Recent Articles
Autism: The challenges and opportunities of an adult diagnosis
Hospice care: Overview of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care
Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt
Matcha: A look at possible health benefits
Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function
Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms
Medication side effects: What are your options?
Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support
Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. As a practicing rheumatologist for over 30 years, Dr. Shmerling engaged in a mix of patient care, teaching, and research. His research interests center on diagnostic studies in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms, and rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. He has published research regarding infectious arthritis, medical ethics, and diagnostic test performance in rheumatic disease. Having retired from patient care in 2019, Dr. Shmerling now works as a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing.
Twitter: @RobShmerling
Posts by Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Is Coca-Cola really putting pot in its beverages?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Conflict of interest in medicine
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Drip bar: Should you get an IV on demand?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Alcohol and your health: Is none better than a little?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Health benefits of walnuts
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Sorting out the health effects of alcohol
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Top searches on health topics? It may depend on where you live
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Health benefits of coffee and a proposed warning label
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
How long will my hip or knee replacement last?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Autoimmune disease and stress: Is there a link?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Rethinking the screening mammogram
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Dogs and health: A lower risk for heart disease-related death?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Fertility and diet: Is there a connection?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Could medications contribute to dementia?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Knuckle cracking: Annoying and harmful, or just annoying?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Chondroitin and melanoma: How worried should you be?
Exercise & Fitness
Aerobic exercise or tai chi for fibromyalgia — which is better?
Staying Healthy
Apple cider vinegar for weight loss: Does it really work?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Cryotherapy: Can it stop your pain cold?
Diseases & Conditions
Whooping cough
Staying Healthy
Is it ok to use medications past their expiration dates?
Staying Healthy
Treatments for post-nasal drip
Diseases & Conditions
Gum disease and the connection to heart disease
Staying Healthy
Understanding the results of your colonoscopy
Recent Articles
Autism: The challenges and opportunities of an adult diagnosis
Hospice care: Overview of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care
Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt
Matcha: A look at possible health benefits
Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function
Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms
Medication side effects: What are your options?
Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support
Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment