About Us - Viva Rheumatology

The Founder of Viva Rheumatology

Suyien Zhaz-Leitner, MD

Dr. Zhaz-Leitner is the founder of Viva Rheumatology, a spinout from Dr. Catherine Kowal’s longtime private practice in Naples, FL. Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Zhaz-Leitner has been practicing domestically for close to 15 years. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner is double-board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine. She completed her internship and residency of internal medicine at New York-Downtown Hospital affiliated with the prestigious New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and Weill Cornell Medical College, and rheumatology fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center/Brooklyn University Hospital in New York. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner is fluent in English, Spanish and Cantonese. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner is an active fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, active member of the Collier County Medical Society and is affiliated with NCH Healthcare System in Naples. Following Dr. Kowal’s lead, she is also active within the Florida Society of Rheumatology. When not in the office, Dr. Zhaz-Leitner enjoys spending time with her growing family. She resides in Naples with her husband, daughter, son, and mini-goldendoodle. Dr. Zhaz-Leitner considers herself a foodie. Although growing up in Venezuela, her parents are originally from China which has further influenced her worldly pallet when it comes to cuisine. She enjoys tennis, running and salsa dancing. Her interests are the assessment and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, giant cell arteritis, vasculitis, and other autoimmune inflammatory disorders.

DR. SUYIEN ZHAZ-LEITNER

Catherine Kowal, MD

DR. CATHERINE KOWAL

For over 30 years, Dr. Kowal ran her own physician practice in Naples, Florida treating all forms of autoimmune diseases and arthritis. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She received her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean and then completed her internship and residency through University of Pennsylvania at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. Her fellowship training occurred at the Medical College of Pennsylvania associated with University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kowal has been president of the Collier Medical Society and is very active with the Florida Society of Rheumatology and the Florida Medical Association. She also is active with the American Women in Rheumatology group. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at NOVA SE University in their PA program. She has a wonderful husband who is a radiologist, and they have two grown daughters and one grandson. She enjoys sports and participates in competitive tennis and snow skiing (not in Florida!). She also loves music and traveling and volunteers freely in the Neighborhood Health Clinic. All in all, she leads a very active lifestyle.

Experience Infusion Therapy in Comfort

When oral medications aren’t providing the relief you need from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions, our in-office infusion suite offers hope through cutting-edge biologic therapies. Studies show that patients receiving infusions in rheumatology offices report higher satisfaction with staff interaction and expertise compared to hospital settings.

Dr. Zhaz-Leitner personally oversees your care from the adjacent room during every infusion, ensuring your safety while our experienced registered nurses monitor you throughout your treatment. You’ll see the same caring nurses each visit, creating a personalized experience where the healthcare team knows you and your condition What is infusion therapy? Rheumatology services at OSMS. Many patients find that the scheduled appointment becomes a welcomed break from daily activities, where all the medical work is handled by our expert staff in a supportive environment.

Our comfortable infusion suite features reclining chairs, complimentary WiFi, and refreshments, making your 30-minute to 4-hour treatment as relaxing as possible. These advanced biologic medications work by targeting specific parts of your immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage offering new hope when traditional treatments haven’t been enough.