RhAPP National Conference

Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in the Rheumatology department. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). Her current research interest is in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) in inflammatory arthritis and she holds certification in MSK US through the American College of Rheumatology.

As a Physician Assistant at Fayette Area Dermatology, I provide high-quality care and treatment for patients with various skin conditions and diseases. I also educate and mentor other medical professionals on best practices and latest developments in dermatology. With a Doctor of Medical Science from University of Lynchburg and a Master of Medical Science from Emory University School of Medicine, I have over 30 years as a PA and over 20 years of experience in the field of dermatology . I am also the President of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), where I lead and represent a diverse and dynamic community of over 4,700 dermatology PAs across the country. My mission is to advance the profession and practice of dermatology PAs through advocacy, education, research, and service. I am passionate about improving the health and well-being of patients and communities through evidence-based and compassionate care.

Highly motivated registered nurse with 8+ years of health care experience, adept at delivering ethical & compassionate care to all patients. Willingness and ability to learn new skills quickly and efficiently has provided a wide array of experience in both clinical, technical, and leadership roles. Experienced in caring for variety of patients suffering from rheumatology, cardiac, sepsis, renal, GI, postoperative, alcohol withdrawal, and pulmonary disease states. Involved in personal and professional growth opportunities, including functioning as a faculty presenter at the annual National Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers conference in 2021 & 2022, offering a workshop on Ultrasound Pathology in Rheumatology. Invested in promoting local and international health equity through volunteering for People of Peru Project in Iquitos, Peru in 2018, as well as Love Heals Free Medical Clinic in Boise, Idaho in 2022.

Pediatric rheumatology nurse practitioner fueled by previous experience as a juvenile psoriatic arthritis patient to serve the pediatric rheumatology community. Dedicated to research, making patient and colleague connections, pursuing ideals of lifelong learning, fostering clinical excellence and exemplifying a shining attitude each day. Career goals include becoming a healthcare professional leader in the pediatric rheumatology community and finding new ways each day to improve both the field of pediatric rheumatology and individual patient experiences. Current projects include creating educational handouts for both patients and primary care providers, especially those with non-rheumatic diagnoses which tend to confound differentials as a cause for chronic pain, including benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) and amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS).