Recently added to *U.S. News & World Report database of Best Doctors, and received the distinction of Best Doctor in the field of Rheumatology in "Inside New Jersey Magazine", Dr. Michael P. Lewko has been practicing in the medical field specializing in Geriatrics and Rheumatology for over 20 years since receiving his degree from Rutgers Medical School and fellowship training at Brown University and University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.

See more "Best Doctor" Accolades Dr. Michael P. Lewko has received

In addition to his office practice through out these years, he has served proudly as Chief of Geriatrics as well as a Faculty Member in the Departments of Medicine and Family Practice at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center. Academically, his role as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Clinical Assistant Professor with the University Of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Johnson Wood Johnson Medical School and St. George's Medical School requires him to stay current on the latest research and medical treatments in the fields of Geriatrics and Rheumatology.

Previous positions held include Medical Director for Saint Vincent 's Nursing Home and for Preakness Health Care Center.

Presently he is affiliated with St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center (Paterson, NJ), Mount Sinai Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson, Saint George's Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Rheumatology.

He currently practices Adult and Geriatric Rheumatology at the, NJ Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, located in Clifton , New Jersey .

*U.S. News & World Report - Dr. Michael P. Lewko was recently added to U.S. News & World Report database of Best Doctors, derived from Castle Connolly's database of Top Doctors, which all were recommended for their clinical skills by other doctors and individually vetted by a physician-led research team. Consumers can search for a Top Doctor by location, hospital affiliation, and a full range of specialties and subspecialties.

"For decades, the Best Hospitals rankings have helped guide patients who need an especially high level of care to hospitals that excel in providing it," said Avery Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings Editor. "Top Doctors has a similar mission. We want to help consumers find the doctors in their area who come highly recommended by other physicians."

Castle Connolly assembled the roster of Top Doctors by soliciting nominations from physicians in academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and regional hospitals and physicians in private practice. Its research team then reviewed each nominee's training, achievements, and appointments, among other credentials.

Castle Connolly guides are trusted and heavily utilized sources for finding the best healthcare. They are respected not only by consumers seeking healthcare information but also by doctors who use it to make referrals. There is no charge to physicians selected to be included in our guides.

Irina Raklyar, MD, FACR

Dr. Raklyar brings her extensive work and study experience to The NJ Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center. Receiving her Medical Degree from the State University of New York and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist *, Dr. Raklyar performed her residency at Georgetown University at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, culminating as Chief Fellowship in the final year. Board Certified in in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Raklyar brings a youthful optimism in her treatment of the various ailments associated with Arthritis, and Osteoporosis.

Bestowed Honors include: 2007 American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Award, American College of Rheumatology Annual Slide Competition Case Study Winner and SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Initiative.

She has also participated in various research projects including an investigation of outcomes in SLE patients following renal transplantation at Washington Hospital Center, Dept. of Rheumatology; Effects of sliding scale insulin administration on glucose control with patients with diabetes, Characteristics of risk factors for African American women, effects on bone density at the State University of New York, Downstate, Department of Endocrinology, and a observational study to study management of acute asthma in emergency departments at the Downstate and Kings County Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York.

She also was published in “ Nutrition & Metabolism ” as a contributor on the Differential effect of obesity on bone mineral density in White, Hispanic and African American Woman.

*Clinical Densitometry focuses on bone mass measurement and skeletal integrity. Loss of bone mass can place individuals at risk for fractures and skeletal deterioration. Although bone mass can be lost for a variety of reasons, one of the most common is age-related osteoporosis.

Dr. Louisa Ziglar

Dr. Ziglar received her Rheumatology Fellowship training at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases and medical degree from State University of New York Downstate Medical School.  Prior to joining our group she held an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine faculty appointment at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  Dr. Ziglar's was awarded “Fellow of the Year” for Rheumatology by the NYU Internal Medicine Residency Program in 2010. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Of her many interests in the field of rheumatology, Dr. Ziglar's research focused on Osteoporosis and Lupus. Her interest began in 2001 through an osteoporosis research grant at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York from American Federation of Aging Research. She later served as site coordinator for the AROSE Lupus reclassification study at SUNY Downstate. More recently, her lab research on bone growth was accepted by the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting abstract presentation.  Dr. Ziglar brings to the practice recognized expertise in the current advances in rheumatology and practical skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound, diagnostic studies and treatment options.

Indeed, with the addition of Dr. Ziglar, we are excited of the opportunity to expand and enhance the quality of care for your patients at the NJ Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center.