Susanna went on to attend medical school, and there was little doubt in her mind what field she would pursue after graduation. “I’ve wanted to be a rheumatologist ever since I was diagnosed with JIA,” she tells The Rheumatologist. “I have always been passionate about helping others manage their own autoimmune diseases as best as possible.”
Having earned her medical degree from New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Jeurling practices with Falls Medical Specialists, Lutherville, Md., and notes on her website that she has JIA. She explains that many patients, particularly younger patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, seek her out as a physician, in part because of her own experiences with illness.
Dr. Jeurling understands how hard it can be to transition to a new provider. She considers herself fortunate because she had a mother who was supportive and very involved in her care, but who also allowed and encouraged her to be the primary person determining all medical decisions. This is not always the case when a child develops a rheumatic disease. For better or worse, extensive parental involvement can sometimes make it hard for patients to become their own advocates once they are adults.
When Dr. Jeurling sees patients, she keeps in mind her strong conviction that a lot of the healing power in medicine comes from the therapeutic relationship. Having a doctor you know cares about you and is taking care of you as a whole person is very meaningful. She works extra hard to maintain eye contact with the patient and speak directly to them. Family members are frequently involved in discussions, but Dr. Jeurling makes sure it is the patient who feels their voice rises above all others.
Sometimes, Dr. Jeurling realizes that not much is changing in terms of the treatment plan, yet the patient expresses appreciation for the way in which they feel looked after and emotionally supported.
Dr. Jeurling can also empathize with her patients’ desire to know why they have an illness.
“I try to be sympathetic in their quest for answers,” she says. Although she may not be able to say why a given patient developed a rheumatic condition, she feels she can at least validate the rationale they have for asking the question.
Dr. Jeurling is similarly aware of how patients feel when being advised to take a medication long term, including the fear of side effects. “It is normal for people to have an aversion to taking medicine in general,” she notes. Realizing that a medication that is never consumed by the patient has no chance of working, she tries to meet patients where they are and never force the issue. Instead, she is willing to sit, listen and make sure patients’ concerns are adequately addressed.
