Dr. Laura Hummers is a highly respected Associate Professor of Medicine within the Division of Rheumatology at Johns Hopkins. Her dedication to the field is evident through her extensive education and focused career. Dr. Hummers earned her Sc.M. in Clinical Investigation from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, following a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Her foundational medical training includes an Internship and Residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, and graduation from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
Since 2003, Dr. Hummers has been a vital part of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center, a testament to her commitment to this specialized area. Alongside Fredrick Wigley, she serves as Co-Director, further demonstrating her leadership and expertise. In addition to her research and administrative roles, Dr. Hummers also holds the significant position of Clinical Director for the Division of Rheumatology, managing the clinical aspects of the division.
Dr. Hummers is actively involved in numerous clinical trials and investigations conducted at the Scleroderma Center. Her research is particularly focused on identifying predictors of outcomes for patients with scleroderma, aiming to improve patient care and understanding of the disease’s progression. Her clinical practice is exclusively dedicated to scleroderma and related conditions, allowing her to develop deep expertise in this specific area. She also plays a key role in managing the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center’s longitudinal database, a valuable resource for research and patient care.
Currently, Dr. Hummers leads a prospective cohort study involving 300 scleroderma patients. This study aims to identify new biomarkers for vascular outcomes and disease progression, supported by a K23 grant from NIH/NIAMS and contributions from a SCCOR grant focused on pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Hummers also dedicates time to mentoring other faculty members and fellows within the division, guiding their research in systemic sclerosis. Beyond scleroderma, her expertise extends to related conditions such as scleromyxedema, scleredema, and eosinophilic fasciitis, making her a comprehensive specialist in the field.
