Leighla Dergham, MPH, MS, PA-C

Leighla Dergham is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in rheumatology. Born and raised in Maryland, she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. During her time at UMD, she volunteered at Children’s National Hospital, served as a biology teaching assistant, and interned with the UC Berkeley Washington Center’s Forum for Collaborative Research. Before attending PA school, Leighla worked as an allergy technician at a local primary care clinic and was a patient educator for clinical trials.

Leighla earned dual Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health degrees from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. During PA school, she served as the Diversity Chair of her program’s Student Society, volunteered with a Teen Nutrition and Empowerment Program, co-published two public health research studies, and co-founded a club called “Healthcare in Humanitarian Crises.”

Leighla is passionate about developing meaningful relationships with her patients and empowering them with the knowledge and tools to better understand and manage their health. She believes in a collaborative approach to care and is committed to helping patients maintain function, independence, and quality of life while living with rheumatic conditions.

Outside of work, Leighla enjoys traveling, attending workout classes, and going to concerts.

Leighla works alongside Dr. Louisa Ziglar at ARA’s Rockville 5 and Frederick clinics.

Weekly Schedule: