Dr. Natalie Azar

Dr. Natalie Azar is an American rheumatologist and Emmy-nominated medical journalist whose career spans clinical medicine and broadcast news. Azar serves as a clinical associate professor of rheumatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, specializing in arthritis and autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, myositis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychobiology from Wellesley College and a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College. Azar completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at the Hospital for Joint Disease, NYU Langone Medical Center.

Azar is a medical contributor for NBC News and its affiliated networks, regularly appearing on the program "Today." She covers health-related and breaking medical news for "Today" and MSNBC, and produces written and video content for their websites, as well as appearing on NBC Nightly News. Azar is recognized for translating complex medical topics into accessible language for a broad audience. She has been featured at Women's Health Conversations events and on "Sunday Today with Willie Geist" and "The Beat with Ari Melber."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Azar reported on the outbreak in the United States and received the vaccine live on-air. Her broadcast work earned her an Emmy nomination and inclusion in Crain's annual People to Watch list of medical journalists.

In addition to her media work, Azar is involved in academic medicine and patient care. She is a member of the NYU School of Medicine admissions committee and serves as a faculty instructor in the Practice of Medicine course. Azar collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, acupuncturists, orthopedic surgeons, and other subspecialists, to provide comprehensive rheumatologic care. Her career emphasizes proactive healthcare engagement and patient education, focusing on the importance of physician-patient collaboration. Azar's expertise in rheumatology, public health, and medical communication positions her as a prominent voice at the intersection of medicine and wellness.