Barbara Slusher, DMSc, MSW, PA-C, DFAAPA, DipACLM

Degrees and Certifications: Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), Lifestyle Medicine Concentration, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Virginia; Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas; Master of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland; Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA); Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM); Blue Zones Certified Professional.

Primary Location

HopeHealth in Manning
12 W. South St., Manning, SC 29102
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Phone: (803) 953-2005

Fax: (803) 433-4230

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About Barbara Slusher

Barbara A. Slusher, DMSc, MSW, PA-C, DFAAPA, DipACLM, is a physician associate specializing in rheumatology at HopeHealth in Manning, South Carolina. With more than two decades of experience in rheumatology, she combines evidence-based medicine with Lifestyle Medicine to help patients improve their health, function, and quality of life. Her clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, gout, and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as innovative models of care such as Shared Medical Appointments.

Dr. Slusher earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree in Lifestyle Medicine from the University of Lynchburg and also holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Texas. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Slusher serves as adjunct faculty, lectures nationally on rheumatology, Lifestyle Medicine, and team-based models of care, and has held leadership roles within the American College of Rheumatology, the Association of Rheumatology Professionals, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is passionate about helping patients create health—not simply manage disease—through compassionate, whole-person, team-based care.

Education

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), Lifestyle Medicine Concentration, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
Master of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland

Medical Education

Adjunct Faculty, University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program
Adjunct Faculty, Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Medical Science Program
Lecturer, Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program (2018–2021)
National faculty and invited speaker in rheumatology and Lifestyle Medicine

Professional Leadership

Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) – Past president, current member, Nominations & Appointments Committee
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) – Former Board member; Rheumatology Research Foundation Leadership Development Council member
American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) – Secretary, Physician Associate Member Interest Group

Selected Publications

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science. From Fixer to Facilitator: A Clinical Review of Shared Medical Appointments as a Strategy for Workforce Sustainability. Accepted for publication, 2026.
Physician Assistant Clinics. Identifying Patterns: Linking History, Review of Systems, and Physical Examination in Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases. 2021.
Arthritis Care & Research. A Core Curriculum to Facilitate the Expansion of a Rheumatology Practice to Include Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. 2018.
Clinical Advisor. OA and RA 2012: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. 2012.
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Internal Medicine End-of-Rotation Examination contributor (2015–2018)

Selected National & International Invited Presentations

From Inflammation to Restoration: Translating Lifestyle Medicine’s Six Pillars into Rheumatology Care— Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), 2026 (accepted)
Workforce Solutions in Rheumatology: A Global Perspective— American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (2022)
Daltroy Lecture Moderator:Life Hacks in Rheumatic Disease: Lessons Learned from TikTok and Social Media — ACR/ARP Annual Meeting (2022)
Sustainable Healthcare: It Takes a Village— European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), Amsterdam, Netherlands (2018)
ARHP 2030: A Rheumatology Odyssey— Joint ACR/EULAR presentation, Chicago, IL (2018)
Multiple invited presentations for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and state PA organizations on rheumatology diagnosis, inflammatory arthritis, gout, and workforce development.

Honors & Distinctions

Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA)
Diplomate, American College of Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM)
Blue Zones Certified Professional

Media & Educational Resources

ACR on Air Podcast
- How Physician Associates Can Help Address the Rheumatology Workforce Shortage (2019)
- Beyond the Prescription Pad: Assessing and Addressing Grief and Depression Utilizing Lifestyle Medicine (2025)
NBC Today Show – PA’s on the Plaza, Rockefeller Center (2022)
American College of Rheumatology eBytes educational series
Featured in The Rheumatologist and the American Academy of Physician Associates’ national publications.

Barbara Slusher, DMSc, MSW, PA-C, DFAAPA, DipACLM