About Us

Rheumatologists are physicians who, following 4 years of medical school and 3 years in an internal medicine residency, go on to complete an extra 2-3 years of fellowship training focused on the management of chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders, and osteoporosis. While some of these conditions may be treated effectively by a primary care physician, others require a rheumatologist.  There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including Rheumatoid or Psoriatic arthritis, gout, Lupus, Sjogren’s, Osteoporosis, Systemic Vasculitis to name a few. Some of these illnesses are very serious, even life-threatening diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat while others are common, routine musculoskeletal conditions.  Because autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can affect almost any organ system or part of the body, rheumatologists are required to be expert diagnosticians and will not focus solely on bones and joints. The correct diagnosis begins with a detailed history, physical exam, and, in some instances, special studies.  Rheumatologists understand how overwhelming and challenging it can be for the patient to figure out their illness.  With an accurate diagnosis, there are many specialized therapies for inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders that require careful management and monitoring under a rheumatologist for safe, effective outcomes. The ultimate role of the rheumatologist is to help people live to their fullest potential by controlling their symptoms, restoring maximum function and alleviating discomfort.