Recent Blog Articles

Close relationships with neighbors influence cardiovascular health in Black adults

Why play? Early games build bonds and brain

5 numbers linked to ideal heart health

Rating the drugs in drug ads

Postpartum anxiety is invisible, but common and treatable

The popularity of microdosing of psychedelics: What does the science say?

Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally

Is pregnancy safe for everyone?

New pediatric guidelines on obesity in children and teens

Screening tests may save lives — so when is it time to stop?

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

Healthcare Disparities
Blood donations are down — so why restrict blood donors by sexual orientation?

Diseases & Conditions
Should you be tested for inflammation?

Nutrition
Can vitamin D supplements prevent autoimmune disease?

Staying Healthy
Why all the buzz about inflammation — and just how bad is it?

Diseases & Conditions
Harvard Health Ad Watch: A blood thinner winner?

Staying Healthy
Could cataract surgery protect against dementia?

Diseases & Conditions
Does the sex of your surgeon matter? A new study says yes

Diseases & Conditions
Can ALS be caused by traumatic brain injury?

Mind & Mood
Tics and TikTok: Can social media trigger illness?

Pain
If you have knee pain, telehealth may help

Staying Healthy
Are poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly plants dangerous?

Pain
Got back pain? Can virtual reality provide real pain relief?

Diseases & Conditions
Harvard Health Ad Watch: An upbeat ad for a psoriasis treatment

Staying Healthy
Time to stock up on zinc?

Staying Healthy
Careful! Health news headlines can be deceiving

Staying Healthy
Preparing for the holidays? Don’t forget rapid tests for COVID-19

Staying Healthy
Can vaping help you quit smoking?

Staying Healthy
Thinking about COVID booster shots? Here’s what to know

Staying Healthy
What happened to trusting medical experts?

Diseases & Conditions
Is metformin a wonder drug?

Staying Healthy
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can a wearable device reduce stress?

Diseases & Conditions
Wondering how much your medical care will cost? New rules could help

Diseases & Conditions
Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again

Staying Healthy