SUNCOAST RHEUMATOLOGY

Dr. Susan Zito, DO, MPH, FACOI, FACR

Dr. Zito received her medical degree from Des Moines University in 2002 after a former career in medical journalism. During this time she was awarded the Dorothy Diener Memorial Academic Scholarship twice and was president of the school’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association. She had previously earned a Masters of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL and a Bachelors Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Zito completed her Internal Medicine internship and residency at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, FL. She was co-chief resident and awarded the Resident Instructor of the Year in 2004. She is an active fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and was fellowship trained in her subspecialty from Nova Southeastern University via Bay Pines VA Medical Center and Sun Coast Hospital. She is also honored with the distinction of fellow from the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

Dr. Zito is dually board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. She is a fellow of the American College of Ethical Physicians and a Certified Clinical Densitometrist by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. In 2008, Dr. Zito was proudly named the Internal Medicine Clinical Instructor of the Year as part of her faculty appointment with the Rheumatology fellowship and Internal Medicine residency programs at Largo Medical Center in Largo, FL. She remains committed to peer education for her colleagues and is honored to actively mentor medical students and physicians in training.

Since 2008, Dr. Zito has proudly earned the annual distinction in the top 5% of national physicians for the “Patients’ Choice Award” in Rheumatology. This distinction is determined based on unsolicited patient reviews and multiple practice markers. She also was featured in the magazine Arthritis Today as one of their “Top Docs” in 2010 and has done medical expert segments for Lifetime Television Network’s morning show Balancing Act.

While Dr. Zito excels at all aspects of Rheumatology, she has previously been involved in clinical research involving Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and Osteoarthritis. She has also published professionally in medical journals regarding the areas of Vasculitis, Mastocystosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Dr. Zito is a vegetarian and strives to keep her patients happy and healthy. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, which includes her husband, 2 teenagers, and several pets. They enjoy RV traveling, tennis, music, reading, faith, community service, and helping to care for extended family.

Suncoast Rheumatology

We consider it a privilege to participate in the care of all of our patients. We strive to offer a comprehensive evaluation and the latest treatment options and technologies available for arthritis, systemic rheumatic diseases, and osteoporosis. We are also committed to providing compassionate care that is individualized and unique to each patient, provided by our highly trained staff. Part of your visit will always include discussion of your diagnosis, treatment options, and expectations. We continually aim to help restore your quality of life and provide personalized options that maximize outcomes.

Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art, compassionate care to those with arthritis, rheumatologic diseases, systemic autoimmunity, and osteoporosis. We care about our patients and focus on comprehensive evaluation and treatment using all the necessary resources of modern medicine, in addition to supplying you with the information and tools you need to take control of your own health and maximize your quality of life.

Our well-educated and trained staff is equipped with the and expertise necessary to set, administer, and manage a comprehensive treatment plan that’s right for you. Dr. Zito and the team of healthcare professionals at Suncoast Rheumatology combine their extensive experience and expertise with diagnostic services that include cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to provide personalized healthcare for you, including a full service infusion suite.

At Suncoast Rheumatology you are presented with treatment options, and you can decide which option to choose. Our healthcare team is talented and eager to furnish you with the information and assistance needed to make you comfortable with your condition and treatment decisions so you can be an empowered patient. Every team member reflects our commitment to providing you with the best quality care possible.

Services at Suncoast Rheumatology include Joint Injection Therapy, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Viscosupplementation, Trigger Point Injections, and Infusion Therapy. All FDA-approved infusion therapies for rheumatologic illnesses are available in our infusion center. If you need an infusion of any of the biologic drugs listed on this page, you can receive them in the comfort of our office infusion suite with the healthcare team you trust. At Suncoast Rheumatology, you can expect personalized, quality care with staff who will know you, your condition, and how to provide excellent care.

Our Infusion Suite features a semi-private treatment area whereby you can interact with others receiving similar treatment. If you prefer private enjoyment however, our TV and web enabled iPads; personal earphones; wireless internet; and reclining heat, massage, and lift chairs will provide just the relaxing atmosphere you desire. Patients also have access to refrigerators, a microwave, and a coffee/tea bar. Our office takes care of all insurance pre-certification for the procedures provided, coordinates care with pharmacies if needed, and performs pre-authorizations and anything else that is required to provide treatment. The suite is staffed by the highest quality infusion nurses highly trained in infusion and intravenous (IV) therapies, who are sensitive to the unique challenges of each patient. They are experienced in maintaining central venous access devices including implanted ports and are committed to assist in the education of patients about their treatment and health outcomes. Our team strives to provide a convenient and personal setting and make your treatment as therapeutic as medically and emotionally possible.

APPs

Nicole Koda

AARA Care Physicians
AARA Doctor Zito

Suncoast Rheumatology

Location:
13425 Belcher Rd S.
Largo, FL 33771
Phone: (727) 223-9610
Fax: (727) 303-3193

Website: www.suncoastrheumatology.com

Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology