Dr. Yvonne Smallwood Sherrer, MD

Dr. Yvonne Smallwood Sherrer, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care, she 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (954) 229-7030 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Yvonne Smallwood Sherrer, MD is a rheumatologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Phoenix, Northern California Campus in 1978, and 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. Smallwood Sherrer has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, and is affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Yvonne Sherrer provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively through medication and monitoring can help prevent irreversible joint damage and other serious complications.
• Vasculitis: Early detection and management of vasculitis are key to reducing inflammation and protecting your organs from potential harm, preserving your overall health.
• Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Juvenile dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease affecting children; proactive management through regular check-ups and medication can lessen its impact on their growth and development.
• Fibromyalgia: Since fibromyalgia can significantly impact daily life, seeking early medical attention to develop a personalized management plan is crucial to prevent further complications.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis is a joint infection that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Don't let the pain of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) control your life; proactive healthcare and early treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia means your bone density is lower than average, making you more prone to breaks; proactive management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is crucial, as managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Because juvenile chronic arthritis can significantly impact joint health, preventative care through close monitoring and timely intervention is crucial for children's well-being.
• Systemic Vasculitis: By recognizing the signs of systemic vasculitis and working closely with your doctor, you can take steps to control the disease and prevent it from progressing, preserving your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and potentially leading to irreversible damage if left untreated; early diagnosis and proper management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.

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. Yvonne Sherrer 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: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• 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: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Injection of Tendon: As part of your overall arthritis management, a tendon injection can be a valuable tool in reducing pain and inflammation, supporting your quality of life.
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Early intervention with non-surgical pain management can significantly reduce the severity of your autoimmune disease and its impact on your daily life.

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. Yvonne Sherrer 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 diligently following a personalized treatment plan and proactively managing their condition, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term complications from sarcoidosis, ensuring a healthier future.
• By proactively managing their health through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of vasculitis complications, ensuring a healthier 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. Yvonne Sherrer:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions, and can help manage chronic symptoms, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being over time.

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. Sherrer's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief by reducing pressure and allows the fluid to be analyzed for the cause of swelling, which is vital for proper diagnosis and preventing future problems.

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 improved function and participation in physical therapy. Our team uses them judiciously to manage flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Sherrer and her team can help you prevent or slow osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are important. A rheumatologist can assess your risk factors, use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and recommend interventions to prevent fractures.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle, combining a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and specific blood tests looking for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for understanding the disease and preventing further progression.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

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

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. While not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, it's a known risk. Dr. Sherrer screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

2900 W Cypress Creek Rd Ste 11
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
Phone: (954) 229-7030

Dr. Yvonne Smallwood Sherrer, 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): 1316940810

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. Yvonne Sherrer 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.