Rheumatology Associates
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What conditions do rheumatologists treat?
Rheumatology Associates: MDs Robert S. Katz, Alexandra Katz Small, and Ben J. Small (RA): We treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, fibromyalgia, muscle/joint pain, plus many others.
We specialize in nonsurgical musculoskeletal (bone, joint, muscle, and soft tissue) pain-relieving treatment options for those with chronic or temporary conditions.
HMG: What aspects of your careers as doctors are most rewarding?
RA: The most rewarding aspect of medicine is helping people who are sick or in a lot of pain. With the right treatment, patients can improve significantly in terms of pain, swelling, and stiffness. Oftentimes, they can return to their normal levels of functioning. It is gratifying to know that you have made a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life.
One of our patients recently commented, “I came to your office in a wheelchair, and I left pushing the wheelchair out.” What a rewarding profession we have, helping people. Nothing is more important in life than health, so if we can improve our patients’ quality of life and help them lead happier, healthier lives, we are truly grateful to be in this profession.
HMG: How do you build trust with your patients?
RA: The doctor-patient relationship is the most important aspect of medicine. The best way to build trust is to take the time to really listen and connect with your patients and help them.
The patients are what makes coming to work each day fulfilling. We love helping people improve their quality of life by reducing their pain. We also enjoy getting to know our patients as people, rather than just a medical case or diagnosis.
We all truly love the field of rheumatology. It brings meaning to our lives to be able to help care for others.
HMG: Are there any emerging treatments or therapies you are particularly excited about??
RA: There are so many exciting new drugs and treatments in the field. Every year many new medicines are developed which improve treatment of rheumatic diseases and dramatically impact our patient’s lives.
Biologic medicines have transformed our field significantly, with the reduction of pain and progressive joint damage. Many diseases that were once severe and crippling now have life-changing treatments available. Our office was involved in the trials for Enbrel, the first biologic approved for rheumatoid arthritis. We have published more than 400 research studies.
Rheumatology Associates
2450 S. Wolf Road, Westchester, Illinois
312 226 8228
RheumatologyAssociates.com
