. Because of this experience, he chose to pursue a career in rheumatology.

In 1991, he received his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School where he ranked in the top fourth in his class and earned the Iatros Award ? the top award given by the students.

Dr. Graves completed his Internal Medicine residency in 1994 at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, where he received the Jose Garcia M.D. Outstanding Resident Award.

After taking one year off to do medical mission work in Africa and Russia, he started his rheumatology fellowship at UT Southwestern. He completed his training in 1997 and has been practicing in Tyler, Texas, since that time.

When he is not at work, Dr. Graves is usually playing with his boys, Landry and Luke, or laughing with his wife, Stacy!

Dr. Luis E. Vasquez is a second-generation rheumatologist. His father was the first rheumatologist in El Salvador. Dr. Vasquez’s late grandfather was also a physician. The National Library of Medicine of El Salvador and the National Prize of Medicine were named after his late grandfather.

Though Dr. Vasquez was born in the beautiful country of El Salvador, Central America, he grew up in Texas and then moved to Boston, where his father completed his medical studies.

Later Dr. Vasquez moved back to Central America and graduated in 1990 from the Evangelical University of El Salvador. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine, he moved back to the United States, where he did a second residency at Methodist Hospital of Dallas and completed his fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and LSU Medical Center in New Orleans.

Dr. Vasquez is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. He has been an active rheumatologist practicing in Tyler and Texas since 2000. He is member of multiple medical societies and has participated as guest speaker at several international meetings.

His areas of special interest are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and soft tissue musculoskeletal disorders.?Also?the study and mastering of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools such as musculoskeletal ultrasound, digital radiography and MRI to help manage these disorders. However, most of all he enjoys taking care of patients and watching them improve.

He is married to Patricia and has three beautiful kids, to whom he fully dedicates his free time. He loves travel, the ocean, good jazz and soccer. He loves living in Tyler and East Texas and feels proud to be part of Texas Arthritis and Rheumatology Specialists and to serve the people of this wonderful community.

Scott Phillips received his master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of North Dakota. He is originally a native of Texas, and is pleased to be back in the lone star state. Prior to specializing in rheumatology, Scott served the East Texas community in the field of orthopedic medicine and hand surgery. He chose to specialize in rheumatology because he wanted to help people regain their quality of life.

“The most rewarding part about my profession is helping patients with a debilitation disease regain their livelihood, and enjoy their quality of life.”

He is currently nationally certified and licensed by the state of Texas as a Physician Assistant and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Texas Association of Physician Assistants.

In order to enhance his skills and knowledge in Rheumatology he has advanced his studies through the American College of Rheumatology year-long postgraduate training program for mid level providers. He has also completed additional training in musculoskeletal ultrasound. He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology.

He is married to Rachael, and has three beautiful children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wonderful family, watching and playing sports, and traveling. He is proud and honored to be a part of Texas Arthritis and Rheumatology Specialists, and to serve the people of this great community.