--- description: Learn from Dr. Julius Birnbaum on autoimmune disease care, patient empowerment, mental health, and managing complex chronic conditions. title: Conversations with a Triple-Certified Physician image: https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/placeholder.jpg --- [Skip to content](#content) [Donate](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/julius-birnbaum-md/?campaign=697841) - ### Resource Center - [About Autoimmunity](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/about-autoimmunity/) - [Podcast](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/podcast/) - [Blog](https://autoimmune.org/blog/) - [Webinars & Videos](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/webinars-videos/) - [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/autoimmune-summit/) - [Patient Resources](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/) - [Finding a Physician](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/finding-a-physician/) - [Diagnosis Tips](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/diagnosis-tips/) - [Quick Guide to Health Insurance](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/health-insurance-guide/) - [Question Prompt List](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/question-prompt-list/) - [Clinical Trials](https://autoimmune.org/research/clinical-trials/) - [Prescription Assistance](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/prescription-assistance/) - [Coping Tools](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/coping-tools/) - [Support Groups](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/support-groups/) - [Support Group in a Box](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/support-group-in-a-box/) - [Online Support Communities](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/online-communities/) - [Nutrition Resources](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/nutrition-resources/) - [Disability Tips](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/disability-tips/) - [Patient Apps](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/patient-apps/) - [Young Adults and Autoimmune Disease](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/young-adults/) - [Additional Resources](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/additional-resources/) - [Education](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/) - [How Research Works](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/how-research-works/) - [The Environment and Autoimmune Disease](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/environment/) - [Understanding Biologics and Biosimilars](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/understanding-biologics-and-biosimilars/) - [Conversations with a Triple-Certified Physician](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/julius-birnbaum-md/) - [Education Modules](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/modules/) - [FAQs](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/faqs/) - [Caregiver Support](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/caregiver-support/) # Conversations with a Triple-Certified Physician ![Dr Julius Birnbaum headshot](https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dr-Julius-Birnbaum-headshot-276x300.png "Dr Julius Birnbaum headshot")Julius Birnbaum, MD, MHS, is a rheumatologist with 20 years of clinical experience. He is the only physician in the United States trained in internal medicine, neurology, and rheumatology, giving him a rare and valuable perspective on treating patients with autoimmune diseases. Dr. Birnbaum is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He completed his neurology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, internal medicine residency at Jacobi Medical Center, and rheumatology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in the Division of Rheumatology and as Division Chief of Rheumatology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy Hospital. Over the past two decades, Dr. Birnbaum has cared for thousands of patients with autoimmune diseases. He is a passionate advocate, fiercely committed to improving the lives of those he treats. ## Empowering Patients: Dr. Birnbaum’s Expert Insights on Navigating Life with Autoimmune Disease In this series of conversations, Dr. Birnbaum shares insights from his years of training and experience caring for thousands of patients with autoimmune disease. With compassion and respect, he empowers patients to take an active role in their diagnosis, treatment, and management, partnering with their doctors in shared decision-making. Dr. Birnbaum discusses key topics such as: - How to feel empowered in your healthcare journey - Coping with the mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness - Managing the complexities of having multiple autoimmune diagnoses—a reality for 25% of patients Through these thoughtful conversations, Dr. Birnbaum offers guidance, support, and practical advice for navigating life with autoimmune disease. ![Managing Multiple Autoimmune Disease Dr Julius Birnbaum]() **A Conversation with Dr. Julius Birnbaum: Meet the Doctor** Dr. Julius Birnbaum talks about his journey as a physician, his new book, and how his approach to patient care can help people living with autoimmune diseases. He focuses on mental health, patient empowerment, and building strong partnerships with healthcare providers. [Watch Now](https://youtu.be/8V2_pYP58aQ) --- ![Empowerment thumbmail]() **A Conversation with Dr. Julius Birnbaum: Working as a Team with Your Healthcare Provider** Dr. Julius Birnbaum discusses patient empowerment in autoimmune healthcare. The conversation emphasizes that while autoimmune diseases are complex, patients who understand their conditions and actively participate in their care can achieve better outcomes and maintain their sense of individuality. He shares strategies for patients to take a collaborative approach in their care. [Watch Now](https://youtu.be/EXjMO98iW8A) ![project]() **A Conversation with Dr. Julius Birnbaum: Mental Health and Autoimmune Disease** Dr. Julius Birnbaum sheds light on the mental health challenges tied to autoimmune diseases, focusing on depression. He explains why these issues are often overlooked, highlights treatment options, and stresses the importance of addressing mental and physical health together. [Watch Now](https://youtu.be/8xbPc2ys_qE) ![Managing Multiple Autoimmune Disease Dr Julius Birnbaum]() **A Conversation with Dr. Julius Birnbaum: Multiple Autoimmune Diseases** Dr. Julius Birnbaum discusses the complexities of living with multiple autoimmune diseases. Dr. Birnbaum explains how overlapping conditions require a careful balance in treatment and coordination among specialists. The discussion explores practical strategies for patients to prepare for appointments, manage conflicting treatment recommendations, and maintain a whole-person approach that prioritizes both physical and emotional health. Dr. Birnbaum also highlights promising advances in personalized medicine and shared therapies. [Watch Now](https://youtu.be/Kpta-dmOKDA) ![Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases cover]() ***Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases: A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health*** In this book, Dr. Julius Birnbaum shares clear, practical advice for understanding and managing autoimmune diseases. Designed for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, it explains the basics of diagnosis, treatment, and living with these complex conditions. Dr. Birnbaum covers topics such as: - What autoimmunity is and how it affects the body - The role—and limits—of blood tests and biopsies - Treatment options, including when to use immunosuppressive therapy - Why personalized care is so important - Common myths about autoimmune diseases - Real-life stories from his patients Blending medical expertise with compassion, Dr. Birnbaum offers readers the knowledge and confidence to navigate autoimmune diseases with hope and clarity. *A portion of sales will be donated to the Autoimmune Association.* [Purchase Book](https://www.amazon.com/Living-Well-Autoimmune-Diseases-Rheumatologists/dp/1421451247/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@graph":[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/julius-birnbaum-md\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","name":"Autoimmune Association"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/","name":"Resource Center"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/","name":"Education"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/julius-birnbaum-md\/","name":"Dr. Julius Birnbaum on Autoimmune Disease Care"}}]}, {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/julius-birnbaum-md\/#medicalwebpage","name":"Conversations with a Triple-Certified Physician","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/julius-birnbaum-md\/","lastReviewed":"2026-06-30T17:33:51-04:00","dateCreated":"2025-05-13T10:48:19-04:00","inLanguage":"en-US","description":"","mainEntity":{"@type":"Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/resource-center\/education\/julius-birnbaum-md\/","headline":"Dr. Julius Birnbaum on Autoimmune Disease Care","description":"Learn from Dr. Julius Birnbaum on autoimmune disease care, patient empowerment, mental health, and managing complex chronic conditions.","keywords":"","datePublished":"2025-05-13T10:48:19-04:00","dateModified":"2026-06-30T17:33:51-04:00","author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Autoimmune Association","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/about-us\/","sameAs":[],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/70669a23ed731bc2425150828e604d97af2f2091c5569da962b68d3158801569?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Autoimmune Association","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","logo":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo-horizontal.svg"}},"reviewedBy":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Autoimmune Association","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AA-Logo-H-Color@2x.png","width":539,"height":200}}}, {"@type":"NGO","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/#ngo","name":"Autoimmune Association","description":"The Autoimmune Association serves autoimmune patients through research, advocacy for healthcare access, and collaboration across autoimmune diseases. 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