Simon M. Helfgott, MD

Physician Editor Simon M. Helfgott, MD, is associate professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology, immunology and allergy at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He serves as director of education and fellowship training for the division and is actively involved in the curriculum redesign at the medical school.

Articles by Simon M. Helfgott, MD

Rheuminations: Why the Obesity Epidemic Should Matter to Rheumatologists

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | January 1, 2014

As changes in diet and eating habits have caused obesity rates to soar, research into the metabolic syndrome suggests obesity may be a form of a low-grade inflammatory state

Rheuminations: Rheumatologists Seek Better Understanding of Fibrosing Disorders

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | December 1, 2013

Research into scleroderma, fibrosis, and Raynaud’s phenomenon may provide clues into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis

John F. Kennedy’s Odyssey in Search of Diagnosis

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | November 1, 2013

Myriad health conditions from back pain to gastrointestinal illness plagued the late president and baffled his physicians

Rheuminations: The Power of the Placebo

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | October 1, 2013

Can rheumatologists harness the placebo effect to improve patient care?

Rheuminations: How Disruptive Technology Has Transformed the Medical School Classroom

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | September 1, 2013

iPads, social media, and massive, open online classes have changed the way we teach

Rheuminations: How Tiny Ticks Have Fueled Outrage and Acrimony in Some Communities

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | August 1, 2013

A history of rheumatologists’ efforts to diagnose Lyme disease

Rheuminations: Fraud Casts a Pall on Medical Research

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | July 1, 2013

The history, causes, and effects of scientific misconduct and strategies to reduce fraud and plagiarism in clinical medicine

Rheuminations: Can Clothing Influence How Physicians Practice?

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | June 1, 2013

What doctors wear can affect how patients relate to them

Rheuminations: Circadian Rhythms May Play Role in Inflammatory Disease

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | May 1, 2013

Research into how the timing of light and dark exposures control our lives could provide clues to why some people have immunologic disorders

Rheuminations: New Rules for Rheumatologists

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | April 1, 2013

Transparent hospital costs, salary caps for senior hospital executives, and no more faxes top one rheumatologist’s wish list for revised healthcare rules