SD
Sharon Dowell, MD
WASHINGTON, DC
Rheumatology
Accepting patients
Black Rheumatologists
Black rheumatologists: lupus, RA, scleroderma, gout. Black women face 2 to 3 times higher lupus rates and deadlier disease, and early rheum care matters.
2 providers found
Maintained by the Black Health editorial team · Updated June 2026
What to know about Black Rheumatology care
Black women develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at 2 to 3 times the rate of white women and are more likely to develop lupus nephritis, the kidney complication that drives most lupus mortality (CDC, 2024). Black adults with RA face more erosive disease, and scleroderma is both more common and more severe. Rheumatologists also manage gout, which is twice as common in Black men, plus psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and vasculitis.
A 2019 Arthritis & Rheumatology study found delays in lupus diagnosis of 2 or more years were twice as common in Black patients, correlating with worse kidney outcomes.
Conditions we cover
- Systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
- Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)
- Gout and pseudogout
- Sjögren's, vasculitis, sarcoid-related arthritis
When to book
- Morning joint stiffness lasting over an hour
- Raynaud's (fingers turning white/blue in cold)
- Persistent butterfly-shaped facial rash
- Unexplained fever with joint pain
Advocacy prompts
- Do I need an ANA panel or anti-dsDNA and complements?
- Given my kidney involvement, what's my lupus nephritis plan?
- Am I a biologic or JAK-inhibitor candidate?
Cities with Black Rheumatology
Related conditions
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus , Higher SLE incidence in Black women vs. white women
- Sarcoidosis , Higher incidence in Black adults vs. white adults
- Gout , U.S. age-standardized prevalence in Black men (NHANES 2007-2016), vs. 5.4% in white men
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a Black Rheumatologist in the US?
Use the search and filter tools on this page to browse verified Black Rheumatologists in the US. You can filter by telehealth, insurance accepted, and whether the Rheumatologist is accepting new patients. If the list is short, consider virtual options as many Black Rheumatologists serve patients statewide or nationwide.
Are there virtual or telehealth Black Rheumatologists serving the US?
Yes. Many Black Rheumatologists offer telehealth appointments in addition to or instead of in-person visits. Use the telehealth filter on this page to see providers who offer virtual care, which can expand your options significantly if local availability is limited.
Why does seeing a Black Rheumatologist matter?
Research consistently shows that racial concordance between patients and their care team is associated with better communication, greater trust, and improved health outcomes. Patients who share a racial or cultural background with their Rheumatologist often report feeling more understood and are more likely to follow through on care plans.
What should I ask a Rheumatologist before working with them?
Ask whether they are accepting new patients, what insurance they accept, and whether they offer telehealth or in-person visits. It is also worth asking about their experience with conditions relevant to you, their communication style, and how they handle after-hours questions or urgent concerns.
Do Black Rheumatologists in the US accept insurance or Medicaid?
Many Black Rheumatologists listed in this directory accept major insurance plans and some accept Medicaid or Medicare. Use the insurance and Medicaid filters on this page to narrow your search. Contact the provider directly to confirm your specific plan is accepted before scheduling.
Know a Black rheumatology?
Our directory grows through community submissions and verified claims.
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