Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?
Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?
Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?
How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
Zinc: What it does for the body, and the best food sources
Respiratory health harms often follow flooding: Taking these steps can help
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
Men's Health
Showering daily -- is it necessary?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
A poor sense of smell might matter more than you thought
Staying Healthy
Tramadol: Uses, side effects, and risks
Mind & Mood
Court ruling curbs unfounded claims for memory supplement
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Beer before wine? Wine before beer?
Diseases & Conditions
The latest deadly superbug, and why it's not time to panic
Staying Healthy
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
Sweeteners: Time to rethink your choices?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
What’s in your supplements?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
In defense of French fries
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Alternative therapies for cancer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Does weather affect arthritis pain?
Staying Healthy
Can watching sports be bad for your health?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Surgeons are doing fewer knee surgeries
a to z
Spinal Cord Trauma
a to z
Spina Bifida
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Coffee may help your skin stay healthy
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Where people die
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?
Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?
Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?
Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?
How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
Zinc: What it does for the body, and the best food sources
Respiratory health harms often follow flooding: Taking these steps can help
