Who Should Be On Your Psoriatic Arthritis Care Team?
Living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires a comprehensive approach to care, extending beyond just a rheumatologist. Effective management focuses on the whole person, addressing not only joint inflammation and skin symptoms, but also overall well-being. Here’s a look at the professionals who can make a important difference in your journey.
The Core: Rheumatologist & Integrative Medicine
Your rheumatologist is central to PsA care, diagnosing the condition and managing the disease with medication. However, increasingly, patients are benefiting from a more integrated approach. Integrative rheumatologists like Dr. Beth Biggee,MD,founder of the virtual practice Rheumission,focus on combining conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies. Rheumission offers care from a team including autoimmune dietitians, psychologists, and care coordinators, recognizing the multifaceted nature of psa. Dr. Biggee, with over 20 years of experience, emphasizes a “human-centered approach to wellness rather than focusing solely on diseases.” She is board certified in both rheumatology and integrative and lifestyle medicine.
Expanding the Circle: Lifestyle & Wellness Support
Lifestyle modifications can profoundly impact PsA symptoms. This is where professionals like those at Synergy Wellness center, where Dr. Biggee also consults, come into play. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can guide you through changes in diet, exercise, and stress management – all crucial for managing inflammation and improving quality of life. Dr. Biggee’s work with Synergy also extends to employee workplace wellness programs, highlighting the importance of holistic health in all aspects of life.
The Educational Foundation: Academic Roots & Continued Learning
Dr. Biggee’s commitment to comprehensive care is rooted in a strong academic background. She graduated cum laude from canisius College and magna cum laude as valedictorian from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse Medical School. Her training included an internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, a rheumatology fellowship at Tufts-New England Medical Center, and specialized training in integrative rheumatology at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil center for Integrative Medicine. She remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge,currently completing coursework in Aloha Ayurveda integrative medicine.
This dedication to education extends to mentoring future physicians. Dr. Biggee previously served as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital (a Columbia University affiliate), a clinical associate at Tufts University School of Medicine, and a preceptor for the Lawrence General Hospital Family Medicine Residency, demonstrating a commitment to fostering well-rounded medical professionals.
Credentials Matter: board Certifications & Specialized Training
Beyond her medical degree, dr. Biggee holds multiple board certifications: rheumatology and internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine, integrative medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties, and is an accredited lifestyle medicine physician through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is also certified in Helms auricular acupuncture.
Staying Current: Research & Publications
Dr. Biggee’s contributions to the field extend to research, with publications in leading journals including Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, arthritis in Rheumatism, and Current Opinions in Rheumatology.
Building Your Team:
While this outlines a robust care model, the ideal team is personalized. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek out professionals who understand your individual needs and goals. A collaborative approach, combining medical expertise with lifestyle support, is key to thriving with psoriatic arthritis.
