What Is Rheumatology? Rheumatology is a speciality in internal medicine, devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues and the allied conditions of connective tissues, that are often complex. Rheumatologists interact with the patient & family as a resource for health information and as a collaborator with other health care providers. Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving medical speciality, with advancements owing largely to new scientific discoveries about the immunology of these disorders. Because the characteristics of the rheumatologists disorder is now described in terms of a autoimmune disease. Many new treatment modalities are also based on clinical research in immunology. A Rheumatologist aims to provide most optimal cost effective medical care to promote the highest level of quality of life for each individual with rheumatological disorders across the life span. What We Treat... Rheumatologists are dedicated to provide complete, state of the art diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for adults affected with connective tissue disorders. For people effected by a chronic rheumatic disorder, finding the right treatment can mean the difference between leading a life of constant pain and being able to perform everyday tasks more easily. We are proud of the contributions we make in improving the quality of life for patients with these, and other conditions and we believe that excellent medical care goes beyond latest treatments. We appreciate your concern and value the confidence you place in us. • Arthritis of thumb base and wrist • Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndromes • Bursitis • Carple tunnel syndrome • Chronic back pain • De Quervain's Disease • Dermatomyositis • Dupuytren's Disease • Eye Disorders associated with autoimmune diseases • Elbow Problems • Fibromyalgia • Gout • Lupus • Osteoarthritis • Osteomalacia . • Osteoporosis • Polymyalgia Rheumatica • Polymyositis • Pseudogout • Psoriatic Arthritis • Raynaud's Phenomenon • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Sarciodosis • Scleroderma • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome • Spondylitis • Tendonitis • Trigger Finger • Trochanteric Bursitis • Vasculitis/ Weganers/ PAN/ MPA/ GCA and others About Dr. Shehla Atiq Dr. Atiq is one of the few Rheumatologists with experience in both Physician Practices and University Faculty Positions. It all started at the University of Miami School of Medicine where she finished Rheumatology training and was taken on as full time Faculty member as an Assistant Professorship. True to her passion, she was involved in research in addition to her varied clinical responsibilities. This led to her studies on Leflunomide in Inflammatory Myositis (the drug is currently being marketed as ARAVA), use of Immunoglobulins in Lupus Erythematosus and utilizing Hyalogen injections for Chronic Shoulder Pain ( HUPS Study). She was also the recipient of AMGEN grant for a study on the use of Anti-inflammatory agents in Osteoarthritis. She has always kept her family in perspective. Thus she moved with her family and took a private practice opportunity at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus, MS, where she was equally successful . This was followed by her last Faculty appointment at University of Tennessee Memphis/UTMG. She is a graduate of the Aga Khan University School of Medicine, Pakistan. She completed Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois, Peoria and then graduated from University Of Miami School of Medicine with a Fellowship in Rheumatology. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Dr Atiq is married to her husband Dr. Rehman, also a physician who is very committed and proud of his wife's passion for taking care of patients with chronic arthritic/rheumatic diseases. They have two wonderful daughters. Dr. Atiq was attracted to the Venice and Sarasota area, due to excellent schooling, beautiful surroundings, great work opportunity, growth potential and the opportunity to become part of a fine community. She likes to spend time with her family and friends, and enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, tennis and walking. Her prime clinical interests involve Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosus, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis/ Vitamin D Deficiency Syndromes and Joint/ Soft Tissue Injections.