Daniel P Sulmasy, MD| Internal Medicine | MedStar Health
About me
Dr. Sulmasy is a general internist and philosopher. He serves as Director of the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University. His academic profile can be accessed at: Daniel Sulmasy » The Kennedy Institute of Ethics (georgetown.edu)
As a U.S. Civil Surgeon, he performs immigration exams.
Clinical areas of focus
- Abdominal Pain
- Allergies
- Cough
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Physical Exams
- Rash
- Sinusitis
- Sore Throat
- Urinary Tract Infection
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Abdominal Cramps
- Abdominal Distention
- Abdominal Pain
- Abnormal Bowel Movement
- Abnormal Stool
- Abrasion
- Acute Arthritis
- Acute Back Pain
- Acute Bronchitis
- Aging
- Alcohol Dependency
- Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Allergic Reaction
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Allergic Rhinitis To Pollen
- Allergic Rhinosinusitis
- Allergic Wheezing
- Allergies
- Altered Bowel Habits
- Altitude Sickness
- Anal Itching
- Anal Pain
- Anemia
- Angioedema
- Angular Cheilitis
- Animal Bite
- Ankle Pain
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Strain
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Aphthous Ulcers
- Arm Pain
- Arm Sprain
- Arm Strain
- Arm Weakness
- Arthralgia
- Asthma
- Asthma Flares
- Asthmatic Bronchitis
- B12 Deficiency Anemia
- Back Muscle Injury
- Back Muscle Pain
- Back Pain
- Bee Sting Allergy
- Bee Stings
- Behavior Concern
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Bereavement
- Bilateral Knee Pain
- Bleeding Hemorrhoids
- Blister
- Blood In Eye
- Blood In Stool
- Blurred Vision
- Breast Lump
- Bright Red Blood Per Rectum
- Bronchitis
- Bruising
- Burns
- Calf Pain
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Cellulitis
- Chest Pain
- Chlamydia
- Choking Sensation
- Cholesterol Disorders
- Chronic Abdominal Pain
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Chronic Cough
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Chronic Fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Chronic Migraines
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Sinus Infection
- Claudication
- Cognitive Impairment
- Cold Intolerance
- Cold Sore
- Common Cold
- Confusion
- Conjunctivitis
- Constant Nausea
- Constipation
- Contact Dermatitis
- Cough
- Cystitis
- Cystodynia
- Dandruff
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Decrease In Appetite
- Decreased Libido
- Decreased Pulses
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Dehydration
- Dementia
- Depressed Mood
- Depression
- Dermatophytosis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diarrhea
- Disorder Of Balance
- Distractible
- Disturbance Of Attention
- Diverticulitis
- Dizziness
- Drug Reaction
- Dry Nose
- Dry Scalp
- Dry Sinus
- Dyshidrosis
- Dyspepsia
- Dysphagia
- Dysphoria
- Dyspnea On Exertion
- Dysthymia
- Dysuria
- Ear Discharge
- Ear Drainage
- Ear Fullness
- Ear Infections
- Ear Pressure
- Earache
- Eczema
- Elbow Pain
- Elbow Sprain
- Elbow Strain
- Elevated LDL Cholesterol
- Emphysema
- Enlarged Prostate
- Environmental Allergies
- Epicondylitis
- Epigastric Pain
- Epistaxis
- Erectile Disorder
- Eructation
- Erysipelas
- Erythema
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
- Eye Infections
- Eye Pain
- Eye Strain
- Face Swelling
- Facial Droop
- Facial Pain
- Facial Tingling
- Falls
- Family History Of Cancer
- Family History Of Heart Disease
- Fasciculations
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fever With Chills
- Fibrocystic Breast Changes
- Fibromyalgia
- Finger Pain
- Finger Sprain
- Finger Strain
- Fingernail Injury
- First Degree Burns
- Flatulence
- Folliculitis
- Food Poisoning
- Foot Injury
- Foot Pain
- Foot Strain
- Frailty
- Frequency Of Urination
- Frequent Infections
- Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
- Gastric Ulcer
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Warts
- Geriatrics
- Gluten Sensitivity
- Gout
- Grief
- Groin Mass
- Groin Pain
- Hand Injury
- Hand Pain
- Handwriting Tremor
- Head Congestion
- Headache
- Hearing Loss
- Heart Disease
- Heart Murmur
- Heart Racing
- Heat Illness
- Heat Intolerance
- Heel Pain
- Hematuria
- Hemoptysis
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis A
- Hernia
- Herpes
- Herpes Zoster
- Herpetic Whitlow
- Hip Pain
- Hirsutism
- Hoarseness
- Hot Flashes
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperlipidemia Syndrome
- Hypertension
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Impacted Cerumen
- Impetigo
- Infectious Mononucleosis
- Influenza
- Ingrown Hair
- Ingrown Nail
- Insect Bites And Stings
- Insulin Resistance
- Intention Tremor
- Intertrigo
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Itchy Ear
- Jaundice
- Joint Pain In Ankle And Foot
- Joint Stiffness
- Joint Warmth
- Knee Injury
- Knee Pain
- Knee Sprain
- Knee Strain
- Labyrinthitis
- Lactose Intolerance
- Laryngitis
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Leg Numbness
- Leg Pain
- Leg Weakness
- Lethargy
- Lice
- Lip Droop
- Lipomas
- Lower Back Pain
- Lump In Throat
- Lyme Disease
- Lymphadenopathy
- Malaise And Fatigue
- Mania
- Medial Epicondylitis
- Memory Disorders
- Menopause
- Migraine
- Missed Periods
- Mood Disorders
- Motion Sickness
- Mouth Bleeding
- Mouth Pain
- Mouth Ulcer
- Multiple Chronic Illnesses
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Strain
- Muscle Weakness
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Myalgia
- Nail Injury
- Nasal Congestion
- Nasal Obstruction
- Nausea
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Neck Muscle Injury
- Neck Pain
- Neck Sprain
- Night Sweats
- Nightmares
- Nipple Discharge
- Noisy Breathing
- Norovirus
- Nose Pain
- Numbness
- Obesity
- Odynophagia
- Optic Migraines
- Oral Candidiasis
- Orthopnea
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Otalgia
- Otitis Externa
- Otitis Media
- Overweight
- Palpitations
- Panic Attack
- Paresthesia
- Paronychia
- Patellofemoral Syndrome
- Pelvic Pain
- Penile Bleeding
- Penile Discharge
- Performance Anxiety
- Pernicious Anemia
- Persistent Asthma
- Persistent Cough
- Pharyngitis
- Plant Dermatitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Pleurisy
- Pleuritic Pain
- Pneumonia
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Polypharmacy
- Positional Vertigo
- Post Nasal Drip
- Prediabetes
- Problems With Smell And Taste
- Pruritus
- Pulmonary Infections
- Pyelonephritis
- Rash
- Rectal Bleeding
- Rectal Pain
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Rhinitis
- Ringworm Of Body
- Ringworm Of Groin
- Ringworm Of Head
- Rosacea
- Salivary Gland Swelling
- Scab
- Scabies
- Scaly Skin
- Sciatica
- Scratchy Voice
- Scrotal Pain
- Seasonal Allergies
- Sensitive Skin
- Severe Asthma
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
- Shakiness
- Shortness Of Breath (SOB)
- Shoulder Pain
- Shoulder Sprain
- Shoulder Strain
- Sinus Pain
- Sinus Pressure
- Sinusitis
- Skin Abscess
- Skin Irritations
- Sleep Disorders
- Slowing Of Urinary Stream
- Smoker Cough
- Snoring
- Sore Throat
- Spider Bite
- Spine Injury
- Sputum Production
- Stomach Cramps
- Stomach Pain
- Stool Changes
- Straining On Urination
- Strep Throat
- Stress Incontinence
- Stye
- Submandibular Swelling
- Subungual Hematoma
- Sunburn
- Swallowing Problem
- Swooshing Sound In Ears
- Syncope
- Tachycardia
- Tension Headache
- Testicular Pain
- Throat Tightness
- Thumb Sprain
- Thumb Strain
- Thyroid Disorder
- Tick Borne Infections
- Tinea Corporis
- Tinea Pedis
- Tingling
- Tinnitus
- Toenail Injury
- Tongue Pain
- Tongue Swelling
- Tracheobronchitis
- Traveler's Diarrhea
- Tremor
- Twisted Ankle
- Twitching
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Unexpected Weight Loss
- Unsteady Gait
- Upper Back Pain
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Urethral Discharge
- Urge Incontinence
- Urinary Hesitation
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Retention
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Urinary Urgency
- Urticaria
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Vaginal Discharge
- Varicella
- Varicella Virus
- Vasovagal Syncope
- Vertigo
- Viral Conjunctivitis
- Viral Infections
- Visual Discomfort
- Visual Disturbance
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Voice Problems
- Vomiting
- Warts
- Wasp Stings
- Weakness
- Weight Loss
- Weight Problem
- Wheezing
- Wrist Pain
- Wrist Sprain
- Xerosis
Procedures I perform
- Administrative Physicals
- Blood Pressure Screening
- Blood Test
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Breast Examination
- Cancer Prevention
- Cancer Screening
- Chemistry Blood Panel
- Cholesterol Management
- Chronic Disease Management
- College Health
- Depression And Anxiety Assessments
- Diabetes Counseling
- Diabetes Management
- Diabetes Screening
- Diabetes Therapy
- Diet And Exercise
- Diet And Nutrition
- Disability Evaluation
- Ear Exam
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Flu Shot Vaccination
- Global Health
- Health Maintenance
- Health Screening
- Hepatitis A Vaccination
- Hepatitis B Vaccination
- HIV Testing
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination
- Lab Services
- Lifestyle Modification
- Measles Vaccination
- Medication Refills
- Medication Renewal
- Meningitis Vaccination
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Mens Health
- Migraine Treatment
- MMR Vaccine
- Nutrition And Health
- Nutritional Counseling
- Office Gynecology
- Pap Smear
- Physical Exams
- Pneumonia Vaccination
- Pregnancy Blood Test
- Premarital Exam
- Preoperative Evaluation
- Preventive Medicine
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Prostate Examination
- Prostate Specific Antigen Blood Test
- Rapid Strep Test
- Sports Physical Exam
- Suture Removal
- Tetanus And Diphtheria Vaccine
- Tetanus Diphtheria And Pertussis Vaccine
- Tobacco Use Cessation
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test
- Vaccinations
- Varicella Vaccination
- Welcome To Medicare Exam
- Wellness
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.
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List of insurance plans we accept
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select (aka Senior Advantage)
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans/ UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans HMO, POS, PPO
- Blue Choice Advantage & Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- United Healthcare Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO, GEHA, Compass Rose)
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv/Special Needs Plans
- UHC Community Plan of MD
- Private Health Care Systems (PHCS) (PPO)
- Medicare Fee for Service
- Kaiser Virginia Premier
- Kaiser PermanenteSelect-Added Choice
- Kaiser Permanente Signature-Added Choice
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus (Medicare Supplemental Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS
- Kaiser MD Medicaid MCO
- CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)
- CFBCBS EPO
- Aetna Innovations: HMO & EPO Plus
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- Aetna HMO
- Open POS II
- Innovation Health: Open POS Plus
- Choice POS & Choice POS II
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- Open EPO Plus
- Opoen HMO Option
- Open HMO
- Innovation Health: POS
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- Innovation Health: POS Plus
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- Innovation Health: PPO
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- Innovation Health: Indemnity
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- BlueChoice Open Access
- CFBCBS Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- HealthyBlue PPO
- CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO
- Choice Fund PPO
- PPO and PPO Plus
- CIGNA EPO
- POS OA & OA Plus
- Network OA
- CIGNA HMO Open Access (OA)
- United Healthcare Choice
- First Health PPO
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan)
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity
- Tricare for Life (Medicare Supplemental Plan)
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- United Student Resources
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- Tricare Prime
- CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund) Innovation Health: Network Only Plus
- CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)
- CIGNA Indemnity
- FIRST HEALTH
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- CFBCBS Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- CFBCBS BlueChoice HMO
Education
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
Fellowship Program: Johns Hopkins Hospital (1991)
Residency Program: Johns Hopkins Hospital (1987)
Internship Program: Johns Hopkins Hospital (1983)
Medical School: Cornell University Medical College (1982)
Hospital affiliations
News and publications
Books
Selected Articles (out of more than 200):
- Sulmasy DP. The Healer’s Calling: A Spirituality for Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.
Translated into Korean by Kim In-Gyu, published as Doctors, Nurses, and God: A Spirituality for Physicians and Health Care Professionals, Catholic Publishing House, Seoul, South Korea, 2010.
Chapter 2 reprinted as “The Healer’s Calling,” Human Development Fall 2020; 41(1): 62-75. - Sugarman J, Sulmasy DP, eds. Methods in Medical Ethics. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2001, 2nd ed. 2010.
- Sulmasy DP. The Rebirth of the Clinic: An Introduction to Spirituality in Health Care. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2006.
- Sulmasy DP. A Balm for Gilead: Meditations on Spirituality and the Healing Arts. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2006.
- Lazenby M, McCorkle R, Sulmasy DP, eds. Safe Passage: A Global Spiritual Sourcebook for Care at the End of Life. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.
- Schatzlein J, Sulmasy DP. Francis the Leper: Faith, Medicine, Theology, and Science. Phoenix, AZ: Tau Publishing, 2014.
- Rubenfeld S, Sulmasy DP, eds. Physician Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Before, During, and After the Holocaust. Lantham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2020.
Selected Articles (out of more than 200):
- Sulmasy DP, Geller G, Levine DM, Faden R. The quality of mercy: caring for patients with do not resuscitate orders. JAMA 1992;267:682-686.
- Sulmasy DP. Physicians, cost-control, and ethics. Ann Intern Med 1992;116:920-926. (Also reprinted in Three Realms of Managed Care, JW Glaser and RP Hamel, eds., Sheed and Ward, 1997; translated into Italian and published as: Sulmasy DP. Medici, controllo dei costi ed etica. Medic 1993;1:137-144).
- Sulmasy DP, Terry PB, Weisman CS, Miller DJ, Stallings RY, Vettese MA, Haller KB. The accuracy of substituted judgments in patients with terminal diagnoses. Ann Intern Med 1998;128:621-629.
- Sulmasy DP. A biopsychosocial-spiritual model for the care of patients at the end of life. The Gerontologist 2002;42 (Suppl 3): 24-33.
- Sulmasy DP. Spiritual issues in the care of dying patients: “…it’s okay between me and God.” JAMA 2006;296:1385-1392.
- Sulmasy DP, Snyder L. Substituted interests and best judgments: an integrated model of surrogate decision-making. JAMA 2010;304:1946-7.
- Sulmasy DP. The last low whispers of our dead: when is it ethically justifiable to render a patient unconscious until death? Theor Med Bioeth 2018; 39:233-263.
- Sulmasy DP. Why dementia-specific advance directives are a misguided idea. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020;38:1603-5. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16493
- Sulmasy DP. We need more wisdom, not more paper: a reply to Merel and Gaster. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020;38:1609-10. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16494