Best Rheumatologists in Birmingham
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Rheumatology in Birmingham
Definition and scope of rheumatology
Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, which are disorders affecting the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
These conditions can range from common ailments like arthritis to more complex autoimmune disorders such as lupus and scleroderma.
Specialized care in rheumatology is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective management, and improved quality of life for patients with these often chronic and complex conditions.
The role of rheumatologists in patient care
Rheumatologists are highly trained specialists who play a key role in diagnosing and treating a wide array of musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders.
They employ advanced diagnostic techniques and stay current with the latest treatment modalities to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
In Birmingham, patients have access to a number of qualified rheumatologists who offer expertise in managing both common and rare rheumatic conditions.
These specialists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and other therapeutic approaches.
What's the fastest way to connect to rheumatologists?
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List of Rheumatologists in Birmingham
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine (Medical School, 2012)
English
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Andalusia Health
DCH Regional Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Ala School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)
University Wash Affil Hosps (Residency Hospital)
University of Mississippi School of Medicine (Medical School, 1980)
English
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Rheumatology
Pain Medicine
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Ala-Birmingham (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)
NC Memorial Hosp-U NC (Residency Hospital, 1983)
NC Memorial Hosp-U NC (Internship Hospital, 1981)
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1980)
English
UAB Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Carraway Methodist Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Carraway Methodist Medical Center|University of Al Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of Al Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)
English
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Al (Fellowship Hospital)
University AL Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2005)
Cayetano Heredia University Peruana (Medical School, 1999)
English
Russell Medical Center
Shelby Baptist Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 1980)
English
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Grandview Medical Center
Saint Vincent's Saint Clair
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Medstar-Georgetown University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)
Medstar-Georgetown University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2002)
Medstar-Georgetown University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2000)
GeorgeTown University (Medical School, 1999)
English
Lincolnhealth-Miles Campus & Hospital
Rheumatology
Parkland Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1998)
Parkland Memorial Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1996)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)
English
Prattville Baptist Hospital
Northwest Medical Center
Coosa Valley Medical Center
Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Alabama Medical Center Program (Residency Hospital)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School)
Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Barkatulla Vishwavidyalaya (Medical School, 1996)
English
Hindi
Spanish
Glen Rose Medical Center
Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South
Rheumatology
American Board of Preventive Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Ohio State University (Medical School, 1999)
English
Lawrence Medical Center
Baptist Medical Center South
CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center
Rheumatology
Clinical Informatics
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)
Evanston Hosp/McGaw Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1990)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Medical School, 1986)
English
Huntsville Hospital
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Fairview University Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
University of Al Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)
English
Grandview Medical Center
Saint Vincent's East
Geriatric Medicine
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
University of Alabama School of Med (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine (Medical School, 2002)
English
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center Marble Falls
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Round Rock
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Taylor
Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics
University of Mississippi (Fellowship Hospital, 2016)
Division of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics (Residency Hospital, 2012)
University of Mississippi School of Medicine (Medical School, 2008)
English
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Saint Vincent's Saint Clair
Baptist Medical Center South
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF GUAYAQUIL / COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE (Medical School, 2011)
English
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics
University of Mississippi School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
Children's Of Alabama
Grandview Medical Center
Huntsville Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
American Board of Internal Medicine
SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEHEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School, 2018)
English
Lawrence Medical Center
Russell Medical Center
Walker Baptist Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Choosing a Rheumatologist in Birmingham
Factors to consider when selecting a specialist
Board certification and educational background
- Review certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Consider educational institutions (e.g., University of Alabama, Harvard Medical School)
Experience and expertise in rheumatic conditions
- Evaluate years of practice and specializations
- Look for doctors with multiple kinds of practice (e.g., Rheumatology and Internal Medicine)
Hospital affiliations and practice locations
- Check affiliations with reputable hospitals like UAB Hospital or Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
- Consider proximity to your location within Birmingham
Patient reviews and ratings
- Examine star ratings and number of reviews on platforms like Healthgrades
- Pay attention to doctors with high ratings and multiple reviews
The importance of patient-doctor communication
Seeking a doctor who listens and explains clearly
- Look for indications of good communication skills in patient reviews
- Consider scheduling initial consultations to assess communication style
Language preferences and availability
- Note that most doctors in Birmingham speak English
- Some doctors offer additional languages (e.g., Dr. Greg Eudy speaks Spanish)
Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Birmingham
Dr. Mary Altz-Smith
Highest patient rating
- 5.0-star rating with 10 reviews
- Indicates high patient satisfaction
Professional background
- Graduated from University of California at San Francisco in 1977
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Practice information
- Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine
- Contact number: (205) 877-2551
Dr. John Morgan Jr
Strong patient satisfaction
- 4.9-star rating based on 9 reviews
- Demonstrates consistent quality of care
Educational background
- Graduated from University of California at Berkeley in 1980
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital affiliation
- Associated with Princeton Baptist Medical Center
- Contact number: (205) 780-7053
Dr. Peter Saway
Extensive experience and high ratings
- 4.8-star rating from 22 reviews
- Over 40 years of medical practice since graduation in 1980
Specializations
- Expertise in Rheumatology, Pain Medicine, and Internal Medicine
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital affiliation
- Practices at Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
- Contact number: (205) 933-0320
Dr. Walter Chatham
Patient satisfaction and experience
- 4.6-star rating based on 21 reviews
- Graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1980
Professional qualifications
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Completed fellowship at University of Alabama-Birmingham
Hospital affiliation
- Practices at UAB Hospital
- Contact number: (205) 934-3411
Dr. Greg Eudy
High volume of patient feedback
- 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews
- Graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1999
Language capabilities
- Offers services in both English and Spanish
- Enhances communication with diverse patient base
Hospital affiliation
- Associated with Helen Keller Hospital
- Contact number: (205) 263-0093
Additional Resources for Patients
Online platforms for researching doctors
Healthgrades
- Comprehensive doctor profiles
- Patient ratings and reviews
- Information on education and board certifications
Local hospital websites
- Physician directories
- Speciality-specific information
- Appointment scheduling options
Questions to ask when consulting with a rheumatologist
Experience with specific conditions
- Ask about their expertise in treating your particular rheumatic condition
- Inquire about their approach to managing chronic diseases
Treatment philosophy
- Discuss their approach to medication management
- Ask about integrative or alternative therapies they may recommend
Availability and communication
- Inquire about wait times for appointments
- Ask about options for reaching the doctor between visits
Local support resources in Birmingham
Arthritis Foundation Alabama Chapter
- Educational programs
- Support groups
- Community events
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Rheumatology Clinic
- Clinical trials information
- Patient education resources
- Specialized care programs