We are a group of 8 clinicians, including 4 Adult Rheumatologists, 2 Combined Adult/Pediatric Rheumatologists and 2 Physician Assistants practicing in Howard County, Maryland.
As a group, we provide comprehensive evaluation and management of musculoskeletal and systemic inflammatory diseases within the specialty of rheumatology for both adults and children. We are each board certified in our specialties (see About Our Doctors and PA page). Also, several of our doctors have been voted as Top Doctors for both Baltimore and Washington service areas by our peers in the medical community.
ATTENTION: LETTER TO PATIENTS OF
DR. STEPHEN GEORGE
To my patients:
After over 32 years as a rheumatologist for both adults and children, the time has come for me to retire and bring this fulfilling career to a close.
This has been an incredible time to participate in the care of patients with rheumatologic diseases, utilizing the many incredible advances in our understanding of these diseases and in our ability to effectively treat them. Whether treating the many different autoimmune diseases or various other musculoskeletal conditions, I have genuinely enjoyed being your doctor. As I have stated repeatedly, the field of rheumatology allows for the development of long term relationships between the doctor, the patient and the family members. I have had the privilege of sharing in your lives, with the many ups and downs that everyone goes through. These relationships have meant so much to me, many having spanned 2 or 3 decades.
I will finish seeing patients on August 1, 2024, although I may hang around to help smooth the transition for the new members of our group who will provide continuity of care for you:
--- Dr. Arash Hassan (formal name: Hassantoufighi) grew up in Maryland, and attended Maryland schools before going to medical school in West Virginia, completing internal medicine training in Texas and then rheumatology fellowship at Georgetown Hospital/Washington Hospital Center. He is board certified in adult rheumatology. He started rheumatology practice at Langley Air Force Base, then Hampton, Virginia and is returning back home to Maryland to join our group. Dr. Hassan will assume care of the adult patients of mine starting in August.
--- Dr. Matthew Eremita grew up in Connecticut, completing medical school and pediatric residency at University of Connecticut School of Medicine and then completing pediatric rheumatology training at Zucker School of Medicine/Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York. He will be board certified in pediatric rheumatology. Dr. Eremita will assume care of the pediatric patients of mine starting in July
I am very pleased that these highly qualified rheumatologists have agreed to join Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland and believe that you will be pleased with them, as well. Retirement will start much easier knowing that my patients, whom I have cared for, for so long, will continue to be well cared for.
The new doctors will have the benefit of reviewing my notes and all of my prior management for a smooth transition of care. Of course, the rest of the office will still be here for you, including my medical assistant, Joseph, the physician assistant, Parvin Salari, PA-C, the front desk staff, the infusion team, and the 5 other rheumatologists.
Thank you for all of your smiles, engaging interactions and for making my days in the office never boring. I sincerely wish you only the best in the future.
Stephen W. George, MD, FACR, FAAP
Information regarding treatment of our patients using telehealth
Telehealth has proven to be extremely helpful for maintaining routine care for our patients, allowing assessment of status, medication refills, dosage adjustments, medication changes if necessary, ordering laboratory monitoring studies and deciding on further testing, if indicated. Telehealth visits are still available on a case by case basis, but fortunately have been less necessary. (See below)
Given your health or exposure risks, it may still be appropriate for you to stay home and to do our virtual appointment with you via an internet-based telehealth visit. We continue to use a program called Doxy.me. This may be accessed using your computer, smart phone or tablet, provided that it has a built in camera and microphone. Be sure that you know which email address you want us to use and that you have provided that to us in advance. We will send the link for the Doxy.me meeting to you via that email.
A few minutes before your scheduled telehealth appointment, simply click on the link in the email or copy and paste it into your browser. You will then be asked to type your name followed by a request to enable video and allow use of the device's microphone. This will open a screen that will automatically run the video launcher program and put you into the waiting room while you wait for your doctor to join you.
Note:
1) Doxy.me works best if your default internet browser is either Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox. You may have trouble if using Microsoft Edge or Internet Exployer.
2) Be sure that your parental controls or antivirus settings aren't set to block programs from running or accessing audio and video.
Please call our front desk (410-992-7440) if you have any questions or problems.
| 
