About Us

About Pharos Medical Group

Pharos Medical Group is a multi-specialty clinic with an emphasis on preventative medicine, clinical care, and long-term rejuvenation treatment. Our top-notch clinicians use state-of-the-art therapeutic modalities to provide our patients with an unparalleled comprehensive care.

At Pharos Medical Group, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized healthcare to our patients. Our team is committed to excellence in medical care, and we strive to ensure a positive and comfortable experience for all our patients.

About Dr. Halyabar

Dr. Olha Halyabar is a pediatric rheumatology specialist in Massachusetts. She is an assistant professor of pediatric rheumatology at Harvard medical school. She has over 18 years of experience in the medical field. After graduating from medical school she had rigorous clinical training attending residency at the George Washington University, Washington, DC. She further her training joining Harvard Medical School where she had her fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital

, Boston, MA. Since then she has helped hundreds of patients by diagnosing, treating, and managing tough medical conditions. Dr. Halyabar is affiliated with Boston Children's Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

Dr. Halyabar special interest

Childhood arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis ( JIA)
Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome ( AMPS)
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Rheumatic diseases of the joints
Soft tissue, and connective tissue diseases

Pediatric rheumatology

If your child is experiencing pain in their muscles or joints, unexplained fevers or symptoms of an autoimmune or a rheumatic condition, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or lupus, our pediatric rheumatology team is here to guide you both through diagnosis and treatment. A pediatric rheumatologist is a doctor who has extensive training in diagnosing and treating children who have rheumatic conditions, like juvenile arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues causing pain, swelling, and stiffness

When to see a rheumatologist

If your child complains of pain in their joints, muscles, bones or tendons, has symptoms of an autoimmune disorder or unexplained fevers, consider discussing the concern with your pediatrician

They may refer you to a pediatric rheumatologist if your child:

Experiences symptoms of juvenile arthritis
Has unexplained, prolonged fevers
Experiences a dermatologic condition, such as rashes, photo sensitivity, severe acne or skin pigment changes
Has muscle weakness
Has unexplained weight loss
Has recurring redness in their eyes
Has recurring mouth sores
Has inflammation around the heart or lungs (called pericarditis and pleuritis)
Is anemic
Has low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Has low white blood cells (leukopenia)

When to see a rheumatologist

From diagnosis to treatment and management of your child’s condition, our pediatric rheumatology team is dedicated to getting them back to their normal activities. Common conditions we treat include

Arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Juvenile dermatomyositis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Juvenile lupus
Juvenile scleroderma
Kawasaki disease
Lyme disease
Mixed connective tissue disease
Pediatric vasculitis diseases
Sarcoidosis
Uveitis, or inflammation of the eye

Diagnosing pediatric rheumatology conditions

When you and your child meet with your pediatric rheumatologist, they’ll start by discussing your child’s health history with you and will perform a physical exam. Your child may need additional tests to help diagnose their condition. These may include:

Blood tests

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test - This test checks the levels of antibodies in your child’s blood.
Complete blood count (CBC) - This test helps your child’s specialist check their white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet levels.
Creatinine - This test can help diagnose kidney disease.
Hematocrit - This test helps measure the number of red blood cells in the blood.
Rheumatoid factor test - This test can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Sedimentation rate - This test can help detect inflammation in your child’s body.
White blood cell count - This test helps measure the number of white blood cells in the blood

Other tests

HLA tissue typing - This can help your child’s specialist identify genetic markers of ankylosing spondylitis.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) - A small sample of fluid is taken from your child’s joint and is then tested to see if crystals, bacteria or viruses are present.
Muscle biopsy - Your child’s specialist will take small pieces of tissue to check under a microscope. This can help diagnose conditions that affect muscles, including vasculitis.
Skin biopsy - Your child’s specialist will take small pieces of tissue to check under a microscope. This can help diagnose a type of arthritis that involves the skin, such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis.
Urine test - This can help your child’s specialist check for protein and various kinds of blood cells.
X-rays or other imaging tests - These can help your child’s specialist take a closer look at the potential damage to their joint.

Pediatric rheumatology care at Pharos Medical Group

No matter the rheumatic condition your child is experiencing, our team is dedicated to helping them manage it — so they can get back to being a kid. We offer:

Personalized, compassionate care for children: Your child is more than a patient to us ― they deserve the very best care available. Our pediatric rheumatology team will work with you and your child to create a treatment plan that fits their unique needs.
World-class care in your neighborhood: With Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital located in Danville and many pediatric offices (and specialists) throughout Pennsylvania, exceptional care for your child is never far from home.
Treatments powered by research: From minor to more serious conditions, our drive to improve the health and lives of children is constant. Through ongoing education, research and innovation, we’re here to evolve pediatric rheumatology care — using the latest research-based treatments to care for your child.
Family support: We see your family like our family. As community-based advocates for children and their loved ones, we’re here to guide families at every step — from programs to community support and resources

At Pharos Medical Group, we are dedicated to providing you with the best doctors for the best care. Our team of experienced and compassionate physicians is here to address all your healthcare needs with the utmost expertise and professionalism.