Telerheumatology: The New Normal? Part 1


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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought telehealth to the forefront of modern medicine, and telerheumatology may play a major role in the management of rheumatologic conditions in the future. In this 2-part series, we dive deeper into the world of telerheumatology and ask, “Could this be the new normal?”

Our featured guest is John K. Botson, MD, RPh, CCD, president of the Alaska Rheumatology Alliance and a rheumatologist at Orthopedic Physicians Alaska. 

Read here for Dr Botson’s perspective on adjusting his approach and practice to patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Featured Guest

John K. Botson, MD, RPh, CCD, is the president of the Alaska Rheumatology Alliance and a rheumatologist at Orthopedic Physicians Alaska.

Dr Botson joined Orthopedic Physicians Alaska in 2009 and specializes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis management, as well as the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound. He treats both adult and pediatric patients in close care coordination with referring physicians.

At Ohio Northern University, Dr Botson double-majored in pharmacy and chemistry, graduating summa cum laude in both. After obtaining his medical degree from The Ohio State University, he completed his residency training at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and in 2009 completed his rheumatology fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.

In addition to his expertise treating a variety of conditions as a rheumatologist, Dr Botson has additional training in musculoskeletal ultrasound used to diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal diseases. His research interests include gout and osteoporosis, and he has served as a principal investigator for multiple studies. 

When he is not treating patients, Dr Botson enjoys family time and an active lifestyle. He participates in distance running events, basketball, skiing, and bowling. He is also passionate about community service, having volunteered with local arthritis and lupus foundations.