
Preventing Arthritis
By John Leary, PA-C Reliant Medical Group Orthopedics Many people do not realize that there are steps you can take to minimize your...
“It’s a great feeling knowing that you’ve helped someone...”
Growing up in the Chicago area, Dr. Suzanne Gilman says she always had her heart set on being a doctor. “My father was an oncologist, so I was exposed to medicine at an early age. Honestly, I think I wanted to be a doctor for most of my life.”
Dr. Gilman truly loves the challenge that rheumatology provides. “One reason I like rheumatology is that it’s not a specialty where the answers always come easily,” she explains. “Rheumatology requires a lot of puzzle-solving, a lot of thought. You really have to talk to your patients and look at all the evidence to find out what is wrong and how you can help them.”
In her practice Dr. Gilman is committed to working closely with her patients and discussing the best care options available. “I am a huge believer in collaboration. I will help patients decide which options to go with based on their values and lifestyle. I think it’s important for a rheumatologist to build strong, trusting relationships with patients as there have to be many adjustments in medications over time.” In addition to helping patients with medication, Dr. Gilman also does joint injections, including ultrasound-guided procedures.
Dr. Gilman is aware that there is a mental cost to having a chronic autoimmune disease such as lupus. “I know it’s very hard on patients, so that’s something I really pay attention to. In fact, some patients may benefit from seeing a mental health provider to help them deal with all the issues. That’s something I really feel strongly about,” she explains.
Dr. Gilman says she finds it incredibly satisfying to make a difference in the lives of her patients. “You can have a patient who in horrible pain and who feels their life is falling apart and with the medications we have now it’s possible to get them back to doing the things they love. It’s a great feeling knowing that you helped someone like that.”
In her spare time Dr. Gilman enjoys sewing, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, swimming and game-playing. She says her favorite novelist is Brandon Sanderson.
Star ratings are based on patient responses to 5 questions about the care they have received from their provider. Responses are measured on a scale of 1-5 and the average score is displayed in an easy to view, 5-star format. Learn more about how we measure our patient experience.
Comments marked with an asterisk * serve as a flag to indicate when a patient has left feedback that specifically references a provider's name.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Thorough examination of joints. Good discussion. Very professional. Very clear instructions.
Did not see NP.
This patient rated the doctor 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Dr Susan Gilman reviewed my medication and discovered that meds listed as allergic on my chat we're actually meds that were intolerant to me because of side effects. Did not require epinephrine. She suggested that the powers to be create a category for meds of intolerance to side effects. Save the allergic category on the medication for the true allergic reaction. She was very observant with this. Perhaps adding intolerance to side effects in the medication category will help her provide better care for her patients.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
The Doctor was very thorough and most importantly not appearing to be rushed.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
This might have been only my second, but no more than my third, visit with this doctor. At first I really missed the specialist who had taken care of me for many years but who has retired. On this visit, though, I felt like I really connected with my new doctor and I was very happy with how she answered my questions.
Rheumatology
ABIM- American Board of Internal Medicine
Medical School: Washington University
Internship & Residency: UMASS Memorial Medical Center
Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine
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