Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner, MD

Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Please call (239) 596-5220 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner, MD is a rheumatologist in Naples, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a patient-centered approach to her practice, collaborating with patients and their families to develop individualized plans for wellness and long-term health management. She earned her medical degree from Universitas Hang Tuah (UHT), Fakultas Kedokteran in 2006 and 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. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner has extensive experience in Vasculitides and Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and is accepting telehealth appointments. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner 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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner 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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner 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:

• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Don't let hand or wrist osteoarthritis limit your daily activities; early intervention with appropriate treatment strategies, such as physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting your hands can lead to significant joint destruction if not properly managed; focusing on early detection, appropriate medication, and regular check-ups are vital for preventing long-term complications and preserving quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Hip and thigh osteoarthritis can be effectively managed with early intervention; focusing on pain control and preserving joint function helps you maintain an active lifestyle and prevents further deterioration.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Don't let foot osteoarthritis limit your activity! By actively managing your condition with your doctor, you can reduce pain and stiffness, keeping your feet healthy and active for years to come.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Managing spinal osteoarthritis proactively through regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage, improving long-term health.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is a rare muscle disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles, causing weakness and pain; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent muscle damage and preserve your mobility.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Regular check-ups and proactive management of osteoarthritis in your shoulder can help control inflammation, slow the progression of joint damage, and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Lyme Disease: Knowing your risk factors for Lyme disease, such as tick exposure, helps you take preventive steps like wearing protective clothing and performing tick checks, minimizing your chances of developing this potentially debilitating condition.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Even without the classic rheumatoid factor, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis can still cause significant joint inflammation; effective treatment strategies focus on controlling symptoms and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent spinal stiffness, fusion, and significant pain, preserving mobility and quality of life.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, requires careful management to reduce inflammation and prevent serious consequences like organ damage or 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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Steroid Injection: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• Immune Suppressant Therapy: Immune suppressant therapy helps proactively manage autoimmune diseases by reducing the activity of your immune system, protecting your joints and other tissues from further damage.
• Infusion Therapy: Take control of your autoimmune condition with infusion therapy, a treatment option that can significantly reduce inflammation and help prevent long-term joint damage.
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Protect your joints and enhance your well-being by exploring our comprehensive approach to non-surgical pain management for arthritis and autoimmune conditions.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections can help pinpoint the source of your joint pain and inflammation, guiding your rheumatologist toward the most effective treatment plan.
• Orthovisc Injection: As a proactive step in managing osteoarthritis, Orthovisc injections can help restore joint health by supplementing the natural lubrication in your knee.

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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner 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 proactively addressing potential hand and wrist osteoarthritis with a personalized treatment plan, a patient was able to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle and prevent further joint damage. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications empowered them to confidently navigate daily activities without pain or limitations.
• By adhering to a proactive management plan, including regular check-ups and medication, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis in their hands, ensuring a higher quality of life.

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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions. They are skilled at diagnosing and treating these conditions, and work as a long-term partner to manage chronic disease, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall well-being.

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. Zhaz-Leitner's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent further damage.

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 are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

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 a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider this result along with your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

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 considered the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. The scan helps your doctor assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

1855 Veterans Park Dr Ste 103
Naples FL 34109
Phone: (239) 596-5220

Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner, 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): 1821347808

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. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner 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.