Dr. Laura Hummers stands out as a leading figure in the field of rheumatology, particularly known for her extensive work and expertise in scleroderma and related conditions. Based at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center, Dr. Hummers has dedicated her career to understanding, researching, and treating this complex disease. Her commitment and profound knowledge make her a true expert in her domain.
Dr. Hummers’ impressive academic journey began at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. This foundational education paved the way for her internal medicine training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Seeking specialized expertise, she pursued a rheumatology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Her affiliation with Johns Hopkins continued as she joined the faculty and has been a vital part of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center since 2003, sharing the role of Co-Director with Fredrick Wigley. Further enhancing her qualifications, Dr. Hummers earned her ScM degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2010 through the Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigation. Adding to her leadership roles, she also serves as the Clinical Director for the Division of Rheumatology.
Her daily work at Johns Hopkins is deeply rooted in clinical trials and investigations at the Scleroderma Center. Dr. Hummers holds a specific research interest in identifying predictors of outcomes for individuals affected by scleroderma. Her clinical practice is exclusively focused on scleroderma and related conditions, managing a significant patient base at Johns Hopkins. She is also actively involved in the management of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center’s comprehensive longitudinal database, a valuable resource for research and patient care.
Currently, Dr. Hummers is leading a prospective cohort study involving 300 scleroderma patients. This study aims to identify new vascular outcomes and discover potential biomarkers for disease development and progression. This significant research is supported by a K23 grant from NIH/NIAMS and is also part of a SCCOR grant focused on pulmonary hypertension. Beyond her own research, Dr. Hummers is committed to fostering the next generation of experts, actively mentoring faculty members and fellows within her division in their systemic sclerosis investigations. Her expertise extends to scleroderma-like conditions, including scleromyxedema, scleredema, and eosinophilic fasciitis, showcasing the breadth of her knowledge and clinical skills.
Dr. Laura Hummers’ dedication to her patients, coupled with her rigorous research and leadership roles, solidifies her position as a highly respected and influential figure in the rheumatology community and especially within the scleroderma field.
