July 12, 2015
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By
Staff Writer
Rheumatologic Dermatologist Noah Goldfarb, MD, is one of only a few physicians in Minnesota equipped to manage complex skin conditions related to autoimmune diseases that significantly affect patients’ quality of life.
Goldfarb is a new arrival at the Rheumatology Clinic at University of Minnesota Medical Center. There, Goldfarb and a team of other specialists tackle complicated conditions with multidisciplinary care. They use a collaborative approach to understand a patient’s needs and engage patients in conversations about care management.
We asked Goldfarb a few questions about his position, work and passions.
Describe your new role as a rheumatology/dermatology specialist at University of Minnesota Health.
My role is to work with rheumatologists seeing patients with rheumatologic conditions that also affect the patient’s skin. Together, the rheumatologist and I create a comprehensive plan for management of the patient’s condition or conditions. I also participate in a research group focused on hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life. As part of this research group, I work with a team of physicians to help conduct research on hidradenitis suppurativa with the goal of developing new treatments for this debilitating disease.
Tell us about the rheumatology/dermatology service that you are helping develop. Who will benefit from this service?
I am part of a multidisciplinary rheumatology/dermatology program at the Rheumatology Clinic at University of Minnesota Medical Center. The goal of our program is to help patients with complex conditions consolidate their care by seeing multiple specialists for their condition during a single visit. Essentially, the patient receives the benefits of two visits in one. This system fosters improved communication and collaboration between specialists, which ultimately leads to better patient care—especially for those patients whose rheumatologic conditions also affect their skin. I also specialize in the care of the condition hidradenitis suppurativa, which can in some cases require combined care
Why are you passionate about your position?
Since the end of medical school, I have had a passion for both internal medicine and dermatology because, combined, they allow for the care of the whole patient internally and externally. I was fortunate enough to find a medical school program that combined my two passions and now I am fortunate enough to combine them in my practice.
What do you love about the University of Minnesota Health community?
The physicians here are amazing, brilliant people who served as my mentors throughout my training both in dermatology and internal medicine. They are always open to collaboration and innovation. Being able to conduct research with physicians from different specialties has been an exciting and fun privilege. The diverse population of patients we see is a community unlike any other in the Twin Cities. I help patients with general conditions—or the most complicated, life-altering diseases. Caring for both groups is rewarding and fulfilling.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Currently a lot of my time outside work is occupied doing research. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exercising, and spending time with my dog.
