Dr. Makris is originally from Los Angeles, CA and received her medical training at the George Washington University Medical Center followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Drawn to both Rheumatology and Geriatrics, Dr. Makris completed her fellowship in Rheumatology at Yale University with a clinical research focus on degenerative, musculoskeletal conditions that affect older adults. She is particularly interested in the epidemiology of back pain in older adults and developing effective interdisciplinary behavioral interventions with the goal of, ultimately, improving outcomes of back pain in this population. Dr. Makris brings to UTSW and the Dallas VAMC a strong background in general Rheumatology clinical practice and a unique clinical research interest that bridges Geriatrics and Rheumatology.