Julie Nusbaum, MD

I chose to pursue medicine after discovering a love of medical anthropology in college. The ways in which different people view illness and healing are fascinating and affect the way they experience symptoms. As a doctor, I learn about each patient’s view on health and integrate assessments of their physical and emotional wellbeing, resulting in a comprehensive approach to care.

Rheumatology allows me to solve medical puzzles and form lifelong relationships with my patients. They are often referred to me after seeing many other specialists without receiving a diagnosis. I end up collecting and analyzing medical clues to unravel the mystery of which condition is causing a patient’s symptoms. My interest in the field never wavers, because I learn something new every day and get to partner with my patients in the ever-evolving course of their care.

Rheumatology does not focus on any one organ system. I consider the health of a patient’s lungs, kidneys, skin, and heart, among other organs. At NYU Langone, I typically see patients who have autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, or psoriatic arthritis. I also see patients with other complex autoimmune conditions.

I enjoy taking care of patients during their reproductive years, the age at which many autoimmune diseases are first diagnosed. I work closely with our maternal–fetal medicine specialists to provide team-based care for pregnant patients who have autoimmune disease.

My job as doctor is to relieve suffering. Sometimes this means diagnosing a condition and prescribing medication, but sometimes it simply means listening to patients and providing reassurance.

As an academic rheumatologist, I am up-to-date with the latest advances in rheumatologic conditions and care. I am actively conducting research related to pregnancy in patients who have autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.

In addition, as associate program director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, I am passionate about training the next generation of doctors in this specialty. I am also a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognizes providers of compassionate patient care.