Recent Blog Articles
Sugar: How sweet it is... or is it?
Cardiovascular safety from prostate cancer drugs remains uncertain
Rising alcohol use among older adults
Easily distracted? Try meditation
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can a wearable device reduce stress?
Listening to your hunger cues
Does your child need to bathe every day?
Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?
Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?
Wondering how much your medical care will cost? New rules could help
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He served for more than two decades as the Robinson Firm Chief in the teaching program of the BIDMC internal medicine residency. As a practicing rheumatologist for over 30 years, Dr. Shmerling engaged in a mix of patient care, teaching, and research. His practice included challenging patients, both in the clinic and the inpatient consultation service. His research interests center on diagnostic studies in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatic, and autoimmune diseases. He has published research regarding infectious arthritis and how well diagnostic tests perform in patients with suspected 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
Medical Research
Why medical research keeps changing its mind
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
A new look at steroid injections for knee and hip osteoarthritis
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Curcumin for arthritis: Does it really work?
Healthcare
What is palliative care, and who can benefit from it?
Infectious diseases
HPV and cancer: The underappreciated connection
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Plant-based diets are best… or are they?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
If you have migraines, put down your coffee and read this
Drugs & Medications
Harvard Health Ad Watch: What you should know about direct-to-consumer ads
Lung Health
Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
Staying Healthy
Do employee wellness programs actually work?
Staying Healthy
Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?
Back Pain
Should you see a chiropractor for low back pain?
Men's Health
Showering daily -- is it necessary?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
A poor sense of smell might matter more than you thought
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Is tramadol a risky pain medication?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
FDA curbs unfounded memory supplement claims
Men's Health
Beer before wine? Wine before beer?
Men's Health
The latest deadly superbug — and why it’s not time to panic
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
The trouble with new drugs
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Is obesity a reason to avoid joint replacement surgery?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Why the wheelchair? Could it be gout?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
How long does a joint replacement last?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Can vaping help you quit smoking?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
