Recent Blog Articles

If cannabis becomes a problem: How to manage withdrawal

Corneal transplants becoming more common

An emerging treatment option for men on active surveillance

Gun violence: A long-lasting toll on children and teens

Adult female acne: Why it happens and the emotional toll

Talking to your doctor about your LGBTQ+ sex life

Untangling grief: Living beyond a great loss

Thunderstorm asthma: Bad weather, allergies, and asthma attacks

Heart problems and the heat: What to know and do

I’m too young to have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, right?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Senior Faculty Editor, 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

Infectious diseases
Driving across the country in a pandemic
Infectious diseases
Bracing for contact tracing

Diet & Weight Loss
When dieting doesn’t work

Men's Health
Some healthcare can safely wait (and some can’t)

Cancer
And now for some good news on health

Arthritis
Harvard Health AdWatch: An arthritis ad in 4 parts

Cancer
More sexual partners, more cancer?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
As the pandemic drags on, when can we get back to work?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Knee arthroscopy: Should this common knee surgery be performed less often?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Does CBD help with arthritis pain?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
What’s it like to be a healthcare worker in a pandemic?

Exercise & Fitness
Lifestyle changes are important even if you take medications

Men's Health
COVID-19: If you’re older and have chronic health problems, read this

Men's Health
OK, boomer: You’re not the only one who needs testing for hepatitis C

Men's Health
Harvard Health Ad Watch: What’s being cleansed in a detox cleanse?

Nutrition
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Are nutritional drinks actually good for you?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Is there <em>any</em> good news about the coronavirus pandemic?

Staying Healthy
Time to redefine normal body temperature?

Men's Health
Can stress really make hair (or fur?) turn gray?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Hands or feet asleep? What to do

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Good for your teeth, bad for your bones?

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Be careful where you get your news about coronavirus

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Is your cell phone dangerous to your health?

Medications