Inova Children’s Rheumatology
Full-spectrum care for childhood arthritis and rheumatic disorders
The pediatric rheumatology team at Inova Children’s provides children with childhood arthritis and other rheumatic illnesses access to comprehensive evaluation and care. From diagnosis to education, treatment, and follow-up care; our team specializes in understanding the unique symptoms that occur in children and creating tailored treatment plans for each family. We partner with families, pediatricians, schools, and other involved specialists to make sure every child with arthritis or a rheumatic disorder can function at their best.
Inova Children's Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Specialists
Medical Director
Bita Arabshahi, MD
Bita Arabshahi, MD, is a board-certified physician in Pediatric Rheumatology and Pediatrics. She recieved her medical degree from the University of Washington (1999), completed her residency in pediatrics at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, and completed her fellowship training in pediatric rheumatology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Her clinical areas of interest include juvenile arthritis, lupus, myositis, auto inflammatory disorders. She became a doctor because she enjoys building relationships with patients to help them improve their quality of life. She chose pediatric rheumatology because she loves kids and caring for
patients with rare and chronic illnesses.
She has received the Inova Fairfax Hospital Resident Teaching Award (2008-Present), as well as "Top Docs" recognition from Northern Virginia Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, and Washingtonian Magazine.
Dr. Arabshahi grew up in Seattle. In her free time she enjoys hiking, yoga, pilates, doing arts and crafts with her kids, and volunteering at the Iranian cultural educational center and her children’s school. She speaks English and Farsi.
Emily Way, MD
Emily E. Way, MD, is board certified in Pediatric Rheumatology and Pediatrics. She received her medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine (2008).
Dr. Way completed her pediatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital, and completed her fellowship training in Pediatric Rheumatology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (UPMC).
Pediatric rheumatology physicians at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital 
Conditions and Treatments
From initial diagnosis through treatments leading to remission, we offer every service needed to effectively manage the rheumatic disorders of children and adolescents.
Conditions diagnosed, managed and treated by the Inova Children's Pediatric Rheumatology include:
- Amplified pain disorders
- Autoinflammatory disorders
- Chronic pain symptoms
- Connective tissue disorders
- Juvenile dermatomyositis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
Inpatient consultative services, arthrocentesis and infusion therapies are also available at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital.
Rheumatology therapies available:
- Disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications that curb the inflammation of some types of arthritis
- Biologic therapies
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injections, or steroids injected directly into inflamed joints
- Medication administered via intravenous (IV) infusion
- Referral to physical and occupational therapy
- Opportunities to participate in research studies
Our team includes pediatric rheumatologists, nurses, and other specialists and therapists, as needed by each child. We believe that families should be able to access as many services as possible in a central location while offering follow-up care in conveniently located clinics. We focus on providing family-centered care to meet the needs of children with rheumatic illnesses in the best way possible.
