UR Medicine Faculty
The University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group
(URMFG) consists of over 900 specialist and primary care providers spanning 19
departments.
URMFG is certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Accountable Health Partner
Accountable Health Partners (AHP) is a network of
over 2,000 community and UR medical faculty and a dozen leading hospitals throughout the
region. AHP offers a full range of care.
Dr. Looney is a rheumatologist as well as an allergist and clinical immunologist with a broad interest in all aspects of these specialties. He has been at the University of Rochester for over 50 years and has been in the Allergy Immunology Rheumatology Division for over 40 years. His research has in...
Dr. Looney is a rheumatologist as well as an allergist and clinical immunologist with a broad interest in all aspects of these specialties. He has been at the University of Rochester for over 50 years and has been in the Allergy Immunology Rheumatology Division for over 40 years. His research has involved both translational research and clinical trials including the role of B cell depletion and mesenchymal stem cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. He has also worked on the role of the microbiome and infections in development of immune mediated diseases.
Certified Specialties
Allergy & Immunology
- American Board of Allergy & Immunology
Infectious Disease
- American Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
- American Board of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology
- American Board of Internal Medicine
Faculty Appointments
Professor (Part-Time)
-
Department of Medicine, Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology (SMD)
Credentials
Residency & Fellowship
Fellowship, Allergy & Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1979 - 1984
Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1977 - 1979
Internship, Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1976 - 1977
Education
MD | University of Rochester School of Medicine/Dentistry (USA).1976
Awards
Postdoctoral Training Grant.1983 - 1984
Postdoctoral Training Grant.1980
Research
I have practiced Rheumatology and Allergy/Clinical Immunology on the Faculty of the University of Rochester since 1984 and was the AI Training Program Director for 19 years. Over my career about half my time has been clinical and the rest split between research, teaching and administration. Studies ...
I have practiced Rheumatology and Allergy/Clinical Immunology on the Faculty of the University of Rochester since 1984 and was the AI Training Program Director for 19 years. Over my career about half my time has been clinical and the rest split between research, teaching and administration. Studies in my early career included discovery of CD32/FcgammaRIIa and creation of the first monoclonal antibody against this FcR. Another significant contribution was the description of the effects of latent CMV on T cell subsets and the importance of taking this into account when studying aging, rheumatoid arthritis and HIV. Since the mid-1990’s I became interested in investigator-initiated trials of new agents for immune-mediated diseases, most notably one of the very first trials of B cell targeted therapy for autoimmunity (anti-CD20 for SLE). I was also PI on an investigator initiated study of a biologic for prosthetic hip loosing and the first CT imaging algorithms to quantify peri-prosthetic osteolysis. From 2003 to 2014 most of my research effort was through the NIH Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence (ACE) as a member of the steering committee and as the Clinical Director for the Rochester ACE. Through the ACE I developed and participated in numerous clinical trials, testing novel treatments for systemic autoimmune diseases. In June 2014 I was installed as the inaugural Stephen and Elise Rosenfeld Professor of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The unrestricted funding from this Professorship has provided resources to move in new directions. Part of this funding has been used to support research on mesenchymal stem cells in SLE. These studies have been supported by a grant from the Alliance for Lupus Research on the role of IFNbeta in SLE and a Department of Defense grant on the use of senolytic drugs to target these prematurely aged cells. The Rosenfeld Professorship and NIH funding through pilot grants from the Environmental Center, as well as from the CTSI, supported studies on immune system development and the role of the microbiome in determining risk of allergic disease by comparing the Old Order Mennonites to Rochesterians.
de Klerk HH, Verweij LPE, Doornberg JN, Jaarsma RL, Murase T, Chen NC, van den Bekerom MPJ, , , Al K, Ar B, Ac W, A VT, Ac AP, A T, A B, B M, B T, B J, Cs M, Cm L, Cg L, Cg T, C R, D R, Ds R, D E, E AG, E K, Et E, Gi B, Jn L, Ja W, J P, J A, K S, K S, Al B, Ms C, M M, Ml R, Mj S, N A, N W, Nwl S, P A, P M, R B, Rj T, R VR, R G, S S, Sd D, S T, T M, Y C
The bone & joint journal.. 2024 October 1106-B (10):1150-1157. Epub 10/01/2024.
Campo JJ, Seppo AE, Randall AZ, Pablo J, Hung C, Teng A, Shandling AD, Truong J, Oberai A, Miller J, Iqbal NT, Peñataro Yori P, Kukkonen AK, Kuitunen M, Guterman LB, Morris SK, Pell LG, Al Mahmud A, Ramakrishan G, Heinz E, Kirkpatrick BD, Faruque AS, Haque R, Looney RJ, Kosek MN, Savilahti E, Omer SB, Roth DE, Petri WA, Järvinen KM
The Journal of clinical investigation.. 2024 June 11134 (15)Epub 06/11/2024.
Seppo AE, Bu K, Jumabaeva M, Thakar J, Choudhury R, Yonemitsu C, Bode L, Martina CA, Allen M, Tamburini S, Piras E, Wallach DS, Looney RJ, Clemente JC, Järvinen KM
Allergy.. 2021 November 76 (11):3489-3503. Epub 05/14/2021.
Seppo AE, Choudhury R, Pizzarello C, Palli R, Fridy S, Rajani PS, Stern J, Martina C, Yonemitsu C, Bode L, Bu K, Tamburini S, Piras E, Wallach DS, Allen M, Looney RJ, Clemente JC, Thakar J, Järvinen KM
Frontiers in immunology.. 2021 12 :741513. Epub 10/11/2021.
Martina C, Looney RJ, Marcus C, Allen M, Stahlhut R
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.. 2016 November 117 (5):562-563.e1. Epub 09/06/2016.
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.. 2004 July 93 (1):101-3. Epub 1900 01 01.
Looney RJ, Hasan MS, Coffin D, Campbell D, Falsey AR, Kolassa J, Agosti JM, Abraham GN, Evans TG
Journal of clinical immunology.. 2001 January 21 (1):30-6. Epub 1900 01 01.
Oral pentoxifylline inhibits release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from human peripheral blood monocytes : a potential treatment for aseptic loosening of total joint components
Pollice,P. F.; Rosier,R. N.; Looney,R. J.; Puzas,J. E.; Schwarz,E. M.; O'Keefe,R. J.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume. 2001; : 1057,1061.
Hasan MS, Kallas EG, Thomas EK, Looney J, Campbell M, Evans TG
Journal of interferon & cytokine research : the official journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research.. 2000 February 20 (2):119-23. Epub 1900 01 01.
Anti-TNF-alpha therapy as a clinical intervention for periprosthetic osteolysis
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.. 1997 June 1094 (12):6369-74. Epub 1900 01 01.
Airway inflammation in smokers and nonsmokers with varying responsiveness to ozone
Torres,A.; Utell,M. J.; Morow,P. E.; Voter,K. Z.; Whitin,J. C.; Cox,C.; Looney,R. J.; Speers,D. M.; Tsai,Y.; Frampton,M. W.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine : An Official Journal of the American Thoracic Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association. 1997; 156: 728,736.
The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology.. 1996 January 97 (1 Pt 1):26-33. Epub 1900 01 01.
Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 protein and messenger RNA in human peripheral blood monocytes due to titanium particles
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology : An Official Journal of the American Thoracic Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association. 1991; 5(4): 307,314.
Immunologic Disorders in Infants and Children
(2004)
Chapter: The B cell System
Authors: Insel, R; Looney, RJ
Publisher:
abc 2004
Textbook of Pulmonary Medicine
(2003)
Chapter: Occupational Asthma and Industrial Bronchitis
Authors: RJ Looney, MJ Utell
Publisher:
Lippincott Raven Publishers 2003
Textbook of Pulmonary Medicine
(1998)
Chapter: Occupational Asthma and Industrial Bronchitis
Authors: RJ Looney, MJ Utell
Publisher:
Lippincott Raven Publishers 1998
Ratings & Comments
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Ratings
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.8 stars
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
4.8 stars
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.8 stars
Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others
4.8 stars
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)
4.8 stars
Patient Comments
5.0 stars
Great doctor and staff!
Oct 06, 2024
5.0 stars
Dr. Looney discussed issues that can affect my health and well being besides taking my medication for [...]. Encourage all upcoming vaccinations and timing. I feel very comfortable asking him questions. His explanations are very clear which is appreciated.
Sep 06, 2024
5.0 stars
All good
Aug 25, 2024
5.0 stars
Good
Aug 18, 2024
4.4 stars
It was all good - had several questions explained and answered.
Aug 15, 2024
5.0 stars
Outstanding experience with a kind, thoughtful and caring physician.
Jul 05, 2024
5.0 stars
Dr Looney is incredibly awesome in every way. He has been providing me care for my condition since 2016 and I couldn't ask for a better provider.
Jun 10, 2024
5.0 stars
Dr. Looney has been wonderful. He has literally kept me alive throughout my medical issues
Apr 20, 2024
5.0 stars
I feel very fortunate to have this provider. He listens!!
Apr 16, 2024
5.0 stars
All good
Mar 27, 2024
5.0
Dr. Looney is fantastic. He listens and takes his time to explain.
Mar 27, 2024
5.0
Dr. Looney is one of the best!
Feb 15, 2024
Dr Looney is always a concerned physician who wants to be sure his patient understands what is happening with them.
Dec 01, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney is excellent at putting medical puzzle pieces in place. Excellent
Oct 18, 2023
5.0
Dr.Looney is one of the best physicians I have ever had. I totally trust him with my care. He is very knowledgable and personable.
Oct 03, 2023
Dr. Looney is very easy to talk with, answering all my questions and concerns.
Sep 06, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney is an incredible specialist!! Immunologist!! I would not have been up waking around, if I had not been referred to him for my disease!
Aug 15, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney was very easy to discuss health and mobility issues with which I am very concerned at this point. He arranged for certain tests. All the personnel involved were professional, kind and polite. The atmosphere and building was quiet, clean, safe and secure, professional.
Aug 08, 2023
5.0
Yes I would recommend it to my friends
Jul 13, 2023
5.0
Dr Looney is the best!
Jul 13, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney is ver personable, listened , really listened to my concerns.
Jul 09, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney showed me respect and reassurance. ALWAYS a positive experience. So blessed to have him for my care!
Jun 14, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney is an amazing doctor. It is rare to find someone so knowledgeable and kind. He is top-notch.
Jun 08, 2023
5.0
We feel fortunate to be under Dr. Looney's care. My daughter has autism and learning disabilities, and can be unwilling to cooperate at times. But the doctor is so kind and soft-spoken that he typically obtains the information he needs.
Jun 01, 2023
2.2
Provider lacks empathy and seems dismissive
May 03, 2023
3.0
Excellent doctor [...]
Apr 15, 2023
5.0
RARE QUALITY MD - VERY APPRECIATED EXPERTISE AND COMMUNICATION "SYLE". EXCELLENT FOLLOW UP,
Mar 30, 2023
4.2
Dr Looney is the best
Jan 12, 2023
5.0
Dr. Looney explained everything, and educated us on reasons for condition - EXCELLENT dr.
Dec 20, 2022
5.0
Appreciated the thorough old-fashioned approach. Unlike many physicians now, who are obligated to focus on the EMR, he actually did the history by listening and taking notes on a sheet of paper as it should be. Too many physicians are forced by the health care system to be data-entry clerks and typists rather than physicians, and Dr Looney fortunately does NOT do that. That should be the goal of UR medicine for all physicians.
Dec 07, 2022
1.8
Dismissive and rushed me out the door. I left feeling worse than when I came. I will only see my regular allergist after this visit.
Sep 01, 2022
5.0
We're grateful for all good experiences.
Aug 27, 2022
5.0
Dr Looney an excellent Dr
Jul 05, 2022
5.0
My team of doctors communicated with each other and got me in immediately after assessing my condition.
Jun 13, 2022
5.0
Dr. Looney is fantastic! Very considerate & explained everything.