Dr. Mara L. Becker

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 a Distinguished 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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Dermatomyositis. His top areas of expertise are Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), and Arthritis.

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.