TOP DOCTORS 2024: Rheumatology Q&A

Dr. Adegbenga A. Bankole, division chief of rheumatology, Carilion Clinic; rheumatology fellowship program director, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke

Education: Medical degree, University of Ibadan in Nigeria; internal medicine and rheumatology residency, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Family: Wife and two children

Career mentors: I would not be here without Dr. Ellen M. Ginzler, whom I trained under.

Hobbies: I am a huge movie fan and live and breathe Harry Potter!

Fan of: I support Arsenal Football Club. This fantastic soccer team is my childhood team, with a home stadium within walking distance from my childhood home.

What progress is being made in treating autoimmune diseases, and how accessible are these treatments to Virginia patients? We have made great strides in both diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. Due to recent rapid growth in medical science, there has been an acceleration in rheumatology knowledge and treatment. We have many more advanced therapies, and they’re available close to home for patients.

How do you feel about telehealth, and what’s one thing you’d advise remote video patients? I love telehealth and use it frequently. We all had concerns about telehealth before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have seen that practice does really make perfect. In our environment, I find telemedicine especially helpful as a tool to reduce travel time for patients known to the practice — with a clear diagnosis and on medications that are effective — who require routine follow-up.

I would urge caution in situations where a diagnosis is not known, and in new patients. There is no substitute for face-to-face communication and physical examination to establish rapport with new patients, especially as many times difficult topics may need to be discussed. In new patients, telehealth can be helpful in establishing what tests may be needed before an in-person appointment.

Click here to read the rest of 2024 Top Doctors.

Read the 2024 Rheumatology Top Doctors list.