USA Health expands with the addition of rheumatologist Sonia Savani, M.D.
Drawn to science at an early age, Sonia Savani, M.D., said she chose rheumatology because of the opportunity it presented to help people with chronic conditions.
University of South Alabama graduate Sonia Savani, M.D., has returned to Mobile as a rheumatologist for USA Health to help a community that played a pivotal role in her academic journey.
Savani was drawn to science at an early age, and the opportunity to help those who struggle with chronic conditions eventually led her to rheumatology.
“I have a deep desire to try to make things better for the people around me,” she said. “Many of the diseases we take care of as rheumatologists are chronic illnesses that can be absolutely debilitating and chip away at people's lives. I wanted a lifetime of being able to do something for others that could provide them the opportunity to live a healthier and more complete life.”
Rheumatology focuses on the treatment of rheumatic diseases, which affect the body’s muscles, bones and organs. Arthritis is the commonly used umbrella term for many rheumatic diseases, which also include lupus and gout. These conditions can cause periods of intense pain that can impact a person’s quality of life deeply. The goal of a rheumatologist is to alleviate the intensity of these diseases and slow their progression.
Savani hopes to build a diverse outpatient practice for patients of all ages, though she currently is accepting only adult patients. She also is eager to participate in the academic side of the health system by teaching medical students and encouraging them to pursue rheumatology.
Savani moved to the United States from Pakistan when she was 3. She has lived in Asheville, N.C.; Ocean Springs, Miss.; and Mobile. Savani earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from USA in 2009 and a medical degree from the USA College of Medicine in 2013.
Meeting the healthcare team at USA Health’s Mobile Diagnostic Center was a huge factor in her decision to return. “I was blown away by the kindness and supportiveness of the group, and that just sealed the deal,” she said. “In just a few short weeks here, it already feels like home again.”
Savani completed a fellowship in adult and pediatric rheumatology, and a master’s degree in clinical research from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2021, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics in 2017. She is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Savani is accepting referrals and new patients at the USA Health Mobile Diagnostic Center at the Commons. Call 251-660-5787 to schedule an appointment.
