Top Doctors 2021 Special Section
Aaron T. Eggebeen, M.D. – West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC
1155 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-459-8088 | mi-arthritis.com
West Michigan Rheumatology is an academically oriented specialty group that has provided consultative care for more than 100,000 patients for over 30 years. They understand and embrace the multiple roles that specialists provide, including managing complex and life-threatening diseases, prescribing powerful medications, and ‘solving the riddle.’ “We feel that it is an honor to be trusted to participate in our patients’ care,” says Richard W. Martin, M.D., M.A., one of four rheumatologists on staff. “We take this confidence seriously and promise to place their interests first.”
Dr. Martin says, the physicians at WMR have broad and deep experience in providing clinical care and conducting academic research. They provide care covering the full range of rheumatic diseases, including: rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; ankylosing spondylitis & inflammatory bowel related arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus; scleroderma, Raynaud’s syndrome, eosinophilic fasciitis and morphea; polymyositis and dermatomyositis; Sjogren’s syndrome; vasculitis; gout, and pseudogout.
WMR physicians are all board-certified and have trained at different national centers of excellence: Mayo Clinic, University of Tennessee – Memphis, University of Pittsburgh, and University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. This diversity of education provides a unique, multi-faceted perspective that greatly benefits the patient. “I have learned as much from my colleagues at WMR as I did during my fellowship.” Dr. Eric Slavin says. “Collaborating with my partners has made me a better physician. You never stop learning.”
The rheumatologists at WMR are faculty of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Patient care, resident and medical student education, and research are all part of daily practice. “We are among the few rheumatologists who provide in-patient consultations for critically ill patients in Grand Rapids at St. Mary’s Mercy Health Hospital,” Dr. Andrew Head says. “We also offer digital X-rays and physician-supervised biologic infusion therapy for the convenience of our patients.”
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, the physicians at WMR have been leaders in developing, implementing, and publishing translational research about shared decision making. a process in which clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments, and care plans based on clinical evidence. It is an underpinning of patient-centered care, one that Medicare has identified as an indicator of high-quality care. This work is consistent with the core values of listening and caring, shared by everyone at WMR.
Patients can feel confident that WMR will provide care inspired by the most advanced research and practice. “We want our work to make a difference in your life,” Dr. Aaron T. Eggebeen says.
The partners at West Michigan Rheumatology are Richard W. Martin, M.D., M.A.; Andrew J. Head, M.D.; Aaron T. Eggebeen, M.D.; and Eric T. Slavin, M.D. West Michigan Rheumatology is in the East Paris medical corridor in Grand Rapids Township.
