Rheumatology

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to offer specialized rheumatology care in collaboration with Arthritis Physicians of Michigan. This expert team focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system—particularly autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Why Choose A Rheumatologist - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

What Is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune diseases. These disorders often cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and may also affect internal organs.

Common conditions treated by our rheumatology team include:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Lupus (SLE)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Vasculitis
  • Sjögren’s Syndrome
  • Other autoimmune and connective tissue disorders

Why Choose a Rheumatologist?

Many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are difficult to diagnose and require careful evaluation by a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent joint damage and organ complications.

You may benefit from a referral to rheumatology if you’re experiencing:

  • Chronic joint pain or swelling
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour
  • Fatigue, fever, or rashes with joint symptoms
  • Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
  • A family history of autoimmune disease

Our Services

In partnership with Arthritis Physicians of Michigan, we offer:

  • Comprehensive consultations and diagnosis
  • Biologic and disease-modifying treatments
  • Joint aspiration and injection therapies
  • Advanced lab testing and imaging referrals
  • Long-term management of chronic conditions

We’re committed to helping patients manage their conditions, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Request a Referral

Rheumatology services at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital are available by referral only. Please talk to your primary care provider about your symptoms and request a referral to Arthritis Physicians of Michigan.

Once your referral is received, our team will contact you to schedule your consultation. If you have questions, please contact our scheduling team at 906-341-2153.

MEET OUR RHEUMATOLOGY TEAM

Dr. Roman Czubatyj was born, raised, and schooled in the Metro Detroit area. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wayne State University and continued on at Wayne Medical School for his medical degree. His next four years were spent on a combined residency program in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, where he was chosen to be the chief resident for the combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency program at the Detroit Medical Center. When his chief residency was completed, he started his fellowship in rheumatology at both the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Hospital. During his fellowship tenure, he presented numerous papers on a wide variety of topics related to his studies. Dr. Czubatyj is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Rheumatology.

Upon completing his fellowship, he joined Dr. John Tower’s medical practice at Arthritis Physicians. At that time, he also became a member of the William Beaumont Hospital (Troy) Medical Staff.

Dr. Czubatyj is currently involved in many organizations and volunteer work. He has always volunteered his time to various organizations including churches, scouting groups, social clubs and subsidized living facilities for senior citizens and disabled persons. While in medical school, he co-founded the WSU chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and served as its first president.

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Dr. Mahpara Syed has been practicing Rheumatology in Southeast Michigan since 2007. She received her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical College and completed residency program in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. After working as Chief Resident, she completed her fellowship program in Rheumatology at Wayne State University/ Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Syed is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.​

She is a member of William Beaumont Hospital Medical Staff and serves as an instructor at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. She has been engaged in medical school admission screening process as well as teaching medical students and residents in clinical setting.

Dr. Syed’s special interest is focused on management of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, and for that, she served as a member of the team engaged in creating and incorporating disease activity measures in EPIC EMR. She practices evidence-based medicine and has made quality improvements through gained knowledge and adoption of rapid advances in technology.

Besides taking care of patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and stays closely connected with family and friends.

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Kari Ewalt PA-C graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2022 from their physician assistant program.  She was previously employed and certified as a licensed Athletic Trainer since 2001. She has a Master of Art degree in athletic training from Western Michigan University and received her Baccalaureate from San Jose State University in California. During that time, she was able to develop her skills in orthopedic medicine while working with professional, college, and high school athletes. She worked at Henry Ford Health System for many years providing quality care to a diverse population of student athletes and aid in the clinic setting with orthopedic surgeons.

Kari decided to go back to school to earn her degree as a physician assistant in 2019. She values the patient-provider relationship that develops while providing care and understanding. The field of rheumatology has been challenging and exciting. She appreciates the complexity of the field and looks forward to improving the quality of life for her patients.

In her spare time, she enjoys going on cruises, cycling, walking, and reading.  Her family enjoys the northern Macomb area and their many pets of 7 cats and 2 large dogs. This tends to keep them busy.

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Fadya Siso is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Rheumatology. She earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. She began her career in rheumatology, where she developed a deep passion for helping patients manage autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Fadya takes a patient-centered approach, focusing on education and early intervention. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and resources they need to take an active role in their health and well-being.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA).

Outside of work, Fadya enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family.

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Tony Brady is a dedicated Physician Assistant at Arthritis Physicians. He has been a valued team member for over a decade while working alongside Dr. Tower for many years as Dr. Tower’s medical assistant and scribe. After earning an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, he completed a graduate program at the University of Detroit Mercy to become a Physician Assistant in 2022. He returned to Arthritis Physicians after graduate school to continue caring for our patients here at Arthritis Physicians, only now as a physician assistant. He works closely with the physicians to help patients manage their arthritic conditions and improve their quality of life. Passionate about patient care, he is committed to providing personalized, effective treatment to support each patient’s journey to better health.

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Matthew Aman earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University in 2012. He began his nursing career on a cardiac stepdown unit and later served as Assistant Clinical Leader for a 32-bed unit, developing strong clinical, leadership, and operational skills.

While working full time as a registered nurse, Matthew returned to school to complete his Master of Science in Nursing at Spring Arbor University graduating with honors. He is board certified as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

Since 2020, Matthew has practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in the field of rheumatology, caring for patients with complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. He is passionate about helping patients achieve their personal health goals and improve their quality of life. Recognizing that no two rheumatology patients are alike, he is committed to delivering individualized, compassionate, patient-centered care.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing golf and cheering on Detroit sports teams.

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Dr. Rockwell was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She received her Bachelor in Science Degree in Physiology from Michigan State University and continued her medical school training at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Rockwell completed her three-year residency program in Internal Medicine at McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens, MI. She then traveled to Cleveland and completed her two-year Rheumatology fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.  

Dr. Rockwell is fascinated by the diversity of disease processes in the field of rheumatology. During her fellowship, she was elected Chief Fellow of her division and published articles on a variety of topics, including her interest in inflammatory myopathies. Dr. Rockwell is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Upon completion of fellowship, she joined Arthritis Physicians and has become a member of William Beaumont Hospital (Troy) Medical Staff.  She is a clinical faculty member at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine where she assists in rheumatology education. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Rockwell is constantly on the run with her husband and children enjoying a multitude of activities available in our great state. 

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Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
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Read what Patients have to say about Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

Everyone in the ambulatory care/outpatient surgery were great!! They all made me feel very comfortable and did a great job!!! thank you to the whole outpatient staff and Doctor Rayner..I would recommend Schoolcraft or patient to anyone in need of surgery

Reviewer: Jeremy Sitkoski

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5 out of 5 stars

The care that was provided by The nurses (Cindy, Felicia Ruth) and staff was exceptional. The entire staff was very friendly and made you feel welcome. We received a call from Felicia the next day to check on my husband to check his pain level and do a follow up. The surgery area from check in to check out was well organized, clean, and up to date. Thank you to all of you for what you do so well and everything beyond your normal duties.

Reviewer: Maureen DesChamps

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5 out of 5 stars

Jen was fantastic. She explained everything, answered every question we had and explained it in terms in which we could understand. She was down to earth and it was an amazing experience for it being what it was. They got us in fast and she didn't hurry us through and treat us like a number.
Dr. Vix was so thorough and took such good care of me. I ended up in the ED with severe abdominal pain and he ordered imaging, determined the diagnosis and started treatment right away. I was well taken care of & everything was conveyed to my husband and I with understanding and guidance. I’m feeling so much better already.
Everyone very helpful, polite, friendly, the Dr very attentive and listened to my concerns. So nice not to have to travel far away for everyday procedures.
I went in for emergency hernia surgery, the nurses, ER doctor, surgical nurses were extremely professional with amazing personalities, the general surgeon was highly professional and canceled all of his afternoon meetings in order to get me into surgery and not have me waiting in pain, also explained everything in a way I understood and all the risks with zero doubt! Highly highly highly recommend this hospital! Thank you for making my experience awesome!
Dr Niemela and staff are great. They got me right in and took care of issue I was having. Thank You.
Very patient
Dr Rayner was thorough, kind, humorous and explained EVERYTHING he did before he did it. He is very skilled. I would recommend him highly!
Wish you can show this to all the workers there. 😊💕
I wish this hospital were much closer to me in the Iron Mountain area. The nurses, surgeons, doctors—especially Dr. Paul Kemmeter and his entire team—were absolutely outstanding. Every interaction was handled with professionalism, compassion, and genuine care. They were some of the most heartwarming and comforting medical professionals I have encountered in my 34 years. The level of support and reassurance they provided truly made a difference in my experience. But one thing for sure 🥹😂 If I am fortunate enough to have my first child in the future, I would sincerely hope it could be at this hospital.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. We can definitely share this with our employees. We have an amazing surgical crew and team at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. We do not deliver babies at our hospital but appreciate the sentiment that you received outstanding care.
He is very good and listens to his patients.
Kind, attentive, explains things and its ery personable. He is a great addition to Schoolcraft ER.
Listens, Explains, Pleasant, On time
Great doctor, really listens. Highly recommend.
My experience was amazing. The staff were welcoming and professional. Dr. Rayner has a very gentle bedside manner and talked with my 12 year old about how she felt. Definitely a 10 out of 10
Dr. Steven A. Vix was great
Excellent Dr, thoughow very concerning and caring
I love that she always takes the time to explain what she is doing, why and the results. I feel well taken care of. Thank you!
She listens and explains until you understand.
Had an excellent visit with Jen as always. Very knowledgeable and easy to chat with.
Excellent visit, listened to comments.
Listens to pt, very knowledgeable
Conscientious and professional. Thoroughly answered all my questions.
Twas mad dopeage, docs were gr8!
Dr. Vix was amazing!
Dr Vix was excellent. Saved my life.
Thank you Dave Fritzler
She listened. Made a plan. Gave me confidence in her ability to help.
#1 ER doctor in the Upper Peninsula.
Dr Vix’s is fantastic, personal, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, caring. Compassionate, easy to communicate with.
Dr. Rayner was very helpful and was able to diagnose the issue which led me to another specialist. Very grateful for his help.
Dr. Vix is an excellent doctor. Very thorough and knowledgeable. Your health matters to him.