The Challenge of Finding a Rheumatologist for Sjogrens
I am currently in the process of finding a rheumatologist and it’s not fun. For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of being cared for by one of the world’s top Sjogren’s Rheumatologists — Nancy Carteron, MD, FACR. It has been such a luxury to step into a doctor-patient partnership with such ease.
Dr. Carteron has been a life-saver for me, and here is why:
- I never had to convince her that Sjogrens is a serious disease (she already knew that).
- She was the captain who steered my ship-of-doctors in the right direction for my medical care whenever a new concern developed.
- I was encouraged to face my denial when I was more ill than I wanted to accept, so I could make better choices.
- She introduced me to the Sjogrens Foundation and supported my Board seat. This has been a role that has given me great pride and fulfillment.
So my first decade of care from my rheumatologist was as good as it gets. Which is why I was so sad when she informed me that she was closing her practice. I will be searching for a new rheumy, but I now have an arsenal of knowledge to begin a new relationship (thanks to Dr. Carteron and the Sjogrens Foundation).
This post is a combination of my plan of attack to find a new partner-rheumy, as well as a thank you note to Dr. Carteron.
