Dr. Mirna Barakat, MD

Dr. Mirna Barakat, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 389-2707 to schedule.

Dr. Mirna Barakat, MD, a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL, brings over 30 years of experience in the medical field, with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She earned her medical degree from Amer University Beirut in 1991 and completed residency training in Rheumatology at Duke University Hospital in 1994. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, and Duke University Hospital (graduated 1995), deepening her expertise in the comprehensive medical care of individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she collaborates with patients and their families, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Barakat is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and ED Fraser Memorial Hospital, and she is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She offers consultations in Arabic.

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

• Bursitis: Protecting your joints from overuse and repetitive motions can help prevent bursitis, a painful condition affecting the cushioning sacs around your joints.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your health from dermatomyositis involves understanding its symptoms like muscle weakness and skin rash, as early detection and treatment significantly reduce long-term complications.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but with proper management, you can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Early detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are vital to prevent the development of rheumatoid lung disease and preserve your respiratory health.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Hip and thigh osteoarthritis can be effectively managed with early intervention; focusing on pain control and preserving joint function helps you maintain an active lifestyle and prevents further deterioration.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and internal organs, making early diagnosis and proactive management crucial for preventing serious complications and preserving your quality of life.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a disease where abnormal collections of inflammatory cells form lumps in various organs, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage.
• Vasculitis: Early detection and management of vasculitis are key to reducing inflammation and protecting your organs from potential harm, preserving your overall health.
• 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.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a skin condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent lasting skin damage and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Carditis: Regular doctor visits are essential for people with rheumatoid arthritis to detect rheumatoid carditis early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the risk of long-term heart damage.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis means you have the disease confirmed by blood tests, highlighting the need for a customized treatment plan to manage inflammation and prevent irreversible joint destruction.

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. Mirna Barakat 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: A bone density scan is a quick and painless test that helps measure the strength of your bones, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• 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.
• Pain Management: Don't let arthritis pain control your life; effective pain management helps preserve mobility and enhance your quality of life.
• Arthritic Rehabilitation: Arthritic rehabilitation is a key part of managing arthritis; it helps improve your range of motion, flexibility, and overall quality of life.
• Chronic Pain Management: Don't let chronic pain limit you – learn about various treatment options and pain management techniques to improve your quality of life and regain 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. Mirna Barakat 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 and adapting their daily activities, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful bursitis, leading to a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By understanding the early warning signs of muscle weakness and skin rash, a patient proactively managed their health, reducing the risk of long-term complications from dermatomyositis. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently plan for a healthy future.

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. Mirna Barakat:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Barakat is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which include musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune disorders. She can help by diagnosing and treating these conditions, managing them over time, and working with you to prevent joint damage and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative "wear and tear" disease where cartilage breaks down, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joints. Dr. Barakat's role is to accurately diagnose the cause so the appropriate treatment can be implemented to prevent further damage.

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 can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Barakat and her team can help assess your risk factors for osteoporosis and recommend lifestyle changes like adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. A DEXA scan can screen for bone loss, enabling early intervention and preventing fractures.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis gets arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Barakat screens for and treats the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint 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.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily life. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming 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 to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

2119 Oak St
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 389-2707

Dr. Mirna Barakat, 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): 1417911645

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. Mirna Barakat 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.