- OsteoporosisRheumatology Associates of South Florida is a leader in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis. Established in 1984, it was the first osteoporosis center in Boca Raton. With physicians maintaining membership and certification in the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), RASF strives to remain at the forefront of osteoporosis management. DXA scans, used to measure bone density, are conveniently performed on site. See below to learn more about osteoporosis and its treatment.
- ArthritisPhlebotomy and laboratory testing may be carried out in our office. Testing performed in our lab includes complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), liver function testing (LFT), thyroid tests, vitamin D level, parathyroid hormone, urine studies, and testing for autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome).
- FibromyalgiaRASF Clinical Research Center has been involved in clinical trials for more than 30 years, and has been involved in trials that have led to the approval of many of the FDA approved medications currently in use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, Sjogren's syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and many other conditions.
- RheumatologyOur years of research experience keep us at the forefront of clinical rheumatology, giving us access to cutting edge therapies that are generally not available otherwise. To learn more about research opportunities and eligibility, ask your doctor. Our dedicated research staff is also available to answer any questions regarding study details and eligibility requirements. Please call 561-361-6547 or email rasfresearch@bellsouth.net, and Heather or Michelle, our certified clinical research coordinators, will be happy to assist you.
- Primary CareAnyone who has a known diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, who has sustained a fragility fracture, or has not had appropriate screening would benefit from an evaluation. Evaluation includes a history and physical examination, bone density assessment by DXA (if not already done), and laboratory testing to identify certain risk factors that may be contributing to reduced bone density and fracture risk. Speak with your primary care provider or call to schedule an appointment if an evaluation is appropriate. Our expert team of providers is eager to answer your questions and guide you in formulating a management plan. Click here for appointment information.
- Family PracticeDr. Alboukrek was born in Mexico City and grew up in Guatemala, where he attended medical school. He went on to complete a family medicine residency program in Guatemala City before moving to the United States. He did a one year fellowship in Child Psychiatry at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA. He then completed a fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. Before moving to Boca Raton in 1995, he was in practice with Berkshire Orthopedic Associates in MA.
- Internal MedicineDr. Alboukrek is an Affiliate Clinical Professor at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, where he has been a preceptor for first and second year medical students, and participates in clinical activities such as elective rotations with the third and fourth year medical students and second and third year internal medicine residents. He is currently Chairperson of the Medical Staff Excellence Committee (peer review) at Boca Raton Raton Regional Hospital, where he previously served as Chief of Medicine from 2011 to 2013. He maintains privileges at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Delray Medical Center.
- Prostate Cancer
- Psychiatry
- HypothyroidismAlthough more common in women, men are also frequently affected. There are numerous risk factors for osteoporosis, including being post-menopausal, having a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture, age, thin stature, ethnicity, use of various medications (including steroids, many seizure and stomach acid medications, and some treatments used in the management of breast and prostate cancer), drinking alcohol in excess, tobacco use, celiac disease, vitamin D deficiency, hyperthyroidism (including over treated hypothyroidism), and many others.
- UltrasoundUltrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation to obtain images of the musculoskeletal system. Unlike x-ray, US is able to examine the soft tissue structures, such as tendons, bursae, and ligaments. This allows for the diagnosis of conditions such as bursitis and tendon tears. US is performed by the physician, not a technician. As a result, it has the advantage over other imaging modalities of providing real-time information while the study is being conducted. Diagnostic findings are able to be communicated directly to the patient at the time of the examination, and immediate recommendations can be made.
- MRI atients are typically referred for evaluation of test abnormalities (a positive ANA, for example), joint pain, or osteoporosis; or to help establish a diagnosis in patients experiencing pain or with complicated medical problems. Extensive testing has typically already been completed, and patients have often times seen other specialists before being referred to a rheumatologist. To allow for the most effective use of your time at your visit, it is necessary that we have copies of your records. This may include x-ray, MRI, bone density, and lab reports, and copies of relevant office notes. The best way to ensure that your records are available for your visit is to bring them in yourself. You can also request that your physicians send these records, but this does not guarantee their receipt.
- X-Rays
- Orthopedics
- PsoriasisMany medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and vasculitis require intravenous administration.
- Physical TherapyRheumatology Associates of South Florida has been providing quality care to its patients for more than 30 years. Specializing in non-operative management of orthopedic problems, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis, we treat a diverse range of medical conditions. We strive to create a unique treatment plan tailored to each individual, with management strategies including lifestyle modification, medication prescriptions, joint and bursa injections, physical therapy orders, laboratory testing, and imaging studies.