Home: Jacksonville, FL. Age: Younger than I look. Profession: Orthopedic surgeon. Alma mater: Wayne State University.
Current project: Expanding access to non-surgical spine care through Citrus Spine Institute. Recent recognition: Recently honored by Castle Connolly Medical as one of America’s Top Doctors. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Opening Citrus Spine Institute. Leaving the structure of hospital-based practice to build something from the ground up. Last book read: The Body Keeps the Score, by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.
Personality profile: Curious, grounded, analytical, resilient; patient-first. Moral compass: Integrity, transparency and compassion guide every decision I make in medicine. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual respect, clear communication, and shared purpose. Both sides prioritize long-term value over short-term gain. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Let’s look at the whole picture. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers. They shape minds, inspire curiosity and often do so with limited resources.
What was your favorite college course? Experimental Pathology, which combined rigorous scientific inquiry with real-world medical relevance and laid the foundation for how I approach problem-solving in clinical practice today. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Shawshank Redemption. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don’t chase shortcuts, do the work. That advice stuck with me. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Treat every patient like they’re family. It’s simple, but it changes everything, from how you listen to how you make decisions. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Minimally invasive surgical tools and imaging technology.
What is your big idea?
To create a regional spine wellness network centered around patient education and prevention.
What change would you like to see in the world? I’d like to see healthcare shift from reactive to proactive. What mega-trend most excites you? The rise of personalized medicine.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Precision and Purpose. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A scientist. I was fascinated by biology and the idea of discovery. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family pictures. What advice would you give your younger self? The most meaningful progress often comes from persistence, not shortcuts. Trust your instincts, but always be willing to learn from others.
Personal motto: Do what’s right, not what’s easy. Favorite quote: “In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same” (Albert Einstein).
