________________________________________________________________

Shelly P. Kafka, MD

A rheumatologist is an internist who has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Many rheumatologists conduct research to determine the cause and better treatments for these disabling diseases.

Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, back pain, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and tendonitis. Some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Medical School:   Vanderbilt University

Internship:   Vanderbilt University

Residency:   Vanderbilt University

Fellowship:   University of Rochester Medical Center