I take care of children and adolescents who have pediatric rheumatic diseases. These include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and vasculitis. I take a particular interest in taking care young people who have different forms of juvenile myositis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks one’s own muscles or skin. In order to be a good rheumatologist, you have to listen to the patient and the family because we don’t have a fancy test that just gives you an answer. The answers come from what the patients and their families share with me. Some of our patients are some of the most challenging and sometimes even the sickest patients, yet we can help them get them much better. For that reason, I find my work is very hopeful because I get to see young people really persevere through very tough times and achieve really amazing things in their lives. Dr. Ardalan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Dermatomyositis, Localized Scleroderma, and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

Jeffrey Dvergsten is a Pediatrics provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Dvergsten has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), and Arthritis.

As a rheumatologic, I care for people living with a range of autoimmune conditions. As Director of the Duke Lupus Clinic and Duke Lupus Registry, I specialize in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus related conditions. I was drawn to the field of rheumatology because of the complex, multi-system nature of autoimmune diseases and the many exciting advances in immune therapies. Rheumatology is a field where the most important part of my visit is listening and understanding my patients' journey. I work alongside an exceptional group of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, students, researchers, and staff. Together, our goal is to provide compassionate, comprehensive and state-of-the-art care for people living with lupus. Outside of clinic, I enjoy biking, running, and spending time with my family. Dr. Rogers is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis, and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

I enjoy the field of medicine because of the relationships that are built between patients and myself. I place a strong emphasis on educating patients about their conditions and medication. This allows us to go through a shared decision-making process that tailors treatment to the individual. Dr. Doss is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Relapsing Polychondritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lupus Nephritis, and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD).

I care for children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases, which are autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. These include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, myositis, scleroderma, and vasculitis. I am particularly interested in caring for those who have forms of juvenile myositis and am researching ways to understand and treat this spectrum of disease. I value listening to each patient’s individual story and strive to provide patient-centered care with the most evidence-based approach. I chose to specialize in pediatric rheumatology because it is an ever-changing field that allows me to learn from and form meaningful relationships with patients and their families. I love seeing patients get back to happy, healthy lives. Dr. Tam Covert is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, and Myositis.

I enjoy the long-term relationships I build with patients as a rheumatologist. My primary areas of clinical expertise in rheumatology are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) and inflammatory myopathies, especially dermatomyositis and the antisynthetase syndrome. I co-founded the Duke Lupus Clinic in 2007. I am also a passionate educator and mentor. I have led the Duke Rheumatology Fellowship Program to train rheumatology doctors since 2008. I chair the Department of Medicine Faculty Development Academy to mentor education scholars, and I serve as the Vice Chair for Education for the Duke Department of Medicine. In this role, I oversee educational programs throughout the Department of Medicine. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, exercising, and gardening. Dr. Criscione is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Dermatomyositis, Lupus Nephritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Jill Schaeffer is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Schaeffer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism. Dr. Schaeffer is currently accepting new patients.

David Caldwell is a Rheumatologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Caldwell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Juvenile Temporal Arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), and Temporal Arteritis.

I was inspired to become a rheumatologist during medical school when I witnessed the incredible care and personal bond formed between rheumatologists and their patients. Throughout my residency and fellowship, I trained under a long series of mentors that focused not only on the skills necessary to diagnose and treat rheumatologic conditions but also the importance of understanding the impact of these conditions on patients’ lives. It is an honor to serve patients with all types of rheumatologic conditions, and I am continually inspired by my patients' fortitude and resiliency. On a personal note, my biggest joy in life is spending time with my wonderful wife and three daughters. I am also an avid baseball fan, and I love rooting on the Durham Bulls!. Dr. Leverenz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, MASS Phenotype, Necrotizing Vasculitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Lisa Hobson is a Neurologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Hobson has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Myasthenia Gravis, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Andersen-Tawil Syndrome.

I specialized in rheumatology due to an interest in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect the entire body, figuring out complex medical findings and laboratory results, and the ability to maintain life-long relationships with my patients. I treat patients with all types of rheumatologic diseases and have a special interest in lupus. Health literacy and patient education are important to ensure patients can manage their disease successfully, and I enjoy helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatments. Through shared decision-making and an individualized approach, I work with patients to help them achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Maheswaranathan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Relapsing Polychondritis, Necrotizing Vasculitis, Juvenile Temporal Arteritis, and Temporal Arteritis.

My primary clinical and research focus is systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma), a rare, chronic autoimmune condition. I direct the Duke Scleroderma Center, one of 40 centers in the country focusing on this disease. We are currently conducting clinical trials and have initiated a registry for patients with scleroderma to help identify better treatments. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach along with pulmonologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists and hematologists to find the best treatment course for an individual patient. Outside of the hospital I enjoy running and spending time with my family, including our wide assortment of animals. Dr. Shah is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Scleroma, Scleroderma, and Localized Scleroderma.

Samantha Polly is a Dermatologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Polly has been practicing medicine for over 12 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Pemphigus, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), and Bullous Pemphigoid.

I care for children with childhood arthritis, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory conditions. The relationship I build with my patients and families is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I believe it is that collaborative relationship that is crucial to managing these often chronic conditions that affect children so differently. I also remain committed to providing opportunities for patients and families to become involved in research and advocacy to help to move the field forward and improve the care we offer to children. With our joint commitment, we will be able to advance our knowledge, optimize available treatments, and eventually find a cure for these rare conditions. Dr. Becker is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Localized Scleroderma, Arthritis, and Juvenile Dermatomyositis.

I treat all rheumatic diseases with a special interest and expertise in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). I also have a focus in the area of adolescent and young adult health and am always eager to work with patients in this age group as they develop skills for independently managing their health and navigate the process of transferring from pediatric to adult rheumatology care. Having completed both adult and pediatric rheumatology fellowships, I am fortunate to be able to work with young adult rheumatology patients throughout their transition process. Dr. Sadun is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis, Fibromyalgia, and Dermatomyositis.

I am a pediatric rheumatologist and immunologist, and I take care of children with immune and autoimmune problems, specifically juvenile arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, myositis fever disorders, and scleroderma. Many times we see children with all kinds of different complaints, and I work to investigate their symptoms and come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. It is so gratifying to help kids feel better and get them back to their normal, healthy lives. The doctors here at Duke work as a robust and very specialized multidisciplinary team. When patients come here, they normally need to see multiple different specialists, and we have a unified center of care and come to them, instead of having them go to different appointments at different places. We partner with the family to define what care should happen and how to manage the patient. Dr. Reed is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Antisynthetase Syndrome, Myositis, and Polymyositis.

I love being a rheumatologist. Caring for and treating patients with arthritis, gout, lupus, vasculitis, and other systemic inflammatory diseases is rewarding and allows me to form long standing relationships with many of my patients. During my career, an incredible number of new treatments for rheumatologic diseases have been developed, which allow my patients to obtain much better outcomes with less pain and disability. My mission and purpose is to provide the best possible patient-centered care for my patients and colleagues for whom I consult. Treatment that creates a remission for a patient with arthritis is very satisfying to me. In my free time, spending time with my family and friends brings me joy. Dr. Mccallum is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Punctate Inner Choroidopathy, Neuroretinitis, Eales Disease, and Vitrectomy.

Coming from a background in public health and community development, I love to learn about my patients’ strengths as well as their living circumstances in my medical practice. My areas of interest include general internal medicine, patient-provider communication, health literacy, and immigrant health. In my free time, I love to cook, hike, and explore Durham with my family. Dr. Pong is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Melorheostosis, Melorheostosis with Osteopoikilosis, Osteopenia, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Laura Schanberg is a Rheumatologist and a Pediatrics provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Schanberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Arthritis, and Lupus Nephritis.

Nancy Allen is a Rheumatologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Allen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. Her top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Vasculitis, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Takayasu Arteritis, and Temporal Arteritis. Dr. Allen is currently accepting new patients.