Rheumatologist Trina Pal, MD, has joined Hamilton Physician Group – Specialty Care in Dalton, GA where she treats patients with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
After studying political science and neuroscience at Lehigh University for her undergraduate degree, Pal earned a master’s degree in public health — with a focus on global health — at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and conducted research in India. She went on to St. George’s University in Grenada for medical school and completed a fellowship in rheumatology at Yale School of Medicine.
“I knew I wanted to be a physician from probably day one,” Pal said. “I’ve always wanted to help people, and I’ve volunteered since I was little. My first job was a lifeguard. I joined the EMS of our local town as soon as I could. My whole path to medicine was geared toward becoming a doctor by the end.”
After growing up in New York and New Jersey, Pal moved to Connecticut to train at Yale. Pal said she was introduced to rheumatology early in her residency by working at a hospital whose chairman of medicine had treated lupus in George Bush’s dog, Millie. Pal said she helped him write portions of a textbook, and is involved in ongoing projects to educate doctors and patients in Uganda and Rwanda about the field.
Today, rheumatology gives Pal an opportunity to develop lifelong relationships with patients who typically need long-term management of diseases.
“I think it’s important to place some focus on wellness and preventive care because a lot of our autoimmune diseases have to do with our diet, our gut health and our dental health,” she added.
Pal treats autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.
She and her husband are new parents to a baby girl, Sloane, an Irish name that means “warrior princess.” Pal enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking and walking their husky mix. One of their family goals is to visit all seven wonders of the world.
To make an appointment with Pal in the Dalton location, call 706-529-3072.