William Saalfeld, DNP, APRN, joined the Arthritis Center of Nebraska in 2017, where he practices in collaboration with Dr. Melvin Churchill. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2004, his nursing diploma in 2007, his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012, and his Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2017 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Saalfeld brings a diverse clinical background including intensive care, pulmonary, and palliative medicine, which informs his patient-centered approach to complex rheumatologic disease management. In addition to his clinical practice, he serves as a sub-investigator in rheumatology, dermatology, and osteoarthritis clinical trials and has contributed as an author and co-author on medical publications within the field of rheumatology.

He is actively engaged in advancing specialty care through advisory and consulting work with industry partners in rheumatology and serves as an independent peer reviewer in rheumatology. Dr. Saalfeld is also a founding faculty advisor for Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP), supporting the professional development of APPs nationally.

Beyond research and education, he is involved in advocacy efforts as a representative for the Rheumatology Nurses Society and has provided testimony in Lincoln, Nebraska regarding insurance marketplace challenges affecting access to rheumatologic treatments for patients. His work reflects a commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing specialty education, and supporting equitable access to care.