Trailblazing Inclusivity in Rheumatology: Spotlight on Dr. Naureen Kabani

By Office of the President | Jan 9, 2024

Naureen Kabani, M.D., clinical assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, embodies the essence of a physician dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for equitable treatment for all individuals.

Dr. Kabani’s dedication to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for equitable treatment for all individuals speaks to her enduring commitment to improving and revolutionizing patient care as a constant driving force throughout her medical career and shaping the trajectory toward achieving healthcare equity.

Dr. Kabani’s clinical proficiency in academic rheumatology is instrumental in driving initiatives to close healthcare delivery gaps and extend healthcare access to every corner of the community. Her professional journey began after graduating from St. George’s University School of Medicine in 2013. Since joining Downstate in 2019, she has served as an Internal Medicine resident, Internal Medicine Chief Resident, and a Chief Fellow in Rheumatology, leaving a lasting impression.

Dr. Kabani’s role as the sole full-time rheumatologist in the Rheumatology Division underscores her impact academically and clinically. In this role, she mentors and educates a diverse group of medical professionals, including fellows, residents, and medical students, sharing her knowledge and development with the next generation of healthcare leaders. Dr. Kabani’s involvement in pioneering research and leadership in initiatives committed to advancing equitable healthcare solidifies her as a visionary and dedicated advocate for health equity.

Dr. Kabani also serves as director of the Downstate Arthritis Clinic, where her expansive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Her proficiency encompasses skilled management of conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, myositis, scleroderma, osteoarthritis, and gout, highlighted her comprehensive understanding of rheumatological care.

Beyond her clinical contributions, Dr. Kabani also serves as associate program director for the Rheumatology Fellowship, offering mentorship and guidance to a cohort of six fellows and assisting residents in their pursuits of elective rotations to enrich their educational experience and training. Dr. Kabani also oversees fellows and residents in the outpatient rheumatology continuity clinic during in-patient consults and manages the comprehensive Rheumatology Block curriculum tailored for first-year medical students.

Dr. Kabani’s focus on health equity and groundbreaking research participation is further demonstrated by her active involvement in Downstate’s NIH-funded Clinical Research Scholars Training program, known as CREST, which facilitates her pursuit of a Master of Public Health (MPH) and empowers her engagement in transformative health equity research in collaboration with the School of Public Health. Her contributions amplify the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable healthcare landscape that benefits all individuals.

Additionally, Dr. Kabani’s dedication to advancing equitable healthcare is showcased through her leadership in Downstate’s innovative Patient Navigator Program. Initially funded by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, this program provides navigation services to lupus patients, emphasizing individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Expanding its reach with support from Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the program now addresses the unique challenges faced by people of color dealing with psoriatic disease. These initiatives tackle critical issues such as timely diagnosis, improved treatment accessibility, and addressing knowledge gaps among healthcare providers regarding the presentation of psoriatic arthritis in individuals with darker skin tones.

With a pioneering approach, the program engages second- to fourth-year medical students as patient navigators, providing a distinctive opportunity to navigate the intricacies of the healthcare system while building enduring relationships with high-risk patients. Dr. Kabani underscores the immense value of this hands-on training, emphasizing the paramount importance of patient-centric care throughout these initiatives.

To learn more about Downstate’s Patient Navigator programs, please see the Student Doctor Network video, No Patient Left Behind: Advocating for People of Color, with MS4 student Grace Shadid and Dr. Kabani.