CLIFFORD
STERMER, M.D.
Rheumatologist
Dr. Clifford Stermer is the Director of Rheumatology at Presbyterian Health Services, New Mexico.
He is dedicated to providing evidence-based and compassionate treatment for rheumatic conditions while offering his patients the most advanced care available.
Dr. Stermer diagnoses and treats a wide variety of rheumatological conditions, with subspecialty training in gout, scleroderma, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and fibromyalgia. He is board-certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine.
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AREAS OF EXPERTISE
 Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling. |  Ankylosing SpondylitisAnkylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the small bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. |  GoutGout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. |  LupusLupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. Lupus most commonly affects your skin, joints and internal organs. |
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 SclerodermaScleroderma is a group of rare diseases that more often affects women. It commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 and can result in chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Symptoms include joint pain, tightening of the skin, exaggerated response to cold (Raynaud's disease), and heartburn. |  VasculitisVasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause the blood vessel walls to thicken and narrow, cutting off vital blood supply to tissues and organs. Symptoms include skin rash, fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle and/or joint pain. |
WHAT IS RHEUMATOLOGY?
A Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, bones and organs causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.
Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system sends inflammation to areas of the body when it is not needed, causing damage/symptoms. Common diseases treated by Rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, vasculitis, myositis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.
ABOUT DR. STERMER
Dr. Clifford Stermer is board-certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Stermer's comprehensive and specialized medical training has equipped him to care for some of the most complex rheumatological disorders diagnosed today.
Dr. Stermer completed his Internal Medicine residency at the NYU Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He went on to complete his Rheumatology fellowship at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, NJ. During his training at NYU and fellowship at Rutgers, he was able to study under esteemed industry leaders and learn from the complex cases referred to these academic centers.
Dr. Stermer is dedicated to improving the health of his patients and the wider community. As the Medical Director of Rheumatology at a not-for-profit healthcare system, Dr. Stermer leads a group of nine Rheumatologists. In this capacity, he has gained extensive experience treating underserved populations.
He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and the Rheumatology Society of New Mexico.
Originally from Montreal, he enjoys free time with his wife, two children, dog, and six chickens in Corrales, New Mexico.
Dr. Stermer was recently awarded Albuquerque's Top Rheumatologist by ABQ Magazine Top Doc 2021 awards, as voted by his medical peers.
TESTIMONIALS
"He listens with a caring heart. Very knowledgeable about all aspects of Scleroderma."
— Pamela
CONTACT
For appointments, please contact Presbyterian Health Services
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