Practice Overview

Dr. Shammash is a native of Massachusetts. She graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology. She received her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, followed by Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. She practiced Rheumatology for many years at Regions Hospital and Health Partners Specialty Clinic, where she participated in the training of residents and fellows from the University of Minnesota. She resides in Eagan, MN with her husband, Douglas Hotvedt, MD. They have three lovely daughters. In her free time, Ellen enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, skiing, watching Minnesota sports, attending theater and ballet, and family summers at Cape Cod, MA.

The field of rheumatology encompasses a complex array of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions which may affect multiple organ systems throughout the body and often lead to chronic disease. Dr. Shammash chose rheumatology for the broad spectrum of diseases and the ability to form lasting relationships with her patients. It is these relationships and the ability to assist with quality of life that have made her career most rewarding. Dr. Shammash combines the most up-to-date science with an analytical and compassionate approach to diagnosis and treatment, using shared decision making to construct a personalized and successful plan for her patients.

Clinical Interest

Rheumatology, including autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthropathies, polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, Behcet’s syndrome, gout, and pseudogout

Dr. Shammash does not manage chronic pain, chronic Lyme, long COVID-19, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility syndromes, chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), non-inflammatory spine problems (degenerative arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease).

Dr. Shammash is able to help establish the diagnosis of fibromyalgia but does not manage it long term.

Education

Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology

Fellowship
Rheumatology, University of Minnesota

Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota
Chief Resident, Internal Medicine, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Medical Degree
Doctor of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts, Middlebury College

Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations

Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN

Professional Affiliations

American College of Rheumatology, Member

Achievements & Awards

Clinical Excellence Award, Health Partners and Regions Hospital (2019)
Minnesota Monthly Top Doctors (2006, 2022)
Minnesota Monthly Best Doctors for Women (2007, 2009, 2010, 2014)
Minneapolis St Paul Magazine Top Doctors (2003, 2006)
Magna Cum Laude, Middlebury College
Phi Beta Kappa, Middlebury College

Staff

Christina V.
Care Coordinator

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