Meet Our team

About Us

Dr. Shalene Badhan MD

Dr. Shalene Badhan, MD, is a highly accomplished Rheumatologist and Internal Medicine specialist with a unique and personal connection to autoimmune diseases. Diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Badhan not only brings a wealth of professional expertise to her practice but also a profound understanding of the challenges her patients face, having navigated them herself.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Badhan then pursued her medical degree at St. Matthews University in the Cayman Islands, culminating in a residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Eager to specialize further, she underwent a fellowship in Rheumatology at Ohio State University, where her commitment to understanding and treating autoimmune diseases flourished.

Dr. Badhan is at the forefront of her field, employing advanced techniques such as musculoskeletal ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided joint injections in her practice. Her expertise extends to a diverse range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, myositis, spondyloarthritis, Interstitial lung disease, osteoporosis, and gout, among others.

What sets Dr. Badhan apart is not just her medical proficiency but also her personal journey. Through her own experience as a patient, she has developed a profound empathy for the physical and emotional toll of autoimmune diseases, allowing her to connect with her patients on a deeper level. This unique perspective enhances her ability to tailor treatments to the individual needs of those under her care.

A dedicated member of the medical community, Dr. Badhan holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American College of Rheumatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Women in Rheumatology, and the American College of Physicians. These affiliations underscore her commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in her field.

Outside the realm of medicine, Dr. Badhan is a connoisseur of different cuisines and an enthusiastic cook, describing herself as a true food fanatic. Her love for gardening provides a therapeutic balance to her demanding profession, and she cherishes time spent outdoors with family and friends. Dr. Badhan's adventurous spirit extends to her love for travel, allowing her to gain a broader perspective that enriches both her personal and professional life.

Dr. Shalene Badhan's story is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to providing comprehensive care to individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases. Her dual role as both a skilled practitioner and a patient advocate makes her a beacon of understanding and support in the field of Rheumatology.

View Our Testimonials

Our Team

Veronica Cuellar

Medical Assistant to Shalene Badhan, MD

A key member of our dedicated staff is Veronica Cuellar, Medical Assistant to Dr. Shalene Badhan MD, the founder of our clinic. Veronica brings a rich blend of clinical expertise, compassionate care, and a warm personality to our team, making a significant difference in the lives of our patients each day.

With over 6 years of comprehensive experience in the medical field, Veronica has established herself as a highly skilled Medical Assistant. Her journey in healthcare began at the Austin Medical Assistant School, where she completed her certification, demonstrating a strong foundation in administrative and clinical skills. Veronica's career has flourished through roles that have seen her manage a broad spectrum of responsibilities—from front-office administration to direct patient care—across various medical settings.

Amy Welch

Infusion Nurse

At FirstChoice Rheumatology, our commitment to exceptional patient care is strengthened by the expertise and compassion of our dedicated team.

Amy Welch, our Infusion Nurse, brings over 26 years of nursing experience, spanning both emergency care and infusion therapy. Her wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication make her an integral part of our clinic.

Amy's career in healthcare has been shaped by her extensive experience in emergency rooms and at the infusion center at Baylor Scott & White. Her ability to provide expert care in high-pressure situations has refined her skills in patient management, ensuring comfort and safety during infusion treatments. Beyond her professional expertise, Amy’s warm and empathetic approach helps create a reassuring environment for every patient she assists.

Outside of work, Amy cherishes time with her two daughters and her 7-year-old grandson. She enjoys outdoor activities, trips to the beach, and staying active through Pilates and group fitness classes. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Amy finds fulfillment in providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient she meets.

Alexis Butler

Front Desk Receptionist

At FirstChoice Rheumatology, the first smile you see and the first voice you hear often belong to Alexis Butler, our Front Desk Receptionist. With a warm and welcoming presence, Alexis plays a key role in ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for every patient who walks through our doors.

A native of Georgia, Alexis has always had a passion for helping others. She earned her Medical Assistant diploma from Virginia College of Macon in 2017, equipping her with a strong foundation in patient care and administrative support. Her background in healthcare, combined with her excellent interpersonal skills, allows her to provide compassionate assistance to both patients and colleagues.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She has a creative side and loves baking homemade dog treats, shopping, painting, and taking on DIY projects. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and friendly demeanor make her an invaluable part of the FirstChoice Rheumatology team.

Testimonials

Dr. Badhan. – ALWAYS so nice to me. Spends as much time as I need. I was lucky to find her.

Verified patient

It was a very professional and very pleasant visit, she explains everything very clear.

Alexandra E.

Dr. Badhan is a very knowledgeable doctor who takes the time with her patients who listens to and hears what they say. I am a new patient but very happy being her patient. Dr. Badhan has helped me so much in the past month then my previous doctor did in 3 years. I know I am in the right hands now and looking to getting the care I need.

Verified patient

I am very pleased with the care I have received from Dr. Badhan. She takes time and listens. She is very thorough and personable. Her staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend her.

Verified patient

Dr. Badhan was very thorough and explained things so I could understand everything.

Verified patient

I give this office number to many people as they are professional. It took me over 10 years to get a diagnosis and Dr Badhan listened to what I said and never said no that’s not possible. The staff in the office is always helpful and never make me feel uncomfortable when I am in the office or on the phone

Verified patient

As I said to Dr. Badhan, she & her staff ALWAYS take the time to listen with respect to my issues and concerns and ALWAYS extend courtesy and kindness to me. I’m indeed fortunate to have Dr. Badhan on my health “team.”

Verified patient

Dr. Badhan, she’s great, I really like her because she greets me with a smile & shakes my hand. That means a lot to me because it makes me feel comfortable & know that she’s not judge mental. She’s a great doctor who really listens to my questions, educates me & informs me about my health status, the goal & follow-up of my care. She’s an intelligent, wonderful provider. I’m very lucky to have her as my Rheumatologist. She’s the best. I’ve seen many in my past years, but she’s #1. Thank you Dr. Badhan for all you do for me with my health status.

Verified patient

Testimonials

Dr. Badhan is very educated on medicine and was very nice during the appointment. Highly recommended !!

- Peter C.

Dr. Badhan, she's great, I really like her because she greets me with a smile & shakes my hand. That means a lot to me because it makes me feel comfortable & know that she's not judge mental. She's a great doctor who really listens to my questions, educates me & informs me about my health status, the goal & follow-up of my care. She's an intelligent, wonderful provider. I'm very lucky to have her as my Rheumatologist. She's the best. I've seen many in my past years, but she's #1. Thank you Dr. Badhan for all you do for me with my health status.

Dr. Badhan was informed about relevant conditions, listened to my history, did a full exam, and ordered required tests. I could tell she really cares about her patients and is knowledgeable

I thought that Dr. Badhan was one of the best physicians I have ever been treated by. Her manner was crisp and professional, and her focus was intense. She listened carefully, she rapidly thought through my medical history and all that I reported to her, suggested a next step and completely explained it to me. As a retired attorney who often worked with medical issues at a technical level, I was very impressed.