Dr. Clifford Stermer, MD

Dr. Clifford Stermer, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Stermer is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (561) 559-1110.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, Dr. Stermer brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from St George University School Of Medicine in 2012, followed by an internship and residency in Rheumatology at New York University At Woodhull Medical Center, graduating in 2015. Further specializing in Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, he completed fellowship training in 2017, deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Stermer diagnoses and treats a wide variety of rheumatological conditions, with subspecialty training in gout, scleroderma, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and fibromyalgia. He is affiliated with Presbyterian Hospital and Jupiter Medical Center. Dr. Stermer offers consultations in French.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Clifford Stermer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Clifford Stermer can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Clifford Stermer provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis, caused by bacteria or other germs, can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention if you suspect an infection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hip: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hip can cause significant pain and damage, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent irreversible joint destruction and maintain mobility.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma's impact on your body can be lessened with diligent medical monitoring and timely treatment, preventing further joint stiffness, organ damage, and debilitating complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Early diagnosis of foot osteoarthritis is crucial, as prompt treatment can help minimize pain, inflammation, and the need for more extensive interventions later.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Protecting your spine and overall health requires understanding ankylosing spondylitis: early diagnosis allows for effective management and prevention of severe long-term complications like spinal deformity.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent joint damage and recurring attacks.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes to protect your joint health and prevent long-term disability.
• Osteoarthritis: Don't let osteoarthritis limit your activities! Early detection and appropriate management strategies, such as weight management and joint-protective exercises, can greatly reduce pain and preserve your joint health.
• Pyogenic Arthritis: Managing pyogenic arthritis effectively involves prompt antibiotic treatment and joint protection to minimize lasting damage and preserve your mobility and quality of life.
• Granulomatosis: Because granulomatosis can affect multiple organs, proactive monitoring and treatment can minimize long-term complications and improve your chances of a better outcome.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: With early detection and appropriate management, children with juvenile chronic arthritis can live full and active lives, reducing the risk of permanent joint damage.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Clifford Stermer offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Infusion Therapy: Infusion therapy delivers powerful medications directly into your bloodstream, helping to control inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Knee Injection: To proactively manage your arthritis, a knee injection can deliver medication directly to the source of inflammation, easing pain and improving mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections provide targeted relief from painful inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissues, helping you stay active and engaged.
• Bursa Injection: By injecting medication into the inflamed bursa, we can proactively reduce pain, improve joint function, and prevent further complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Clifford Stermer is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By understanding the importance of meticulous hygiene and prompt medical attention, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing infective arthritis, gaining peace of mind about their overall well-being.
• By actively participating in a tailored preventative care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in their hip, ensuring long-term joint health and mobility.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Clifford Stermer:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Stermer and our team are rheumatologists, meaning we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your joints, muscles, and connective tissues, such as arthritis. We partner with you to manage your condition long-term, preventing further joint damage, and improving your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Stermer's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, which is a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise won't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Stermer uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons in real time. This allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation and accurate guidance of injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not definitive. Dr. Stermer will consider this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to determine if it's related to an autoimmune condition. This helps avoid unnecessary worry and ensures an accurate diagnosis.

11380 Prosperity Farms Rd Ste E121
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410
Phone: (561) 559-1110

Dr. Clifford Stermer, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1730529918

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Clifford Stermer are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.