Our Team
 Michael H. Weisman, MD Director, Division of Rheumatology |  Mariko L. Ishimori, MD Staff Physician, Division of Rheumatology |
Patients of Rheumatology Services at Cedars-Sinai receive care from a team of healthcare specialists and experts. Since many rheumatoid disorders are chronic and have far-ranging effects on the ability to participate in daily activities, a team of healthcare professionals can best help patients manage these conditions.
Focusing on the patient, Rheumatology Services' multidisciplinary team:
- Assesses symptoms
- Interprets the results of advanced laboratory and radiological examinations
- Evaluates the need for hospitalization
- Reviews the effects of symptoms on the patient's ability to participate in life physically, emotionally and socially
- Assesses the need for orthopedic or corrective intervention
- Evaluates the possible need for referrals to other healthcare providers
- Creates an ongoing plan to manage the condition and symptoms
- With the patient's input, determines treatment priorities
- Develops a treatment plan to best control the disease and its symptoms while improving the ability to function
In addition to the primary care physician and a rheumatologist, each patient's healthcare team may consist of:
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Physiatrists
- Physical therapists
- Psychologists
- Social workers
