Our Providers

Dr. Joseph Shanahan

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with additional certifications in Rheumatology and a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, Dr. Joseph Shanahan is a highly skilled and experienced specialist providing comprehensive care at his practice in Durham, North Carolina.

Dr. Shanahan received his medical degree from the UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and received the Angelo P. Angelides Award for Excellence in Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Shanahan completed his internship and residency training in Internal Medicine, as well as a fellowship in Rheumatology, at Duke University Medical Center, serving as Chief Fellow for his final year.

Before beginning his own practice, Dr. Shanahan was an Associate at Carolina Arthritis Associates in Wilmington. In addition to his practice duties, he also currently serves as an Assistant Consulting Professor in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at Duke University Medical Center.

Throughout his medical training and practice experience, Dr. Shanahan has co-authored several articles and book chapters, and has been a principal- and sub-investigator on clinical research studies on the latest developments in the field of rheumatology. He has also served as a reviewer for leading medical journals, including the American College of Rheumatology Abstracts and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Michelle Dowdall, PA-C

Michelle Dowdall is a certified Physician Assistant who has been in practice since 2000. She completed her PA training and received a Master's Degree in the Science of Medicine from Western Michigan Univerisity in Kalamazoo, MI. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Champagne-Urbana.

Prior to coming onto staff at Shanahan Rheumatology, Michelle has practiced in the areas of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, which has enabled her to develop expertise in management of complex musculoskeletal issues. She has numerous years of experience evaluating and treating patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also worked as a co-investigator and study coordinator on numerous research studies.

Joey McCracken, PA-C

Born in Missouri and raised in Charlotte, NC, Joey McCracken received his Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with distinction, received several academic scholarships, and was the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistant Student Representation for his program. Prior to his graduate education, Joey completed a Bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Joey McCracken is board certified by the NCCPA and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American College of Rheumatology. His clinical interests include autoimmune disease and skin cancer and he has a special interest in biologic therapeutics and a passion for patient education.

Outside of medicine, Joey lives in Durham with his wife and two dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys attending UNC sporting events, cooking, spending time with his family and friends, and is a hobbyist woodworker.

Staff

Marissa
Clinic Coordinator

Marissa received her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina and her graduate degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In 2017, she moved to North Carolina. Marissa is a flutist and enjoys playing in orchestras in the area, along with teaching flute lessons. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Farrah
Medical Assistant

Farrah first aspired to work in the medical field after a Kindergarten field trip to the local hospital. Although she was born and raised in NC, she spent fourteen years in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a married, proud mother of two. Farrah greatly enjoys the beach, Disney World and spending as much time as she can with her family!

Simi
Infusion Nurse

Simi is a Licensed Practical Nurse with more than 15 years of experience in nursing. She earned her nursing degree and started her career in India. Simi migrated to the United States and continued her career in New York for several years. She loved North Carolina and moved to RTP in 2012. After working for five years at Duke dialysis center, Simi joined Dr. Shanahan�s team. She loves her nursing job and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Stephanie
Front desk

Stephanie was born and raised in Bronx, NY. She moved to North Carolina in June 2020. She enjoys working in the medical field and helping others. In her free time, she loves running marathons, watching college football, traveling and spending time with family and dogs.