Top Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Specialists in Washington, DC Area

The following rheumatologists are recognized for SLE expertise in the DC metro region. This is not an exhaustive ranking—consult your PCP, insurance network, and individual needs.

Georgetown University Hospital / MedStar

Dr. Michelle A. Petri, MD, MPH
Director, Lupus Center; Professor of Medicine & Microbiology/Immunology
3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 | [phone]
Focus: Clinical trials, pregnancy & lupus, neuropsychiatric SLE, damage indices. 350+ publications. ACR Master.

George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates

Dr. Victoria P. Werth, MD
Chief, Rheumatology; Professor of Dermatology & Medicine
2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 | [phone]
Focus: Cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, autoimmunity in skin. NIH-funded.

Howard University Hospital

Dr. S. Sam Lim, MD, MPH
Associate Professor, Rheumatology
2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060 | [phone]
Focus: Health disparities in SLE, cardiovascular risk, lupus registry leadership. CDC-funded.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Dr. Neha Shah, MD
Rheumatology Fellowship Director
110 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20010 | [phone]
Focus: Complex SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome, transition care.

Children's National Hospital (Pediatric/Young Adult SLE)

Dr. Melissa Elder, MD
Division Chief, Rheumatology
111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010 | [phone]
Focus: Childhood-onset SLE, transition to adult care, clinical trials.

Virginia Suburbs (Accessible to DC)

Dr. Joan T. Merrill, MD – Inova Fairfax (Falls Church, VA) – Clinical trial leadership.
Dr. Anca D. Askanase, MD, MPH – Columbia University (NYC) – but sees patients at NIH Clinical Center (Bethesda, MD) for trials.

Selection Criteria

• Board-certified Rheumatology + active ACR membership
• SLE-focused clinical practice (>50% lupus panel)
• Clinical trial access (critical for refractory disease)
• Multidisciplinary team (nephrology, dermatology, hematology, MFM, neurology)
• Insurance acceptance (verify your plan)

Verify network status & accepting new patients before scheduling. Consider telehealth for initial consult.