I am an orthopaedic surgeon with specialty training in both spinal and foot and ankle problems.

I still have this website, which I have used to help educate patients about their conditions and treatment options.   Currently, I am looking for another position.

I'm confident that I would be able to add value to a new group quickly and seamlessly given my extensive experience with spine (including pain management) and foot/ankle conditions.    I have a commitment to providing top quality medical care to all patients. I am a team player who enjoys serving the needs of others, and contributing to a thriving practice.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

Medications/Physical Therapy/Fitness:
Realizing that, like for any friend or family member, our goal is to feel better as soon as possible, in the manner that is the least invasive possible, we have an initial focus on non-operative care.
Medications can relieve symptoms.  Physical therapy emphasizes strengthening body core and postural muscles. Other pain relief modalities (manipulation, ultrasound, e-stim) are often also effective in relieving symptoms.

Pain Relief:

Aside from medications, various injections and procedures are available to help our patients manage their pain including epidural injections, facet blocks, selective nerve root blocks, radiofrequency ablation (burning the involved pain sensing nerves), and discography.
However, for patients looking for management with pain medications, physicians who prescribe pain medications have significant government monitoring.

Surgery:

Options focus on minimal tissue disruption and quicker recovery as can occur with minimally invasive techniques, with approaches to the spine from the front (anterior), the side (lateral), or from the back (posterior).

In many cases, the surgery can be done in OrthoCare, our ambulatory surgery center.

 

Mission Statement:

I treat my patients with the utmost care and respect.   I start with non-operative treatments, and when needed, I offer more aggressive options including injections or surgical care. If your problem is not within my area of expertise, I will do my best to find the appropriate place for you to get the best care available.

Also, I am trained in minimally invasive techniques where spine surgery is done through small tubular retractors, without big incisions, often with quicker surgical recovery.

About me:

Abbreviated CV available here:

EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Undergraduate degree: BS, Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 1982.

Medical School: School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 1986.

Internship: Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 1987.

Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 1992.

FELLOWSHIPS (extra focused training):
Foot/ankle: University of TX Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 1993.

Spinal Disorders:  Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 2003.

Testimonials



Nick
2023-03-22T01:06:54+00:00
Nick


Darlene (and Richard)


2018-05-28T10:15:12+00:00
Darlene (and Richard)

Cherie


2018-03-26T13:20:55+00:00
Cherie


Kristy


2018-05-28T10:21:42+00:00
Kristy


Mary


2018-05-28T10:23:29+00:00
Mary


Nancy


2018-05-28T10:24:08+00:00
Nancy


Marvin


2018-05-28T10:22:44+00:00
Marvin

Jennifer


2018-05-28T10:19:24+00:00
Jennifer


Don


2018-05-28T10:18:45+00:00
Don



Peggy


2019-01-17T23:46:22+00:00
Peggy

Caryl


2018-03-26T13:16:25+00:00
Caryl


Kirk


2018-05-28T10:20:57+00:00
Kirk

Laura


2018-05-28T10:24:44+00:00
Laura

 

Note: The information contained on this website is general medical information. This information is not meant to be medical advice regarding any specific symptoms or medical conditions. Medical care is very individualized, and if you have any questions or concerns about your medical condition, please contact a physician immediately. No statement on this website is intended to diagnose or recommend specific medical care for an individual patient situation.