Bita Arabshahi, MD

Medical Director of:
Rheumatology
Languages:
English, Farsi
Service: Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Specialty/Profession:
Pediatric Rheumatology
Board Certifications:
American Board of Pediatrics
Areas of Clinical Interest:
Juvenile arthritis, lupus, myositis, auto inflammatory disorders
Education:

Undergraduate - University of Washington (1995)
Medical School - University of Washington School of Medicine (1999)
Residency - St. Christopher’s Hospital (2000)
Fellowship - Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2006)

Awards & Recognition:

INOVA Fairfax Hospital Resident Teaching Award (2008-Present)
Top Docs Recognition - Northern Virginia Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, Washingtonian 
 

Clinic Locations: Fairfax

Keystone Publications:

Arabshahi B, Silverman RA, Jones OY, Rider LG. Abatacept and sodium thiosulfate for treatment of recalcitrant juvenile dermatomyositis complicated by ulceration and calcinosis. J Pediatr 2012 160:520-2.

Arabshahi B, Dewitt EM, Cahill AM, Kaye RD, Baskin KM, Towbin RB, Cron RQ. Utility of Corticosteroid injection for TM] arthritis in children with juvenile Idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2005. 52(11): 3563-9

Service: Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Where did you grow up?
Seattle, Washington
Why did you become a doctor and why did you choose your specialty?
I became a doctor because I enjoy building relationships with patients to help them improve their quality of life. I became a pediatric rheumatologist because I love kids and caring for patients with rare and chronic illnesses.
How long have you practiced in the Washington, DC area and what do you like most about it?
8 years. I enjoy the ethnic diversity of the population in the DC area and the access to prominent research institutions such as the NIH.
What do you most enjoy doing outside of your clinical practice, when you’re not working?
Hiking, yoga, pilates; doing arts and crafts with my kids.
Do you volunteer? If so, where?
The Iranian cultural educational center and my children’s school.
Describe your proudest accomplishment as a provider and/or in your personal life:
My proudest moment is when a child with serious or life threatening illness gives me a wide smile and big hug because they are feeling better!
If you weren’t a doctor, what profession would you most likely be doing and why?
I like to teach residents, so teaching would likely be part of my life. I also like art, so maybe I would have more time to paint.
Personal Sketch:

2 - Daughters
1 - Kitten