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A member of the American College of Rheumatology and American College of Physicians, she specializes in connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, vasculitis, and scleroderma. Actively involved in clinical research, Dr. Rivera was trained at the New York University Medical School where she participated in research studies focusing on the treatment of lupus nephritis, and lupus and pregnancy. She has an interest in osteoporosis, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia. She volunteers at UCSD free clinic providing accessible, quality healthcare for the underserved in an environment where students, health professionals and patients learn from one another. She works as a Per Diem at an community clinic, Family Health Centers of San Diego, for the underserved. She participates in Project Access helping uninsured patients get access to specialists. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending her free time with her husband and children.

Farah Salahuddin, MD, (pronounced Salah' din) is board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine. She is the founder at Rheum Without Walls, serving people living in and around Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, Carmel by the Sea, and Monterey, California.

Rheum Without Walls was born from her unique vision and desire to continuously move in the direction of patient-centric care, transparency in health care, and bridging health in-equities. Dr. Salahuddin completed her fellowship in rheumatology in 2015 at David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to that, she was a teaching faculty at MedStar Health/University of Maryland In Baltimore. 

Dr. Salahuddin has spent the past five years working across Northern California until she settled down in Santa Cruz County in 2019. Her employment experience inside both closed health care systems and independent practice settings gave her the unique perspective to see through the shifting lens of our health care landscape. Her focus is simple. To move from fee-for-service to a value-based model of care while maintaining physician autonomy.

Dr. Rizwan graduated from Hamdard University in Karachi, Pakistan in 2003 with honors. He completed his internship and residency in Maryland, at University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center and then completed Rheumatology fellowship at St. Louis University School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology. Dr. Rizwan has since won multiple awards for his dedication and care and is known for his compassion and keen ability to answer patient questions in depth. He comprehensively evaluates patients and listens to each of their concerns throughout their treatment processes. To achieve the best possible outcomes, he offers multifaceted treatment plans, including appropriate prescription medications to help alleviate patients’ discomfort.

Natalie MacLean, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is an experienced rheumatologist at Kaplan MacLean Rheumatology in Encinitas, California. She provides specialized care to patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and all other rheumatologic conditions. 

Dr. MacLean received her medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Rheumatology from the University of Alberta. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. She is also a member of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. 

Dr. MacLean holds her undergraduate Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Mount Allison University and her Masters of Medical Sciences - Oncology from the University of Alberta. She is a professional microscopist and worked in biomedical research at the University of Victoria and the University of California San Diego prior to her medical training.

Before forming Kaplan MacLean Rheumatology, she was Clinical Lecturer and Rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta, where she enjoyed teaching students and residents. Her friendly nature, enthusiasm and genuine passion for her patients provided her with the reputation for being able to connect easily with them, providing comfort during often stressful times or sharing a laugh.

Dr. MacLean is a fitness and food enthusiast, which she admits are sometimes at odds with each other. She looks forward to meeting you at your next appointment. 

I am Dr. Carmen E. Gota, MD, an experienced internal medicine, rheumatology, and weight-loss specialist and the founder of SlimWell. I am double board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and care for adults aged 18 and older.

I was born in Transylvania, Romania. I completed my medical training at Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, România, where I graduated as a valedictorian. I did an Internal Medicine Residency, then joined the University staff as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine. In that capacity, I taught medical students the discipline of semiology and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of diseases.

I completed my US Internal Medicine residency at Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. There, I learned how different the American healthcare system was from the one I just left. I also noticed that being curious, kind, and compassionate matters the same no matter where you practice medicine. 

Throughout all these years of practice, I struggled with the frustrations related to the limits of our care. I wondered in many instances about the wisdom of treating conditions without treating the root cause – the disease of obesity. So, I decided that I needed to learn more about Obesity Medicine.

I always believed and tried to help my patients comprehensively. As obesity is the root cause of many conditions, I realized that managing weight could be the key to more effective comprehensive health care for a lot of my patients. 

SlimWell is the product of this vision for a healthcare model that delivers comprehensive integrative care by targeting weight loss with the goal of major downstream health benefits. 

On a personal level, I believe my relationship with my patients is a partnership where we work together towards improved health.  

Dr. David Bulbin is a board-certified rheumatologist and co-founder of StrongURCare, where he provides modern, patient-centered care designed to improve outcomes and simplify treatment. He earned his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center, later serving as Program Director of the Geisinger Rheumatology Fellowship and Co-Director of the Autoimmune Nephritis Clinic. At StrongURCare, he delivers efficient, high-quality care with in-house infusion therapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and evidence-based protocols that reduce delays and enhance accuracy. His expertise includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, osteoporosis, gout, and spondyloarthropathies. Certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound, he performs real-time diagnostics and precision-guided procedures.

Dr. Adam Barron has had the honor of providing rheumatological care in Palm Beach County since 2003. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1998 and completed his internal medicine residency at Orlando Regional Healthcare Systems in 2001. Dr. Barron then pursued a rheumatology fellowship at the University of Florida, which he completed in 2003.

Dr. Rachel Lu-Do is a board-certified rheumatologist who listens closely, explains clearly and partners with patients to relieve pain and protect long-term joint health. She completed internal medicine training in Baltimore, then advanced rheumatology training at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. After fellowship, she spent six years in upstate New York caring for patients with the full spectrum of autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions. She also served as a clinical assistant professor, teaching and mentoring medical students and residents.

She blends evidence-based medicine with practical lifestyle guidance and close coordination with other specialists. Her research presentations at national and international meetings include osteoporosis prevention, the role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis and multidisciplinary care for giant cell arteritis. Patients and colleagues have recognized her with awards for compassion, bedside manner and clinical excellence.

Originally from Canada, Dr. Lu-Do recently moved to South Florida with her husband, two children and their Chihuahua mix, Toby. Outside the clinic, she enjoys international travel, exploring new cuisines and the arts, with a special interest in painting, concerts and musicals.

Dr. Matthew Lempel is a Yale University-trained rheumatologist who began his academic training at Yeshiva University and then New York Medical College. He was subsequently pulled into the orbit of academic powerhouse Yale University where he spent six years completing his internal medicine residency, chief medical residency and rheumatology fellowship training. His tenure as chief resident at Yale was a one-year commitment; this rigorous opportunity reinforced his skills as a master clinician and a mentor to newer physicians.

Dr. Lempel’s inquisitive nature and enthusiasm for learning about the history of medicine and the development of new therapies inspired him to become a doctor. His interest in treating complex inflammatory diseases in combination with other medical conditions motivated him to become a rheumatologist. He yearns to help patients with their chronic conditions by engaging them in their healthcare journey and coordinating care with other specialists and their care team.

After a lifetime of living in New Jersey and only spending summer Sundays at the beach, Dr. Lempel excitedly donated his family’s winter jackets to the VA Hospital. The Hirsh Center’s dedication to providing precision joint care through state-of-the-art imaging techniques and compassionate healthcare combined with the South Florida lifestyle were the catalyst for Dr. Lempel’s move. An avid athlete, Dr. Lempel enjoys playing basketball and tennis, running and spending time with his wife and three children in the beautiful Florida sun.

Dr. Sheila Serin joins The Hirsh Center in September 2026 after completing her rheumatology fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, where she served as chief fellow.

Patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions need more than a diagnosis. They need a physician who listens, explains clearly and helps them understand the path forward. Dr. Serin brings that approach to adults with autoimmune, inflammatory and connective tissue diseases.

Her patients can expect thoughtful, evidence-based care and a physician who takes their concerns seriously. Whether a patient is managing joint pain, inflammation or a complex autoimmune condition, Dr. Serin works to identify the cause, explain the options and build a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs.

With special interest in autoimmune, inflammatory and connective tissue diseases, Dr. Serin helps patients navigate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, myositis, gout and osteoporosis. Her role as chief fellow sharpened her clinical judgment, strengthened her commitment to education and reflected the leadership patients can trust at The Hirsh Center.

A South Florida native, Dr. Serin is excited to return home and care for patients in the community where her interest in medicine first took shape. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and behavior from Florida Atlantic University, graduating magna cum laude. During medical school, she received the Community Outreach Award for her dedication to service, advocacy and health education.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Serin enjoys traveling with her husband, staying active and making the most of life back home in South Florida. She looks forward to building meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and families at The Hirsh Center

My goal is to provide high quality care for all patients. I treat my patients with respect and take the time to listen to their concerns. I understand that every patient experience and story is unique as rheumatologic conditions are complex and multilayered. By providing my patients with the tools they need to succeed, I help them achieve their treatment goals.

At Flow Rheumatology, our dedicated team specializes in the field of rheumatology with a deep passion for helping individuals achieve better health and wellness. We are committed to providing exceptional care and support to patients dealing with rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, vasculitis, Sjorgen's, and many other rheumatological diseases. Our clinic embodies a compassionate approach, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Through our experience in rheumatology, we aim to enhance quality of life by offering comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment strategies, and ongoing education. At Flow Rheumatology, we prioritize patient well-being and strive to empower individuals to effectively manage their conditions and live their lives to the fullest.

Kiran Farheen, MD, is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, rheumatology, and obesity medicine, proudly serving the Katy, Texas community. With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Farheen is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Farheen earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she trained under leading experts and conducted advanced research in ankylosing spondylitis. Before establishing her own practice, Dr. Farheen served as an Assistant Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics for five years.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Farheen views each patient encounter as an opportunity to grow and refine her approach. She believes in guiding and empowering patients to achieve their best possible health outcomes. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, wife, and sister, Dr. Farheen strives to connect with each patient on a personal level, treating them as individuals rather than just their diagnoses.

Recognizing the profound impact that chronic diseases can have on every aspect of life, Dr. Farheen is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. 

Dr. Chaudhary’s path wasn’t linear. While logic drew him to computer science at Rutgers, the human body’s intricate workings held a deeper mystery. This fascination led him to St. George’s University Medical School, where he mastered the complexities of the musculoskeletal system.

After his training in internal medicine, Dr. Chaudhary’s found a match in rheumatology. After completing his fellowship in 2014, he dedicated himself to mastering the puzzles of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis – among other conditions that disrupt life’s rhythm.

While his dual board certifications and American College of Rheumatology membership ensure expertise, it’s his genuine care and collaborative spirit that truly set him apart.

Dr. Chaudhary’s approach harmonizes science and empathy. He listens intently to your story, understanding the unique melody of your symptoms and goals. Together, you embark on a collaborative journey, prioritizing non-pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle modifications whenever possible.

Empowering your body’s natural healing mechanisms is his primary focus. Medication is a strategic ally, not an immediate solution. He leverages data from exams, tests, and past treatments to guide precise diagnoses and monitor disease progression across the rheumatic spectrum. This allows him to tailor treatment plans that minimize unnecessary procedures and maximize your innate potential.

For Dr. Chaudhary, rheumatology isn’t just about managing conditions; it’s about restoring life’s rhythm. It’s about witnessing your resilience, navigating challenges together, and celebrating every step towards a life where movement and joy reignite.

Whether you’re facing the fiery flares of gout, the relentless stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis, or the enigmatic puzzle of rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Chaudhary is your partner in navigating the journey. Together, you’ll unravel the mysteries of pain, compose a future filled with resilience, and reclaim the melody of movement and joy.