Dr. Kimberly Smith, MD

Dr. Kimberly Smith, MD is a Rheumatology specialist at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Fletcher in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a valued partner in preventive health. Her practice focuses on preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life by expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management. She is committed to controlling inflammation and empowering individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions to live their best lives. Dr. Smith is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 345-2380 to schedule.

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. Dr. Smith, a board-certified internal medicine physician and fellowship-trained rheumatologist with nearly two decades of experience, is deeply committed to this philosophy. Her extensive experience includes serving as the Principal Investigator in lupus clinical trials and as a Sub-Investigator on multiple clinical trials in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, including studies on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and shingles. She is also the recipient of the 2011 Compassionate Doctor Award and has co-authored several books addressing osteopenia and arthritis. Dr. Smith is fluent in Spanish and welcomes patients for consultations in this language. Her rigorous medical training, including residencies at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and fellowship training at Emory University School of Medicine, has solidified her expertise in the comprehensive medical care of individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kimberly Smith 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. Kimberly Smith 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. Kimberly Smith 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:

• Polymyositis: By understanding the symptoms of polymyositis, a serious muscle disorder, and seeking prompt medical care, you can reduce your risk of long-term complications like severe muscle weakness and respiratory problems.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, leading to pain and damage—early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow its progression and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• 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.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Lupus: Protecting your joints and overall health from the effects of lupus starts with understanding the condition and working closely with your doctor for proactive management.
• Fibromyalgia: Since fibromyalgia can significantly impact daily life, seeking early medical attention to develop a personalized management plan is crucial to prevent further complications.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Protecting your body from the damaging effects of systemic vasculitis starts with understanding its symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly to minimize long-term complications.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that primarily affects the skin; recognizing its symptoms early and taking proactive steps to manage it can help you prevent disfigurement and other long-term issues.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Catching juvenile chronic arthritis early allows for proactive management, minimizing inflammation and reducing the risk of long-term joint problems.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps control inflammation, reducing pain and protecting your joints from long-term harm.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.

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. Kimberly Smith offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Joint Drainage: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Trigger Point Injection: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: To proactively manage arthritis, hyaluronic acid injections can replenish natural joint fluid, reducing friction and improving mobility.

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. Kimberly Smith 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 recognizing early symptoms and working with a rheumatologist, a patient successfully managed their polymyositis, reducing the risk of severe muscle weakness and improving their overall well-being.
• By proactively managing risk factors and attending regular check-ups, a patient experienced a significant reduction in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, achieving greater overall well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Kimberly Smith:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Smith is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, including musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. She can help diagnose and treat these conditions, work with you to manage them long-term, and help prevent further joint damage. She's committed to improving your overall quality of life.

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. Smith's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the affected vessels. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent organ damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Smith uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of joint and tendon inflammation, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis and helps us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout flares are caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage triggers, helping prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Smith and her team carefully review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for understanding your condition and developing a plan to prevent disease progression.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

If your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatologist like Dr. Smith can help. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This process is essential to ensure the correct treatment is started, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Fletcher
3500 E Fletcher Ave Ste 400
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 345-2380

Dr. Kimberly Smith, 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): 1285746248

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. Kimberly Smith 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.