Dr. William Shim, MD

Dr. William Shim, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, 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. Shim is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 694-7598 to schedule. Dr. William Shim, MD is a rheumatologist and founder of Center of Arthritis & Rheumatism Endeavor in Tampa Florida. He earned his medical degree from the American University Of The Caribbean School Of Medicine, following a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from George Washington University. His extensive training includes internal medicine internships and residencies at Yale University Hospitals and the Medical College of Pennsylvania, culminating in a clinical Rheumatology fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At C.A.R.E. Institute, a core tenet of his practice is providing compassionate care, actively listening to each patient's unique needs, and using evidence-based medicine to achieve the best possible outcomes, collaboratively developing an individualized treatment plan that meets each patient's goals. Dr. William Shim offers consultations in Korean.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. William Shim 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. William Shim 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. William Shim 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: Early diagnosis of infective arthritis is crucial because swift treatment can minimize joint damage and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis of the foot, a common form of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early detection and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent further joint damage and preserve mobility.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Spinal osteoarthritis doesn't have to limit your activity. Preventive measures, including maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical therapy, can significantly impact your comfort and mobility.
• Gout: Gout, if left untreated, can lead to severe joint damage, but proactive management with your doctor can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Don't let shoulder osteoarthritis limit your activities. Early detection and a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your shoulder function and prevent further deterioration.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease; proactive healthcare and regular monitoring are crucial for early intervention and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Osteoporosis: Protecting your bone health is crucial as osteoporosis, a disease causing weak bones, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and preventative measures to reduce the chance of painful breaks.
• Vasculitis: Protecting your blood vessels from inflammation through early diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis is crucial for preventing long-term health problems.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can impact your daily activities, but with WePrevent's resources on prevention and management, you can take control of your health and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Managing psoriatic arthritis effectively, with the help of your doctor, involves controlling inflammation to protect your joints and prevent long-term pain and stiffness.
• Sarcoidosis: Because sarcoidosis can cause joint pain and inflammation, early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent the development of chronic arthritis and disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Protecting your knee joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage your weight and activity levels to avoid further 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. William Shim 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: 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: 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: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• Biopuncture: To prevent long-term joint problems, consider biopuncture. It's a valuable tool that allows your doctor to more accurately assess the inflammatory response in your affected areas.
• Diet Counseling: Proactively manage your autoimmune disease with dietary guidance; a customized plan can help minimize symptoms and prevent future joint damage.

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. William Shim 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 their risk factors and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their chance of developing infective arthritis, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By focusing on low-impact exercises and supportive footwear, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis in their feet, maintaining their active lifestyle and preventing further joint damage.

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. William Shim:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They can help manage chronic conditions, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life through long-term care and support.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

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

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. A rheumatologist will consider this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, preventing unnecessary worry.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Preventing or slowing osteoporosis involves adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Shim can assess your risk factors, utilize a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and recommend interventions to help prevent 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 develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Shim's practice specializes in screening for and treating the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist like Dr. Shim. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities. They are used judiciously to manage flare-ups.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases where the blood vessels become inflamed. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent potential damage to vital organs.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Shim 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.

2727 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 530
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 694-7598

Dr. William Shim, 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): 1306932959

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. William Shim 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.