MEET OUR PROVIDERS
At Bellingham Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, we understand the challenges and complexity of rheumatic diseases. Our providers and staff are dedicated to providing the highest standard of rheumatologic care and education, tailored to the individual needs, circumstances and desires of each patient.
There are more than 100 types of diseases covered by Rheumatology. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, back pain, osteoporosis, bursitis and tendonitis. Some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
That is why our providers spend a substantial amount of time during office visits. They follow up directly after appointments as necessary, and provide your primary care providers with regular and timely updates to assist in a better overall healthcare experience for you.
Your health and well-being is important to us and our goal is to help you get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy.
Naomi Sullivan, MD
Dr. Sullivan is certified in rheumatology through the American Board of Internal Medicine. She attended Princeton University on an Army ROTC scholarship and Mount Sinai School of Medicine through the Humanities and Medicine program. She completed her residency at Madigan Army Medical Center and her fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Sullivan is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, a member of American Women in Rheumatology and a fellow in the American College of Physicians. She regularly participates in NW Rheumatology meetings and education programs.
Dr. Sullivan, mother of two college students and one high school student, leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys spending her free time with her family to include her husband Stephen and labradoodle, Winnie, and can often be found hiking on the North Chuckanut or Lake Padden trails. A lifelong runner, Dr. Sullivan enjoys participating in races with worthy causes such as The Pancreatic Cancer Purple Stride and The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. Most recently, she competed with her two eldest children in the Holy Half Marathon at Notre Dame which benefited Girls on the Run.
Dr. Sullivan loves being the physician-owner of a small, independent rheumatology practice and works hard to create a welcoming, caring and professional culture. More importantly, she loves the field of rheumatology and she appreciates the opportunity to listen to, learn from and help patients so that they can lead healthy, active and productive lives.
Hilary Cohen, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C
We are thrilled to announce that Hilary Cohen, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C has joined our practice! Hilary earned her Bachelor of Science degrees, Magna Cum Laude, in public health, psychology, and nursing from the University of Washington. Subsequently she graduated from the University of Washington’s Doctor of Nursing of Practice (DNP) Program — the number one DNP program among all public institutions in the nation. She was extremely well regarded in her post-graduate program and elected class president.
She has previously worked in primary care and women’s health, most recently at a local Bellingham community clinic. However, Hilary has always had a strong interest in rheumatology and complex chronic disease management.
As a DNP, Hilary has full practice authority to evaluate and diagnose patients, order and interpret tests, and initiate and manage treatments. Additionally, Hilary has completed a several month apprenticeship with Drs. Kinsella and Sullivan and completed the American College of Rheumatology Advanced Certification Course. That said, Hilary and Dr. Sullivan will work collaboratively to ensure that all BARC