Our Team
James Birmingham, M.D.
James Birmingham, M.D. is a fellowship-trained, board-certified rheumatologist dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of a multitude of rheumatological conditions in adults and children. He has been practicing in the Grand Rapids area for over 15 years and partners with his patients to facilitate a better quality of life through the management and treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Birmingham knows that the pursuit of good health is more than just well-reasoned, evidenced based medical interventions. Treating disease and building a healthy lifestyle means staying abreast of the latest scientific evidence, but also requires awareness of genetic predisposition to disease and the holistic integration of daily habits such as good sleep, healthy diet, proper exercise, stress management and emotional and spiritual support.
He and his wife have seven children and they enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and watching their kids’ (and Ohio State!) sporting events.
Medical School
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Residency
- Internal Medicine/Pediatrics–Michigan State University
Fellowship
- Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology–Duke University
Board Certifications
- Rheumatology by American Board of Internal Medicine
- Pediatric Rheumatology by the American Board of Pediatrics
Andrew Lewandoski, D.O.
Andrew Lewandoski, D.O. is a fellowship-trained, board-certified rheumatologist with a passion for treating individuals living with chronic pain. His predominant goal as a physician is to improve functionality and decrease suffering of patients living with chronic pain syndromes through evidence-based medical interventions, patient validation and education, trauma-informed care, and behavioral modification. Dr. Lewandoski emphasizes lifestyle habits such as restorative sleep, stress reduction, beneficial movement, and intentional eating in concert with rheumatologic medication as indicated. In addition, Dr. Lewandoski values tracking patient outcomes in order to inform decisions, improve the efficiency and efficacy of his practice, and advance the overall care of those with chronic pain.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Andrew moved back to the area after completing his fellowship in 2019. He and his wife Annie have two daughters, Evelyn and Margot. In his free time, Andrew enjoys being with family and friends, reading, listening to and playing music, and creating exercise routines he will variably follow.
Medical School
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Served as Chief Resident the academic year following residency
Fellowship
- Adult Rheumatology, University of Michigan
Board Certifications
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Julia Bos
Julia is a board-certified physician assistant who obtained her Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Dordt University.
Julia is dedicated to helping diagnose and treat patients with all forms of rheumatological conditions as part of the team at River City Rheumatology. She is passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life through better health so that they can return to doing the things they love. Julia enjoys getting to know patients of all ages and backgrounds. In her free time, she likes to read, study the Bible, and spend time outdoors.
Rachel Kloosterman, FNP-C
Rachel is a board-certified nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Michigan State University, as well as a bachelor’s in psychology from Calvin University. Rachel then earned her graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and worked in primary care for three years prior to joining this rheumatology team.
She enjoys providing exceptional care to her patients by listening to their story, advocating for their health, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. She has a special interest in juvenile arthritis and is excited to provide education, encouragement and support to patients and their families.
Rachel and her husband, along with their four boys, enjoy being outside, camping and spending time with family.
Amy Byler, PA-C, RD
Amy is a board-certified physician assistant and registered dietitian with over 16 years of experience working in healthcare. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics at Central Michigan University and graduated summa cum laude. She worked as a registered dietitian prior to earning her Masters of Science degree in physician assistant studies at Western Michigan University. Amy has spent the last 14 years working as a physician assistant in the following specialties prior to joining our rheumatology team in the spring of 2023: Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology.
With her background working as a physician assistant and registered dietitian, Amy understands the complexity of chronic disease and enjoys caring for patients of all ages who find themselves battling these illnesses. Her main goal is to utilize proper treatment plans for the most up to date care while also helping patients find their healthiest self. Living a healthy lifestyle can be attainable and more importantly, enjoyable!
Amy and her husband, Nathan, have three boys and an English cream retriever. They love spending time together during the summer at Lake Michigan with family and friends.
Staci R. BSN, RN
Staci received her nursing degree at Grand Valley State University. She has been a nurse for 19 years and has almost 14 years of experience in Rheumatology.
She and her husband have 3 children. They enjoy their time watching the kids participate in several different sports. When not at a sporting event they enjoy boating and spending the day on the lake.
Luz S. LPN
Luz studied at Grand Rapids Community College, and has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 13+ years. She and her husband have three rescue dogs, and they enjoy the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family
Abbie V. MA
Abbie has been a medical assistant for 12 years. She trained at Davenport University achieving certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants and has 11 years of experience in rheumatology.
Abbie and her husband have two children and their family loves to camp and explore the Great Lakes with their boat.
Deb K. MA
Deb has been a medical assistant for 31 years, having working primarily in Urgent Care before moving into rheumatology. She and her husband have four children, three children-in-law and four grandchildren.
They enjoy traveling to spend time with them, as well as vacationing at their summer place in Six Lakes.
Kendra B. MA
Kendra has been a registered medical assistant for 5 years and received certification through The American Medical Technologist. She worked in internal medicine/pediatrics before joining our team in 2023.
Kendra and her husband have two children. As a family they enjoy being outdoors, and spending time at their summer cabin.
Katelyn D. MA
Katelyn is a sophomore in college at Grand Valley State University. She graduated from high school with her nursing and medical assistant certification and started at River City Rheumatology that same summer!
Katelyn enjoys art and cooking, as well as spending time with her family and friends in her free time.
Amber R.
Amber has associate’s degrees in both Health Information and Administration, and in Medical Coding from Davenport University, and has worked for over 17 years in healthcare administration, billing and coding.
Amber lives in NE Grand Rapids with her domestic partner, Scott, and their doodle, Jolene. She also has two grown children, a daughter and a son, who live on the east side of the state (GO GREEN!)
Amber and Scott enjoy traveling, being active, and enjoying all the seasons of Michigan at their cottage up north.
She has a passion for helping patients understand the sometimes overwhelming financial side of healthcare, including insurance processing and billing. Amber has Lupus herself, so working with patients at River City Rheumatology is very personal to her.
Contact Us
If you are interested in our services or want more information, please contact our office at (616) 320-5330.
