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Best Rheumatologists in Grand Rapids

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 11, 2024

Introduction to Rheumatology in Grand Rapids

Definition of Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. These conditions, known as rheumatic diseases, can include arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Specialized care in rheumatology is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective management, and improved quality of life for patients with these complex conditions.

Overview of Rheumatology in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids offers a selection of qualified rheumatologists to meet the needs of its residents. Based on the provided data, there are at least 10 rheumatology specialists practicing in the area.

The overall quality of rheumatological care in Grand Rapids appears to be high, with several doctors receiving perfect 5-star ratings from patients. This suggests that residents have access to competent and well-regarded specialists in this field.


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List of Rheumatologists in Grand Rapids

Dr. James Birmingham

Dr. James Birmingham

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 252-5202

American Board of Pediatrics

American Board of Internal Medicine

Duke University Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Spectrum Health Butterworth Camp (Residency Hospital)

Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (Fellowship Hospital, 2007)

Duke University Medical Center|Grand Rapids Med Education Research Center/Msu|Spectrum Health Butterworth Camp (Residency Hospital, 2002)

Oh State University College of Medicine (Medical School, 1998)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Rheumatology

Pediatric Rheumatology

Dr. Danielle Robinett

Dr. Danielle Robinett

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 252-5202

American Board of Internal Medicine

Washington University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (Medical School)

English

Holland Hospital

University of Michigan Health West

Rheumatology

ES

Dr. Eric Slavin

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-8088

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of North Carolina, Rheumatology, NC, USA (Fellowship Hospital, 2015)

St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN (Internal Medicine) (Residency Hospital, 2012)

St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN (Internship Hospital, 2010)

Ohio State University College of Medicine (Medical School, 2009)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Rheumatology

DH

Dr. David Hamm

3.7

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-6293

American Board of Internal Medicine

Wayne State University (Medical School, 1971)

English

Rheumatology

AH

Dr. Andrew Head

3.4

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-8088

American Board of Internal Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI / MAIN CAMPUS (Medical School, 1998)

English

Holland Hospital

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

University of Michigan Health West

Rheumatology

JJ

Dr. John Uhl Jr

2.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-7700

American Board of Internal Medicine

IU Health University (Fellowship Hospital, 1985)

East Va Grad School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 1983)

St Marys Health Care (Residency Hospital, 1978)

St Marys Health Care (Internship Hospital, 1975)

University of Michigan Medical School (Medical School, 1974)

English

Rheumatology

RM

Dr. Richard Martin

2.5

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-8088

American Board of Internal Medicine

Mayo Grad School Med/mayo Fndn|Spectrum Health Butterworth Camp|Strong Mem Hsp University Rochester (Residency Hospital)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (Medical School, 1986)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

HM

Hope Mickelson

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 252-5202

English

Rheumatology

Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Adult Health Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

SA

Dr. Saja Almaaitah

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-7293

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

IQ

Dr. Iman Qaiser

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(318) 675-5930

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rapides Regional Medical Center

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Selecting a Rheumatologist in Grand Rapids

Factors to Consider

Experience and Qualifications

  • Review educational background
  • Check board certifications
  • Consider years of practice

Patient Ratings and Reviews

  • Examine star ratings
  • Read patient testimonials
  • Consider the number of reviews

Hospital Affiliations

  • Identify associated medical facilities
  • Consider proximity to your location
  • Evaluate reputation of affiliated hospitals

Specializations

  • Look for subspecialties within rheumatology
  • Consider doctors with multiple related specialties

Resources for Finding Rheumatologists

Online Directories

  • Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive information
  • Explore other medical review websites

Local Medical Centers

  • Contact Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Inquire at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Reach out to University of Michigan Health West

Professional Recommendations

  • Seek referrals from primary care physicians
  • Consult with other specialists for recommendations

Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Grand Rapids

Dr. Eric Slavin

Overview

  • Perfect 5.0 star rating with 20 reviews
  • Male physician
  • Contact: (616) 459-8088

Qualifications

  • Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship in Rheumatology at University of North Carolina
  • Medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Also affiliated with University of Michigan Health West
  • Speaks English

Dr. James Birmingham

Overview

  • 5.0 star rating with 18 reviews
  • Male physician
  • Contact: (616) 252-5202

Specializations

  • Adult Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology

Qualifications

  • Board certified by American Board of Pediatrics and American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship at Duke University School of Medicine
  • Medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Also affiliated with Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Speaks English

Dr. Danielle Robinett

Overview

  • 5.0 star rating (limited reviews)
  • Female physician
  • Contact: (616) 252-5202

Qualifications

  • Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine
  • Residency at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • Medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with Holland Hospital
  • Also affiliated with University of Michigan Health West
  • Speaks English

Additional Notable Rheumatologists

Dr. Andrew Head

  • 3.4 star rating with 18 reviews
  • Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Dr. Richard Martin

  • 2.5 star rating with 52 reviews
  • Specializes in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Hope Mickelson, NP

  • Nurse Practitioner specializing in Rheumatology
  • Offers an alternative to physician care

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Rheumatologist

Gender Preferences

Availability of both male and female rheumatologists

  • Dr. James Birmingham, Dr. Eric Slavin, and Dr. Andrew Head (male)
  • Dr. Danielle Robinett and Dr. Saja Almaaitah (female)

Importance of patient comfort in choice

  • Consider personal preference for gender of healthcare provider
  • Gender choice may impact open communication and trust

Language Considerations

Predominantly English-speaking doctors

  • All listed doctors are noted as English-speaking
  • No additional languages mentioned in the provided data

Potential need for translation services

  • Consider inquiring about translation services if needed
  • Importance of clear communication in rheumatology care

Location and Accessibility

Various hospital affiliations across Grand Rapids

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
  • University of Michigan Health West
  • Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Consideration of travel distance for regular appointments

  • Evaluate location convenience for long-term care
  • Consider parking and public transportation options