Dr. 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.
