Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability among older adults, and has become a growing public health concern in New York City as the population ages. To address the need for specialists who treat the painful condition and other joint diseases, renowned rheumatologist Yamen Homsi, MD, MPH, has been appointed chief of rheumatology at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn.

Dr. Homsi, who is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, now oversees a growing practice in Brooklyn as part of NYU Langone’s Division of Rheumatology, one of the top rheumatology programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

In collaboration with physicians and researchers at NYU Langone’s Center for Arthritis and Autoimmunity, Dr. Homsi is helping patients manage a variety of rheumatologic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, vasculitis, and Behcet’s syndrome.

Jill P. Buyon, MD, division director of rheumatology at NYU Langone and the Sir Deryck and Lady Va Maughan Professor of Rheumatology in the Department of Medicine, expressed excitement for the recent appointment. “Dr. Homsi extends the division’s research vision with the incorporation of additional patients into clinical trials and registries,” she says.

“Dr. Homsi brings a new level of expertise to the clinical team at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn,” says Joseph M. Weisstuch, MD, chief medical officer at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. “Now patients who experience symptoms from a variety of arthritic or autoimmune conditions can be seen by a leading expert in the field and receive support from one of the best rheumatology teams in the nation.”

Arthritis is most prevalent in older adults, and New York City’s senior population has grown at more than double the national rate, according to a report issued by the New York City Comptroller’s Office. Additionally, in New York, nearly a third of adults between the ages of 45 and 64 have arthritis. Though there are a number of factors that may cause arthritis, a lack of physical activity is a contributor.

“Studies show that increased physical activity can actually reduce pain and improve quality of life for adults with arthritis,” says Dr. Homsi, who helps connect his patients with programs and services that help manage the condition. “There is a lot we can do clinically, but we also encourage and promote comprehensive self-management plans.”

Dr. Homsi, who is fluent in English and Arabic, received his medical degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria. He completed a rheumatology fellowship at Albany Medical Center in New York, and finished his internal medicine residency at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in Pittsfield. Dr. Homsi also holds a master’s degree in public health from Northeastern University in Boston.

Dr. Homsi sees patients at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn and NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Bay Ridge.

Media Inquiries

Colin DeVries
Phone: 718-630-7414
colin.devries@nyulangone.org