Dr. Ozlem Pala, MD

Dr. Ozlem Pala, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Pala is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 243-5302 to schedule.

Dr. Ozlem Pala, MD is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings her expertise to patients and their families. Dr. Pala has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, and graduated from Ege University, Medical Faculty in 1999. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Pala offers consultations in Turkish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ozlem Pala is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Ozlem Pala can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Ozlem Pala provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Managing cutaneous lupus erythematosus involves careful skincare, medication, and lifestyle choices to control inflammation and reduce the risk of further skin complications and potential organ involvement.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist is a common condition causing joint pain and stiffness, and early diagnosis with your doctor allows for proactive management to slow its progression and prevent significant disability.
• Osteoarthritis: Don't let osteoarthritis limit your activities! Early detection and appropriate management strategies, such as weight management and joint-protective exercises, can greatly reduce pain and preserve your joint health.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regular health monitoring and prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent joint pain are vital for managing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the risk of progressive joint destruction.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia indicates a decrease in bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis; taking preventive measures can help maintain bone strength and protect against fractures.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis can limit your daily activities, but proactive steps like regular exercise and managing risk factors can significantly reduce pain and maintain hand function.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints from the damaging effects of osteoarthritis starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent pain or stiffness; early intervention is key.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis can cause significant pain and stiffness in the spine; proactive management through regular doctor visits and adherence to treatment plans can greatly improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Don't let the pain of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) control your life; proactive healthcare and early treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder from the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding your risk and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and management can help slow its progression and prevent severe disability.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Ozlem Pala offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Trigger Point Injection: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To protect your joints from further damage and maintain their health, viscosupplementation using hyaluronate injections can replenish the natural cushioning, easing pain and stiffness.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Ozlem Pala is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently following a personalized skincare routine and medication plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of further skin complications associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus, fostering a greater sense of well-being and control over their health.
• By diligently following a personalized exercise plan and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist, allowing them to continue enjoying their hobbies without pain.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Ozlem Pala:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are a long-term partner in managing chronic conditions, helping prevent joint damage, and improving your overall quality of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Pala will accurately diagnose the cause of your joint pain to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows the fluid to be tested in a lab to identify the cause of the swelling, which helps determine the best treatment to prevent future issues.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis and helps assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the affected vessels. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent organ damage.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to very dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on symptom relief to prevent potential complications like dental problems and eye damage.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
1475 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-5302

Dr. Ozlem Pala, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1447372685

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Ozlem Pala are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.