Meet the Professionals Behind Our Rheumatology Center

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Dr. Payman Monshie, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Dr. Payman Monshie, MD (Hashem Vahabzadeh-Monshie, M.D.) is the founder of the Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center in Northern Virginia...

Dr. Payman Monshie, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Dr. Payman Monshie, MD (Hashem Vahabzadeh-Monshie, M.D.) is the founder of the Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center in Northern Virginia. He is double board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.

Dr. Monshie successfully graduated on Top 1% of medical graduates from Azad University of Medical Sciences, where he received the Dean award for excellence in medicine; he completed his Internship and residency in New York and after completing two years of the rheumatology research fellowship at MedStar Research Institute, subsequently completed his Rheumatology fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

During the fellowship, he pursued training in musculoskeletal ultrasound to use this modality to diagnose joint and soft tissue rheumatism and perform precise ultrasound-guided joint injections.

Dr. Monshie is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and has participated in publishing multiple abstracts and manuscripts, which were published in the American Journal of Rheumatology (Arthritis & Rheumatism) and Clinical Rheumatology, Journal of the international league of Association for Rheumatology.

Dr. Monshie has earned an award for top abstract and oral presentation at 6th Annual Congress of Clinical Rheumatology and National Young Rheumatology Investigator and an award for top poster at 10th Annual Rheumatology Fellows Forum from Rheumatism Society of District of Columbia in May 2012.

Dr. Monshie has an interest in managing fibromyalgia, gout, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. Some of Dr. Monshie’s abstracts and publications are listed below:

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in African-American patients - the need to measure disease burden

Prevalence and Characteristics of Uveitis in US Veterans with Seronegative Spondyloarthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis in a Diverse Ethnic Cohort

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Dr. Hesum Chegini, D.O., F.A.C.R.

Dr. Hesum Chegini completed his Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Maryland and is board-certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Before joining our practice, Dr. Chegini dedicated nearly a decade to providing exceptional care in Maryland. He was affiliated with Washington Hospital Center, Holy Cross Hospital, and Suburban Hospital. Additionally, he served as an adjunct faculty member in Medicine for Kaiser Permanente, where he mentored residents and doctors in training. From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Chegini served as an Executive Board Member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, advocating for both physicians and patients, and his contributions were recognized. Dr. Chegini brings extensive experience in diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, as well as conditions affecting the joints, muscles,tendons, and bones. Currently accepting new patients, Dr. Chegini believes in collaborating closely with each individual to develop personalized treatment plans for recovery and long-term health.

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Dr. Arya Loghmani, D.O.

Dr. Arya Loghmani completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship training at...

Dr. Arya Loghmani, D.O.

Dr. Arya Loghmani completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship training at Louisiana State University at the University Medical Center in New Orleans. Throughout his training, Dr. Loghmani contributed to multiple research studies and presented nationally on rare and complex autoimmune diseases.

A native of Northern Virginia, Dr. Loghmani earned his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA, and his undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has participated in global health medical training in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, and volunteered extensively in hospital and community settings.

Dr. Loghmani brings experience in the diagnosis and management of a broad range of rheumatologic maladies, from common joint and autoimmune conditions to rare connective tissue diseases. He is fluent in English and Farsi, and conversational in Spanish. Committed to comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Loghmani partners with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that support their wellbeing and is currently accepting new patients.

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Amanda R. Laurent, PA-C

Amanda is a board-certified physician assistant, licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland...

Amanda R. Laurent, PA-C

Amanda is a board-certified physician assistant, licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland.
She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, near her hometown, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Neuroscience. She later went to North Carolina to pursue a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) at Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Since graduation, she has spent time in orthopedics and sleep medicine, treating patients in a variety of clinical settings. She is now excited to be working at Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center where she can continue to provide patient-centered care. She enjoys working closely with patients to make lasting changes that improve function and overall quality of life.

Outside of work, Amanda spends time with her husband and dogs and delights in reading, riding motorcycles, and indoor rock climbing.

Christine Martin, PA-C

Christine Martin is a board-certified physician assistantlicensed to practice in Virginia. She graduated magna cum laude from ClemsonUniversity with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics...

Christine Martin

Christine Martin is a board-certified physician assistant licensed to practice in Virginia. She graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Spanish. She then received her Master of Science in Health Sciences from The George Washington University’s PA program in Washington, D.C.. Christine is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

As a provider, Christine strives to empower patients through education and individualized care. She invites her patients to be an active part of their treatment plan, understanding that medical care is best delivered when providers and patients work as a team. She is excited to bring this patient care philosophy to her work at Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology, and Osteoporosis Center.

Outside of the office, Christine enjoys traveling the globe, hosting game nights, and spending time with her Goldendoodle, Cooper.

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Camryn Tower, PA-C

Camryn Tower is a board-certified physician assistant licensed to practice in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She graduated from The Ohio State University...

PA-C. Dr. Camryn

Camryn Tower is a board-certified physician assistant licensed to practice in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from University of the Cumberlands at the Florence, Kentucky campus.

Prior to joining Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology, and Osteoporosis Center, Camryn practiced in pediatric cardiac surgery, where she cared for patients across inpatient, outpatient, and surgical settings. Her experience working closely with patients and families during complex medical journeys shaped her thoughtful and attentive approach to care. She values building strong relationships with her patients and believes that clear communication and collaboration are essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Outside of work, Camryn enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, Jinx. Having recently relocated to the area, she enjoys exploring Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, discovering new neighborhoods and local favorites. She also values time spent with family and cherishes opportunities to gather together whenever she can.

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Denise Simcic

Denise found passion in caring for others while working for two nonprofit organizations supporting adults with physical, mental, and behavioral challenges...

Denise Simcic

Denise found passion in caring for others while working for two nonprofit organizations supporting adults with physical, mental, and behavioral challenges. She went to Everest College to become a Medical Assistant in 2010. She first started working in general practice, but since 2012, she has had the pleasure of working at the Arthritis Care Center and since 2017, Denise has been working at the Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center.

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Carlota Rodriguez

Carlota studied at Harrison College for Medical Assisting and received her associate’s degree in 2011...

Carlota Rodriguez

Carlota studied at Harrison College for Medical Assisting and received her associate’s degree in 2011. She first worked at an Urgent Care Clinic and started working at The Arthritis Care Center and Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center in 2014. Carlota has learned so much working here and has also come to know and love all her patients here.

Jessica Soza

Jessica started her career in the medical field in 2013 when she attended Everest College...

Jessica Soza

Jessica started her career in the medical field in 2013 when she attended Everest College. While she was at Everest College, she completed her Medical Assistant degree. She then went off and did an internship at a primary care facility which she transitioned into staying full time. In 2015, she discovered a passion for rheumatology and had transitioned into a specialty office where she has grown her knowledge by learning under her doctors and colleagues. Through her gained knowledge and expertise, she has been able to better assist all of her patients and take great care of them.

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Marlen D. Almonte

Marlen first got interested in the medical field in high school when she used to volunteer at a hospice during the holidays and special occasions...

Marlen D. Almonte

Marlen first got interested in the medical field in high school when she used to volunteer at a hospice during the holidays and special occasions. In 2016, while working for a home health care agency, she made the decision to become a medical assistant at NOVA, and in 2017 she worked at a walking clinic where she got experience in general practice and learned how to properly take care of patients with different levels of care. By 2019, she wanted to work in an area that actually helped patients in need and then had the opportunity of a full-time job doing what she loves at the Greater Washington Arthritis, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center.

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Anita Portillo

Anita is the front desk receptionist here at Greater Washington Rheumatology. She has experience with customer care...

Anita Portillo

Anita is the front desk receptionist here at Greater Washington Rheumatology. She has experience with customer care and she loves doing what she can to make our patients feel at ease. In her spare time she enjoys to sing, Dance, Play piano, Vlog and go shopping.