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

Roman Czubatyj

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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Mahpara Syed

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

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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John E. Tower

Dr. John Tower received both his undergraduate degree and his medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, completing his fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Upon completion of his Rheumatology fellowship in 1991, he joined the William Beaumont-Troy Medical Staff and has served in a number of roles. He has chaired a number of hospital quality, safety and process improvement committees over the last 10 years. In 2000, he was named the Medical Director of Quality and Chief Patient Safety Officer at Troy Beaumont Hospital. In 2002, he was selected as one of fifty individuals for the inaugural class of the Health Forum’s Patient Safety Fellowship. Dr. Tower has continued to make changes in the national patient safety initiative and works with the Corporate Patient Safety Council at Beaumont. He spoke at the 5th Annual National Patient Safety Congress in Washington DC, relating to system changes, which led to William Beaumont Hospitals’ to be recognized as a finalist for the American Hospital Association’s annual patient safety award, The Quest for Quality Award, co-sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation. More recently, Beaumont, Troy was recognized in quality, safety, and performance improvement for the sixth time in seven years as a Solucient “100 Top Hospital” for teaching hospitals of its size—an additional testimony to Dr. Tower’s leadership and ability to effect change in this area.

He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan and has been a volunteer with the organization for over 18 years. He is also a member of the task force for revision of the State of Michigan’s Arthritis Action Plan, a collaborative effort the Michigan Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control. Dr. Tower also serves on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Hospital Association “TAG” (technical advisory group) working to shape the future of the incentive, “pay for performance” plan in Michigan. Dr. Tower’s work and medical leadership were acknowledged in 2008, as he was awarded Health Care Leader of the Year by the Michigan Hospital Association. With Dr. Tower’s background and experience in Quality and Safety, he has accepted a 2-year term on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Peer Review Organization, the state’s quality improvement organization.

Dr. Tower has authored several articles for publications. He also lectures regularly and presents on a variety of rheumatologic topics, as well as in the area of quality and patient safety in both classroom and conference settings, locally and nationally.

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Fadya Siso

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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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

I give him a 5 out of 5! I'm not a Doctor type of person, but he made me feel comfortable right out the gate. Very friendly and professional! Got right to the point and really helped me figure out what was causing my pain! Excellent visit and Doctor!!
Very pleasant personality very informative!
DOCTOR Rayner Absolutely 💯 Great... Bedside manner fantastic.... Made a nervous Grandma at peace... Amazing outcome... Job well done. I recommend highly... Thank you...
Dr. Niemela diagnosed and did surgery on a tendon tear and bone spur on my foot. There had been pain for over a year with each step, and it was more severe as time went on, and even waking me throughout the night. The successful surgery eliminated the pain immediately! No pain to speak of, and the follow-up care was top notch. Thank you Dr. Niemela and staff! Photo one week after surgery.
Dr Stephen clear and chearful in his diagnoses, treatment and directions to the patient.
Very thorough & explains everything he’s doing. Chloe is very friendly checking up on me.
It's always a pleasant visit when see I Dr. Hoevee and this was no exception. And shout out to Clio who is also great!
Very thorough in explaining and seemed like he generally cared
Knowledgeable, Quick & Personable
Dr. Vix and Dr. Foltz are proactive and reactive. They jump into action and get you the care you need right away. There is no waiting periods regardless of shift change or time of the day. They are attentive and efficient. I only wish we had more physicians like them at transfer hospitals. We certainly receive the best care at SMH with the ER staff and nurses.
Always willing to listen and develop plan that works for me. Excellent care and explanations - very positive experience!
Cheryl Lohse
Dr. Steven A. Vix was great
Dr Vix is warm, compassionate professional.
I received excellent care from the three medical professionals that I saw that day. Kind, thorough and carefully checking to be certain that all my questions were answered.
We were just in the ER for my wife with back pain. Everyone was absolutely wonderful. All of the staff were in checking on my wife. This was one of the best hospital experiences we have ever had.
On time appointment. Staff attentive and helpful. No negative issues during the visit.
She was great answered all my questions
Very efficient !
Thorough and pleasant t to talk with!
Listens, Explains, Pleasant, On time
Dr. Ranier did a tonsilectomy for our daughter. He and his staff were so kind and caring that our daughter fell in love with them all
I met Dr. Vix in the Emergency Room and he is the best doctor I've ever seen. His bedside manner is so kind, gentle, amd reassuring. He took his time and really made me feel listened to. He explained his treatment decisions and logic clearly, and left room to ask questions. He made sure that I understood and agreed with it before doing anything. He was very kind, and he and all the staff were very caring about my comfort while waiting.
I've been very pleased so far working with Dr Bambach, and really the whole staff at Schoolcraft.
Dr houve is great so is his nurse Cleo
Doctor Hoeve is very compassionate and very thorough. He listens and answers all of your questions. Never rushes through the appointments. We are fortunate to have him here in Manistique.
Very professional,friendly and caring. Made my stay very comfortable.