Julia Mhlaba Riley, MD

Julia Mhlaba Riley, MD

4.9 
2241 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Dermatology

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Reasons to Schedule a Visit

This medical professional may be a good choice for you if you are looking for care for any of the following:

  • Acne (adult or teenager)
  • Bacterial skin infection (cellulitis)
  • Blisters (pemphigus)
  • Bug bites
  • Cyst or abscess
  • Dark skin patches (melasma)
  • Eczema (dry, itchy or bumpy skin)
  • Genital concerns, male
  • Genital conditions, female
  • Hair follicle that is inflamed or infected (folliculitis)
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • History of melanoma
  • Inflamed cyst (swollen, red or painful cyst)
  • Itchy, peeling or red skin
  • Mole or lesion evaluation
  • Mole that is bleeding
  • Nail evaluation
  • Noncancerous skin tumor (seborrheic keratosis)
  • Psoriasis
  • Rash
  • Redness or flushing of face (rosacea)
  • Scar tissue (keloid)
  • Skin allergies or hives
  • Skin cancer concern
  • Skin color loss (vitiligo)
  • Skin complications from radiation or chemo (cancer treatments)
  • Skin dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
  • Skin exam for full body
  • Skin fungus
  • Skin immune systems conditions (sarcoidosis, granuloma, morphea, scleroderma)
  • Skin inflammation (atopic/contact dermatitis)
  • Skin tag removal
  • Sun spots (actinic keratosis)
  • Sweating excessively (hyperhidrosis)
  • Viral skin infection (molluscum)
  • Warts
  • White bumps on skin (milia)

Education

Medical Education:
MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine - 2016
Internship:
University of Chicago (Endeavor Health - NorthShore Hospitals) - 2017
Residency:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2020

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Dermatology - Dermatology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

2241 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

Sort By Newest
100 Most Recent Reviews

April 28, 2025

5.0

Dr Riley makes me feel heard.

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April 28, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley was on time and efficient with my appointment. She also wished me an early birthday which was so nice! Answered all of my questions thoroughly.

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April 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is a great doctor - I have anxiety going to doctor's visits but I felt at ease during the procedure and very comfortable with Dr. Riley and staff.

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April 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley was personable, friendly, and made me feel comfortable when describing my symptoms to her. I felt very heard and seen during my visit and she kindly helped me rule out any concerns as to what was going on with my skin. She even went as far as prescribing a lotion for back acne that was a result of the scabies topical medication I was using so I would feel comfortable for summertime. 10/10.

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April 25, 2025

5.0

I adore Dr. Riley! She is so kind and thorough and seems to care. She takes her time and does not make you feel rushed but instead she always makes me feel like I have been heard and seen and am not just the next patient!

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April 24, 2025

5.0

Excellent doctor, very knowledgeable, listens to your concern, does not rush you. On top she is very nice. Highly recommend her.

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April 24, 2025

5.0

She's approachable, smart, answers your questions and has a light and friendly manner.

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April 21, 2025

5.0

Because Dr. Mhlaba Riley is kind and caring to both patients and staff, as well as being knowledgeable and skilled in performing procedures.

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April 18, 2025

5.0

Good doctor and staff.

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April 18, 2025

5.0

Dr.Riley is amazing! I have been dealing with HS for years and this is the first doctor that has made me feel comfortable and actually listened to my concerns. She gave me options and didn't just dismiss me.

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April 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is caring and takes her time with her patients. Dr. Riley does not rush and takes her time to throughly explain things.

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April 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley competently assessed my skin problem, explained the issues, prescribed medications, and encouraged me to keep her informed on progress. I would not hesitate to seek her care again.

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April 15, 2025

5.0

Professional

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April 14, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley was very thorough and listened to all of my concerns. She allowed for all the time I needed

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April 10, 2025

5.0

She is a carful and through physician

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April 09, 2025

5.0

She's knowledgeable and kind

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April 07, 2025

5.0

She is really professional, competent, and thorough.

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April 01, 2025

5.0

Dr. Julia Riley was kind & knowledgeable of my symptoms and concerns and treated me on the spot. In addition, analyzed my face rash & redness, prescribed medication and redness went away 3 days later.

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March 28, 2025

5.0

Very kind and takes the time to listen

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March 24, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is a great physician. Professional and personable

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March 23, 2025

5.0

Professionalism, efficiency and empathy round out the total picture for Dr. Riley.

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March 21, 2025

5.0

Amazing doctor! Understands and talks through all of my concerns to build a nice patient-doctor relationship.

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March 19, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is excellent at her job. She is very caring is very thorough. She reviews everything with you and does not rush through your appointment. I always get all of my questions answered and have all of my concerns resolved before I leave her office. Her treatment plan has options and she takes the time to discuss them with you. I am extremely happy with Dr. Riley. It was also important for me to have a woman so I feel comfortable about showing my body.

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March 19, 2025

5.0

She's smart and engaged. She considers what you want and makes suggestions for treatment that work and are financially smart.

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March 16, 2025

5.0

Very competent and caring.

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March 12, 2025

5.0

Very thorough and addressed all questions and concerns.

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March 12, 2025

5.0

She's always so attentive and thorough. I love how she always listens and educates.

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March 10, 2025

5.0

Second verse, same as the first.

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March 06, 2025

5.0

Great clinician, makes you feel at ease.

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March 04, 2025

5.0

She is patient, knowledgeable, gentle, and has a great sense of humor.

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March 04, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is kind, explains things and I feel supported

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March 03, 2025

5.0

I like her, good care

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March 03, 2025

5.0

She is engage, knowledgeable and professional.

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March 03, 2025

5.0

intelligent, efficient, thorough and kind

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March 03, 2025

5.0

Very friendly and explains everything

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February 28, 2025

5.0

Very personal and non-judgmental.

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February 28, 2025

5.0

She is pretty much an ideal doctor. Friendly, knowledgable, kind, efficient, smart, caring, you name it. I wish all doctors were more like her.

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February 28, 2025

5.0

Great bedside manner and a great listener

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February 27, 2025

5.0

Very thorough head to toe skin exam- the most thorough I've received

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February 26, 2025

5.0

She showed care, intelligence and compassion for my condition.

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February 26, 2025

5.0

Competent, explanations are detailed

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February 24, 2025

5.0

KNOWS HER STUFF. KIND.

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February 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley was knowledgeable, sincere and compassionate.

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February 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is quick, efficient, and a great communicator

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February 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Mhlaba Riley is thorough. I have a lot of moles and she takes her time without causing false alarm. I appreciate her straightforward and informative style.

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February 18, 2025

5.0

This was my first time meeting Dr. Riley and I must say that she is incredibly kind, a great listener and amazing at her job! You can tell that she was made to be a physician. She appeared to love the work that she does and it really shined through from the attentive care that I received from her. She's a true gem. I plan to come back to her for all of my derm needs. She's a keeper!

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February 17, 2025

5.0

In addition to their professional skills, Dr. Julia Riley and her assistant Dr are respectful, empathetic, and patient. They answered my inquiries and focused on the problem. It's these quality doctors who make Northwestern a top hospital.

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February 17, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable

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February 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is very thorough and attentive

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February 14, 2025

5.0

De. Riley is reassuring, explains things well, and makes helpful recommendations about skin care.

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February 13, 2025

5.0

She listens! She's friendly, understanding, thoughtful, and very ,, understanding

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February 08, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable, listens to thoughts and concerns, really feels like she is working WITH me.

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February 07, 2025

5.0

Great doctors, very personable and very thorough.

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February 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is friendly, knowledgeable and thorough.

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February 06, 2025

5.0

Very professional

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January 31, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley is knowledgeable and takes time to answer any questions, she also has a great personality.

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January 27, 2025

5.0

Quick, knowledgable, helpful and kind.

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January 23, 2025

5.0

Same as above. My visual body scan was thorough and suggestions for at-home treatments were also suggested.

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January 23, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable and great communicator

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January 22, 2025

5.0

Professional and pleasant demeanor

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January 20, 2025

5.0

Very Friendly and competent.

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January 18, 2025

5.0

I appreciate her professionalism.

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January 17, 2025

5.0

I've been a patient of Dr. Riley for a few years. She's highly knowledgeable and professional and also has the best bed side manner.

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January 16, 2025

5.0

Dr Riley is very knowledgeable and caring... I really liked her....

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January 16, 2025

4.0

She is very personable and informative.

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January 14, 2025

5.0

Her bed side manners are wonderful. She is friendly and empathetic.

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January 13, 2025

5.0

Dr. Riley always treats every patient as a person - she has wonderful bedside manner which is number one in my book! Beyond that, she is extremely punctual - minimal wait time and i never felt rushed at all. She is one of the best doctors and experiences i've had at NM to date.

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January 13, 2025

5.0

Excellent care and bed side manner!

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January 13, 2025

5.0

Great experience

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January 10, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgable and personable.

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January 09, 2025

5.0

Kind thoughtful thorough!!

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January 09, 2025

5.0

Great care - (with a wonderful assistant) - warm but totally efficient - thank you!

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January 06, 2025

5.0

Professionalism

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December 12, 2024

5.0

She is a terrific doctor - always clear about instructions and advice.

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December 10, 2024

5.0

Dr Riley listened to my concerns and thoroughly explained my situation.

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December 09, 2024

5.0

Dr. Riley was the first dermatologist to arrange for a full body examination for me. That speaks volumes to her eye for detail. She arranged for a full gurney and patient lift so that I could be lifted out of my wheelchair and into the exam gurney. This allowed her to fully evaluate my whole body. Something that no other Dermatologist has done for me. She is kind and compassionate as well.

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December 09, 2024

5.0

She listens. Cares and really tries to solve problems.

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December 06, 2024

5.0

Professional. Qualified. Kind.

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December 03, 2024

5.0

Three years of very successful visits.

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December 02, 2024

5.0

Very thorough, efficient, friendly, and explains everything.

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December 02, 2024

5.0

She is thorough, kind, knowledgeable, and responsive to my concerns.

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November 27, 2024

5.0

Answers all of my questions .

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November 22, 2024

5.0

I had had 3 different dermatologists in 4 years. I felt Julia was the best combination of personal interaction and professional treatment.

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November 13, 2024

5.0

Dr. Riley was very kind, listened to all of my concerns, and I never felt rushed during my appointment or hesitant to ask questions. She set up a treatment plan, gave me verbal instructions, then her nurse went over the instructions again, and i received a printed copy with the step by step instructions and suggested products. I showed her products I've been using and she let me know which were good and which to avoid, including brands/ingredients. I sincerely appreciate the kindness and care i received and I look forward to working with Dr Riley as my dermatologist! :)

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November 11, 2024

5.0

Dr. Julia Riley is extremely knowledgeable about hydradenitis, flexible in her thinking about treatment options, willing to work with another specialist re: medication that can impact both conditions, and empathetic.

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November 11, 2024

5.0

She is caring and I can't thank her enough for the 2 cancer episodes I had before my hubby's that she got me through.

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November 09, 2024

5.0

explained, asked questions

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November 08, 2024

5.0

Dr. Riley was extremely helpful and was very open to listening to my concerns and the issues I was experiencing. She was able to provide comfort and ensure I understood next steps and what I should currently do for my care.

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November 07, 2024

5.0

Dr. Riley is such a knowledgeable and kind person!

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November 05, 2024

4.0

Dr. Riley has been personable and kind during my appointments, but it is variable if she is who I communicate with most. She is likely accompanied by a medical resident and a scribe.

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October 14, 2024

5.0

Dr Riley is great. She's knowledgeable and she has a great demeanor.

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October 14, 2024

5.0

Aside from that, she is leaving NW; I like that she takes time, asks questions, and is nice.

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October 14, 2024

5.0

The same as above. Her professionalism, her caring and being thorough and always has a treatment plan.

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October 11, 2024

5.0

Love Dr. Riley. She listens and is attentive but also efficient. I never seem to have to wait long and I know I'm the only person she's focused on when we are interacting in the room

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October 04, 2024

5.0

Excellent care!

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October 03, 2024

5.0

Grateful she handles my vulva rash and eruption. Thank you Dr. Riley.

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September 30, 2024

5.0

Dr Riley is absolutely wonderful, responsive, skilled and knowledgeable. I also like the fact that she includes students in her clinical work - great for them and an advantage for the patient.

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September 27, 2024

5.0

Very caring and informative

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September 27, 2024

5.0

She is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and thorough.

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September 26, 2024

5.0

Very thorough. Kind and considerate.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Ownership or Investment Interest

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have an ownership or investment interest in the following companies

  • Tempus Labs

Consulting

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA)
  • Body of Work

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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HealthBeat

Mature woman with dark, curly hair, brown eyes and freckles wearing a tank top in a yoga studio with wood floors and tall windows in the background.

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Get Better podcast art with logo and illustration of hosts, doctors Michelle Prickett, Khalilah Gates, Susan Russell

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