Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that often attacks multiple organs, particularly the lungs and lymph nodes, and disproportionately affects African Americans. Chicago comedian Bernie Mac suffered from sarcoidosis and died from complications of the disease in 2008.

The Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center at UI Health is committed to provide patients with outstanding care and to evaluate patients in a timely, compassionate and courteous manner. We provide comprehensive care for patients with all forms of sarcoidosis.

Our program is run by a multidisciplinary team made up of pulmonary and critical care physicians, rheumatologists, pharmacists, clinical nurses, research nurses and research associates. We also work closely with specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology, and dermatology. Our physicians, nurses, and pharmacists are experts in the care of patients with sarcoidosis. As a result of this collaborative approach, our patients receive the most comprehensive care and the benefits of cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art treatment options available.

The STAR Center strives to help reduce health disparities among sarcoidosis patients in Chicago, and since the establishment of the Center in 2012, UI Health has seen a 70 percent increase in the number of sarcoidosis patients visiting the hospital for treatment.

STAR Research

The discovery of new diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment modalities for patients with sarcoidosis is a main goal of our program. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, we focus on using genetic and genomic technologies to identify markers determining risk for the development of sarcoidosis, response to treatments, and prognosis. With these studies, we also seek to find new treatment targets for the disease. Our ultimate goal is to deliver personalized medical care to patients with sarcoidosis. We also offer participation in clinical trials evaluating new therapies for sarcoidosis.

STAR Center Team

Our Location

Outpatient Care Center, Suite 3C
1801 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612

To make an appointment at the STAR Center:

  1. Pulmonary Sarcoid Clinic at 312.413.4244
  2. Rheumatology Comprehensive Sarcoid Care:
    1. Silvia Galicia, Executive Assistant to Dr. Nadera Sweiss 312.355.7911
    2. Anita Herriott, Assistant Director Arthritis & Kidney Center 312.996.2544
    3. Nadera Sweiss, nsweiss@uic.edu

Support the Bernie Mac STAR Center

Click here to donate to the Bernie Mac STAR Center.