2019 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Dr. Flagg
Corporate Chair

Dr. Flagg is excited to serve as Corporate Chair for the inaugural Williamsburg Walk to Cure Arthritis! 

She earned her medical degree at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas, and completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Rheumatology at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Flagg is a board certified Rheumatologist. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, Virginia Society of Rheumatologist, Williamsburg/ James City County Medical Society and the Medical Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation, Williamsburg Chapter. 

Dr. Flagg is married with three children. She enjoys running, photography, travel and spending time with her family.

To join Dr. Flagg's team, "Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, P.C." or donate on her behalf, please click here! 


Dr. Rahbar
Medical Honoree

Dr. Rahbar is excited to serve as the Medical Honoree for the inaugural Williamsburg Walk to Cure Arthritis!

She received her B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her M.D. degree at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Rahbar went on to complete her internship and residency in Internal Medicine, as well as her fellowship in Rheumatology at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. After fellowship she joined VCU rheumatology faculty as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and practiced Rheumatology at McGuire VAMC for three years prior to joining our practice. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Dr. Rahbar is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and Virginia Society of Rheumatologists.

She and her husband, Ben, have four children, Amelia, Declan, Emery, and Brecken. She and her family enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling and cooking.

To join Dr. Rahbar's team, "Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, P.C." or donate on her behalf, please click here! 


Marsha McAlister 
Adult Honoree

Marsha is excited to be the Adult Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s inaugural Walk to Cure Arthritis in Williamsburg.   

Her journey with arthritis began in 1983 with nagging pain in her feet that would come and go.  It wasn’t until her hands became affected that her primary care doctor realized this might be more than aches and pains. She was referred to a rheumatologist in town, and together they reached a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.  

Marsha struggled with medications that caused side effects or failed to work.  In those early years, she tried a variety of NSAIDs, gold injections, steroids and many, many joint injections.  It was hard when the medications were almost as bad as the RA.  Because her disease affected mostly her hands and feet, daily activities were a constant struggle.  Fortunately, Marsha was employed in a family business that allowed flexibility and a huge dose of understanding.

About 15 years ago, biologic drugs came into use for autoimmune diseases like RA.  Marsha was one of the first patients her doctor prescribed Remicade.  Within just a few months, inflammation improved dramatically, and she was able to eliminate steroids within six months.  Marsha continues with infusions every two months and claims to be the ‘poster child’ for Remicade.  It truly changed her life!  

Marsha is retired now and leads an active life with her husband, Dennis.  She feels fortunate to live in the same town with their daughter and son in law, and two beautiful, smart and talented grandchildren.  

To join Marsha's team, "Marsha's Peeps" or donate on her behalf, please click here!