Dr. Vanya Wagler, a rheumatologist at United Regional Physician Group, treats patients with all forms of arthritis and autoimmune disease. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and many other less common conditions such as systemic vasculitis.
Dr. Wagler graduated from Sterling College in Kansas before earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Wagler completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Next, he completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Wagler served on active duty in the U.S. Army for 9 years, earning the rank of Major and being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal before being honorably discharged in 2016.
Dr. Wagler chose to practice rheumatology because of the unique mix of interesting diseases along with the opportunity to improve patients’ quality of life through novel treatments. “The therapies we have for rheumatoid arthritis can prevent the joint deformities we used to see. We don’t see these problems nearly as often as we used to.”
Dr. Wagler is grateful for the opportunity to improve patients’ lives through his practice. He is determined to investigate the root of an issue and inform his patients about the condition they are experiencing. He advocates for healthy lifestyle changes for his patients along with the latest medical therapies.
Outside of work, Dr. Wagler values time with his wife, Maeleena, and their four children. He credits his wife for being a constant support. He enjoys time outdoors, running, and drinking coffee. When he’s not outside, he reads regularly, particularly about history, biography and current events.