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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Specialty Clinic

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. 

Call IconRegistration Location

Register and Wait in the Specialty Clinic

Services

Find A Provider Pay My Bill

Your Trusted First Choice

Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
IMG_5598
PlayPause
previous arrow
next arrow

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

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

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

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

5 out of 5 stars

Sally Linton
2 days ago
She listened. Made a plan. Gave me confidence in her ability to help.
Nancy Seegert
2 days ago
Very thorough, explained what needed to be done.
Jomay Bomber
4 days ago
Ronald Rosie
4 days ago
Sandy Zelenka
4 days ago
Dr Joan listens and looks into any medical problems that arise quickly.
Very caring Dr.❣️
Bob Bourdeau
4 days ago
Dr Rayner Great guy wouldn't go anywhere else
Chelsea Dennis
7 days ago
Randal Hatinger
1 week ago
Dr Vix is the best! Great caring, compassionate personality. He doesn’t treat my husband with demensia any different than he does me. A great asset to our emergency room at Schoolcraft!
Jason Hubble
2 weeks ago
Very professional and made things easy to understand.
Pamela Lee
2 weeks ago
Douglas Dyke
2 weeks ago
Steve Lane
2 weeks ago
Excellent visit, listened to comments.
Bethany Davis
2 weeks ago
Lena Sutton
3 weeks ago
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.
Bob Kleinbrook
4 weeks ago
ste creeden
4 weeks ago
Norma_Rae
4 weeks ago
Jeffrey Bomber
1 month ago
Kelly King
1 month ago
Dr Niemela and staff are great. They got me right in and took care of issue I was having. Thank You.
Gwen Foor
1 month ago
Dr Rayner was thorough, kind, humorous and explained EVERYTHING he did before he did it. He is very skilled. I would recommend him highly!
Mary Taylor
1 month ago
Denisha Campbell
1 month ago
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.
Paul Faasen
1 month ago
He is very good and listens to his patients.
craig meston
1 month ago
Theresa McKenna
1 month ago
Ash Gould
1 month ago
Kind, attentive, explains things and its ery personable. He is a great addition to Schoolcraft ER.
Debra Kleinbrook
2 months ago
Listens, Explains, Pleasant, On time
Carole Goudreau
2 months ago
Jennifer Meyer
2 months ago
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
Millie Pickelmann
2 months ago
Dr. Steven A. Vix was great
Shannon Shoemaker
2 months ago
Excellent Dr, thoughow very concerning and caring
Clay Cook
2 months ago
Andrew Sears
2 months ago
Lesa Baker
2 months ago
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!
Luann Dyke
2 months ago
She listens and explains until you understand.
James Patton
2 months ago
John Lindroth
2 months ago
Had an excellent visit with Jen as always. Very knowledgeable and easy to chat with.
Cheryl Lull
2 months ago
Tom Gustafson
3 months ago
Conscientious and professional. Thoroughly answered all my questions.
Corbin Keur
3 months ago
Twas mad dopeage, docs were gr8!
Kristy Matchinski
3 months ago
Bonnie Kilburn
3 months ago
Meg Wnuk
3 months ago
Jason Gilbert
3 months ago
Ariel Dennis
3 months ago
Theresa Lund
3 months ago
Linda Fritzler
3 months ago
Dr Vix was excellent. Saved my life.
Thank you Dave Fritzler
Monica Warren
3 months ago