Dr. Catherine Sims MD

Dr. Catherine Sims is a rheumatologist at Duke University and health services research fellow at the Durham Veterans Affairs hospital. Her research initiatives include quantitative and qualitative pregnancy outcomes in systemic vasculitides, assessing the impact of pregnancy planning on reproductive outcomes in patients with lupus, and the utility of serum biomarkers to differentiate between preeclampsia and episodes of lupus nephritis during pregnancy. Working closely with national advocacy groups and patient representatives she has created patient centered, easily accessible information detailing the importance of birth control, intentional pregnancy, and family planning for people with vasculitis. Through novel research efforts, education of providers, and streamlined communication with patients her hope is to improve the reproductive experience for women with autoimmune diseases.