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Best Rheumatologists in Fort Lauderdale

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to Rheumatology in Fort Lauderdale

Definition of Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones.

These conditions can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making specialized care essential for proper management and treatment.

Overview of Rheumatology Services in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is home to several qualified rheumatologists, with at least 8 specialists identified in our data.

Notable healthcare facilities in the area include Holy Cross Hospital and Broward Health Imperial Point, which are affiliated with multiple rheumatologists in our list.


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List of Rheumatologists in Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Amarie Negron-Rodriguez

Dr. Amarie Negron-Rodriguez

5.0

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(954) 229-7030

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Massachusetts / Worcester Campus (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

University of Puerto Rico (Internship Hospital, 2007)

University of Puerto Rico / Medical Sciences Campus (Medical School, 2006)

American University,Washington Dc (Undergraduate School, 2002)

English

Spanish

Holy Cross Hospital

Broward Health Imperial Point

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

AL

Dr. Anita Laloo

5.0

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(954) 491-6200

English

Holy Cross Hospital

Broward Health Imperial Point

Rheumatology

AH

Dr. Aviva Hopkins

4.7

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(954) 542-2100

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Medical School)

English

Holy Cross Hospital

Rheumatology

Dr. Yesenia Santiago

Dr. Yesenia Santiago

4.4

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(954) 542-2100

American Board of Internal Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO / MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS (Medical School, 2004)

English

Spanish

Memorial Hospital West

Memorial Regional Hospital

Holy Cross Hospital

Rheumatology

MF

Dr. Mathew Farbman

4.2

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(954) 942-8177

American Board of Internal Medicine

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

English

Holy Cross Hospital

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

MG

Dr. Michael Gordon

4.0

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(954) 772-0115

American Board of Internal Medicine

Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School (Medical School, 1967)

English

Rheumatology

JS

Dr. Jihan Saba

3.9

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Arabic

Phone

(954) 542-2100

American Board of Internal Medicine

Alton Ochsner Med Fndn (Residency Hospital)

Norwalk Hospital (Residency Hospital)

Bani Swief Branch, University Of Cairo, University Of Cairo, Faculty Of Medicine (Medical School, 1991)

English

Arabic

Holy Cross Hospital

Rheumatology

YS

Dr. Yvonne Smallwood-Sherrer

3.1

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(954) 229-7030

American Board of Internal Medicine

Stanford University (Fellowship Hospital, 1985)

Stanford Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1981)

Stanford Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1979)

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Medical School, 1978)

English

Holy Cross Hospital

Broward Health Imperial Point

Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Choosing a Rheumatologist in Fort Lauderdale

Factors to Consider

Board Certification and Qualifications

  • Review certifications from American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Examine educational background and specializations

Patient Ratings and Reviews

  • Analyze star ratings and number of reviews
  • Consider consistency of positive feedback

Hospital Affiliations

  • Check associations with reputable hospitals like Holy Cross Hospital
  • Consider proximity of affiliated hospitals to patient's location

Languages Spoken

  • Identify doctors who speak languages relevant to the patient
  • Note bilingual physicians like Dr. Negron-Rodriguez and Dr. Santiago (English and Spanish)

Resources for Doctor Research

Online Platforms

  • Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
  • Compare information across multiple platforms for consistency

Local Medical Associations

  • Contact Florida Medical Association for additional information
  • Seek recommendations from local rheumatology societies

Recommendations from Healthcare Providers

  • Consult primary care physicians for referrals
  • Seek input from other specialists familiar with local rheumatologists

Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Amarie Negron-Rodriguez

Qualifications and Ratings

  • Highest star rating of 5.0 based on 13 patient reviews
  • Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Specializes in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

  • Fellowship at University of Massachusetts / Worcester Campus
  • Medical degree from University of Puerto Rico / Medical Sciences Campus
  • Undergraduate degree from American University, Washington DC

Additional Information

  • Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital and Broward Health Imperial Point
  • Contact: (954) 229-7030

Dr. Aviva Hopkins

Qualifications and Ratings

  • Highly rated with 4.7 stars based on 35 patient reviews
  • Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Specializes in Rheumatology

Education and Experience

  • Medical degree from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Additional Information

  • Affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital
  • Contact: (954) 542-2100

Dr. Yesenia Santiago

Qualifications and Ratings

  • Well-regarded with 4.4 stars based on 53 patient reviews
  • Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Specializes in Rheumatology

Education and Experience

  • Medical degree from University of Puerto Rico / Medical Sciences Campus

Additional Information

  • Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Holy Cross Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, and Memorial Regional Hospital
  • Contact: (954) 542-2100

Additional Considerations When Selecting a Rheumatologist

Accessibility and Location

Proximity to patient's residence or workplace

  • Discuss the importance of choosing a conveniently located rheumatologist
  • Mention specific areas in Fort Lauderdale where rheumatologists are located (e.g., near Holy Cross Hospital)

Availability of appointments

  • Suggest contacting the rheumatologist's office to inquire about wait times for new patients
  • Discuss the possibility of telehealth options, if available

Insurance and Payment Options

Verifying insurance acceptance

  • Advise readers to check with their insurance provider about coverage
  • Suggest contacting the rheumatologist's office to confirm accepted insurance plans

Discussing payment plans if necessary

  • Mention the possibility of payment plans for those without insurance or with high deductibles
  • Encourage readers to inquire about fees and payment options before scheduling

Communication and Comfort

Importance of doctor-patient rapport

  • Emphasize the significance of feeling comfortable with the chosen rheumatologist
  • Suggest scheduling an initial consultation to assess compatibility

Availability of language services if needed

  • Highlight bilingual rheumatologists in Fort Lauderdale (e.g., Dr. Negron-Rodriguez and Dr. Santiago who speak English and Spanish)
  • Mention the importance of clear communication in managing rheumatological conditions