OsteoarthritisofHand near Long Island City, NY

Biography: Pediatric rheumatologic diseases can be complex, and figuring out the problem can be like solving a mystery. My interest in pediatric rheumatology began during my pediatric residency, when I was able to care for patients with arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatologic problems. Finding the right diagnosis, then helping patients find treatments that made them feel better was very gratifying! I now treat children of all ages, from infancy to young adulthood, with all types of rheumatologic problems, including arthritis, lupus, myositis, and vasculitis. I also have a specific interest in evaluating and treating patients with fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndromeconditions that are sometimes referred to as amplified musculoskeletal pain syndromes (AMPS). I am the director of the Pediatric AMPS Program here at Columbia. For all of my patients, I work to provide an accurate diagnosis and support as they navigate the treatment process with their families. My goal is to provide compassionate, patient-centered, and family-centered care. My research interests are focused on juvenile fibromyalgia. I also participate in clinical research projects related to pediatric lupus nephritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and juvenile arthritis. I am very involved in teaching rheumatology to the next generation of pediatric doctors, and I am honored to work with medical students and pediatricians-in-training to help educate them on the evaluation and treatment of patients with rheumatologic disorders.