General Practitioners

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
  We provide outstanding care for patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, poly and dermatomyositis, psoriatic arthritis and various types of vasculitis. Our four full-time rheumatologists bring you the benefit of deep clinical experience and translational research.
• Rheumatology
  Over the past three decades, researchers at the West Michigan Rheumatology have been at the forefront of clinical research in rheumatology. Our physicians and team have conducted a large number of investigations of new agents in rheumatic diseases.
• Pediatric Care
  A rheumatologist is a physician who has completed a three year internal medicine (or four year combined internal medicine – pediatrics) residency followed by additional two or more years of subspecialty training in the care of arthritis, immunologic and musculoskeletal diseases.
• Primary Care
  West Michigan Rheumatology feels that it is an honor to be trusted to participate in your care.  We take this confidence seriously, and promise to place your interests first.  We will coordinate with your primary care team, do our best to integrate your care, and always seek out the highest quality resources to advance your health.
• Family Practice
  In addition to the education of our patients, we are committed to increasing rheumatic disease awareness of our health care providers in West Michigan. WMR is a key training site for the MSU College of Human Medicine. All of our physicians are faculty in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and our practice supports the internal medicine and family practice residencies of Mercy Health St. Mary’s Health System. Most months we have medical students or residents rotate with us in our clinic. This supports an environment of inquiry and collaboration which we believe results in a higher standard of care made available to our patients. We always remain aware that you are the most important learner at WMR.
• Pneumonia
• Immunizations
  By preventive health measures (e.g., self-isolation), schedule vaccination so that the vaccine series is initiated approximately 4 weeks prior to next scheduled rituximab cycle; after vaccination, delay RTX 2-4 weeks after 2nd vaccine dose, if disease activity allows.

Internists

• Internal Medicine
  A native of Saginaw, MI, he earned his B.S. degree at the University of Michigan, and M.D. at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St Vincent Hospital Indianapolis, IN and a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He joined WMR in 2015.

Psychiatrists

• Depression

Radiologist

• MRI
  Digital x-rays are an important tool in evaluating and monitoring varied forms of arthritis. They can help differentiate osteoarthritis, pseudogout, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with osteoporosis spinal compression fractures can only be detected via x-ray as they are often without symptoms. In clinical trials digital xrays of the hands and feet are electronically transfered to research radiologists to compare Sharp Scores – the key measure of progression of structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Though costly MRI may be needed, usually x-rays of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine are sufficient to support the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylits. So having radiology services available at the point of care is efficient and less expensive than hospital associated clinics (no added facility fees).
• Radiology
• X-Rays
• Chemotherapy
  We believe having a dedicated infusion nurse that knows you who is within arm reach of your physician increases the safety of your care. We specialize in caring for our patients, so you will never be exposed to patients receiving intra-venous antibiotics for drug resistant infections or patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

Plastic Surgeons

• Liposuction
  WMR’s commitment to the care of patients with scleroderma has spanned 3 decades. Our research collaboration in the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium has improved research methods and answered important questions about how to treat scleroderma and Raynaud’s phenomenon. In 2020 we reported a landmark study where the rheumatoid arthritis medication Actemra (tocilizumab) stabilized progression of interstitial lung disease in scleroderma ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32866440/ ). This completes a circle of research, beginning in the early 2000’s when WMR participated in studies of Actemra (tocilizumab), which ultimately contributed to its approval to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In 2022 we reported the ability of stem cells harvested from one’s own fat via liposuction, can improve the thickening of skin and soft tissue resulting in improved hand function. This shows that you don’t have to travel far to received the most advanced care for scleroderma.

Dermatologists

• Dermatology
  Next, we moved towards efforts to disseminate the use of patient decision aids by partnering with colleagues at Forefront Collaborative, an innovative multiplatform CME program developer. This has led to a number of face to face as well as online interventions teaching shared decision-making using patient decision aids to rheumatologists dermatologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Several thousand providers have participated. Pre-COVID venues have included the American College of Rheumatology National Scientific Meeting, Maui Dermatology and related mid-level provider focused conferences in Ashville, NC, Scottsdale, AZ and Las Vegas, NV.
• Psoriasis
  In each case there is an important trade off of the power to suppress arthritis, clear psoriasis and risk of serious infection. This option table helps to cut through the clutter of information and focus on the details that are important in your decision.