Recent Articles
Hospice care: Overview of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care
Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt
Matcha: A look at possible health benefits
Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function
Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms
Medication side effects: What are your options?
Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support
Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment
The BEEP program: Keep your balance
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
Heart Health
Harvard Health Ad Watch: How helpful are pulse monitors and home ECGs?
Nutrition
Using weight loss or sports supplements? Exercise caution
Diseases & Conditions
Careful! Scary health news can be harmful to your health
Staying Healthy
Is blood sugar monitoring without diabetes worthwhile?
Staying Healthy
Should we track all breakthrough cases of COVID-19?
Pain
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Aches, pains, and muscle cramps — do well-advertised remedies actually work?
Mind & Mood
Terrified of needles? That can affect your health
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Are antidepressants also pain relievers?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Do vitamin D, zinc, and other supplements help prevent COVID-19 or hasten healing?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Mitochondria do a lot for you — what can you do for them?
Nutrition
Zero weight loss from zero calorie drinks? Say it ain’t so
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
You got the COVID-19 vaccine? I have vaccine envy
Staying Healthy
Does your health monitor have device bias?
Staying Healthy
Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects — and coincidence
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can an arthritis drug help you become a morning person?
Heart Health
Are early detection and treatment always best?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Need surgery? Should you avoid your surgeon’s birthday?
Men's Health
Can gout be prevented?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Good news: Deaths due to HIV are way down
Heart Health
Will eating more chilis help you live longer?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Treating neuropathy: Which medication is best?
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Masks save lives: Here's what you need to know
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Migraine headaches: Could nerve stimulation help?
Recent Articles
Hospice care: Overview of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care
Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt
Matcha: A look at possible health benefits
Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function
Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms
Medication side effects: What are your options?
Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support
Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment
The BEEP program: Keep your balance