About
Catherine A. Lee, MD brings more than 20 years of rheumatology experience to Sage Rheumatology in Spokane, WA. She holds board certifications in internal medicine, rheumatology, and integrative medicine. Castle Connolly has recognized her as a Top Doctor every year since 2021. She also serves as an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine through the Gonzaga University Health Partnership.
Dr. Lee completed her integrative medicine fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, an experience she describes as transformative. She has long been drawn to rheumatology for its diagnostic complexity, describing the process of working through a difficult case as solving a puzzle. She is passionate about caring for patients who feel dismissed because their symptoms do not follow a textbook pattern. Her clinical approach pairs rigorous evidence-based treatment with integrative strategies including lifestyle interventions and whole-person care. Dr. Lee founded Sage Rheumatology to build the kind of sustained, long-term physician-patient partnership she believes rheumatic disease management requires. She believes every patient should also maintain a relationship with a primary care physician.
Education & Training
Fellowship
Integrative Medicine Fellowship, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
Additional Training
Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine – Gonzaga University Health Partnership
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Lee right for?
Dr. Lee is a strong fit for adults 18 to 100 living with diagnosed or suspected rheumatic disease. Patients managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or vasculitis benefit from her deep diagnostic experience. She works especially well with patients who want integrative approaches alongside conventional treatment. Those who feel their symptoms have gone unaddressed elsewhere will find her clinical style particularly well-matched to their needs.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Michael StewartDO, FACP
Internal MedicineMigraine, Chronic Headache, Tension-Type Headache +36 more
Dr. Otto ShillDO, FACP, DABOM
Internal Medicineobesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes +17 more
Dr. Paula DygertMD
Internal MedicineFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Lee diagnoses and manages a wide range of rheumatic conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, Sjogren's disease, systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, Behcet's disease, and rheumatic-disease associated eye conditions. She also addresses symptoms such as joint pain, inflammation, fatigue, and autoimmune disease.
Yes. Dr. Lee holds board certifications in rheumatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. She has practiced as a rheumatologist for more than 20 years and Castle Connolly has named her a Top Doctor since 2021.
Dr. Lee completed a fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, one of the most respected programs of its kind. She applies that training by pairing well-researched conventional treatments with evidence-based complementary approaches. Her goal is to address the whole person, including mind, body, and lifestyle factors, not just the disease.
No. Although Dr. Lee holds board certification in internal medicine, she focuses exclusively on rheumatology and integrative care at Sage Rheumatology. She believes every patient should maintain a relationship with a primary care physician and actively supports coordination with your PCP.
Yes. Dr. Lee conducts both in-person and telemedicine visits for established members. Follow-up appointments occur approximately every six weeks. Patients communicate with Dr. Lee between visits through a HIPAA-compliant secure messaging portal.
Dr. Lee completed her integrative medicine fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She also serves as an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine through the Gonzaga University Health Partnership, reflecting her ongoing commitment to medical education.
Dr. Lee sees adults ages 18 to 100 with diagnosed or suspected rheumatic disease. She has a particular focus on patients whose conditions have not responded fully to medications and those seeking integrative approaches alongside conventional rheumatology care.
Yes, when clinically appropriate, Dr. Lee performs joint injections as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. She also handles medication management, prior authorizations, and coordination of care with other providers.
Doctor profile last updated August 17, 2026