Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr. Jonathan Shults offers expert orthopedic and sports medicine care at Coastal Empire Orthopedics, located in Savannah, Georgia. A graduate of the University of Florida in Gainsville, he went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the renowned Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans before entering private practice.
A competitive cyclist and runner, Dr. Shults understands athletes’ passion and dedication. He knows athletes want to get back in the game so they can perform at their best, pain-free. Dr. Shults works with young athletes, as well as weekend warriors who still play as if they were kids and older adults who want to remain active in their golden years.
Prior to joining the practice at Coastal Empire Orthopedics, Dr. Shults worked in South Carolina at the South Carolina Orthopedic Institute in Orangeburg and with the South Louisiana Medical Associates at the Bayou Orthopedic Center in Houma, Louisiana.
Dr. Shults lives in Savannah with his wife and their three children.
Lyudmila Skylarenko, APRN, is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in adult gerontology and acute care. Currently serving patients at Medicus Spine & Joint in Jacksonville, Florida, Lyudmila provides compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals dealing with a variety of health conditions. Her extensive background in orthopedics, pain management, and primary care enables her to address both acute and chronic health needs effectively.
Education and Training
Lyudmila holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Adult Gerontology from the University of South Alabama, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Northeastern State University. Her academic training, coupled with her hands-on experience, equips her with the skills needed to deliver high-quality, specialized care.
Practice History
With over a decade of experience in diverse clinical settings, Lyudmila has developed a strong foundation in patient care. Prior to joining Medicus Spine & Joint, she served as a nurse practitioner at Opdahl Chiropractors in Washington and at Valley View Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Oregon. Her prior roles, including time as an operating room nurse at Providence Newberg Hospital and Cancer Treatment Centers of America, have honed her clinical skills in various healthcare disciplines.
Skills and Specialties
Lyudmila specializes in:
Comprehensive assessments for acute, chronic, and urgent conditions
Patient interaction, education, and counseling to support long-term health
Clinical expertise in orthopedics, interventional pain management, and primary care
Known for her empathetic approach, Lyudmila excels at building strong relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and well-informed.
Credentials and Licenses
Lyudmila holds an active APRN license in Florida, an NPI number, and a DEA registration, underscoring her commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and professionalism.
For appointments with Lyudmila Skylarenko, APRN, at Medicus Spine & Joint, please contact [Medicus Contact Information]. Lyudmila looks forward to helping patients in Jacksonville manage their health concerns with personalized, compassionate care that addresses both their immediate needs and long-term wellness goals.
Dr. Castro is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic spinal surgery at BOSS Orthopaedics in Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton, SC.
Dr. Castro earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Bioengineering from Clemson University in Clemson, SC and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and went on to complete fellowship training in Complex Spinal Deformities at the University of Colorado.
During residency and fellowship training, Dr. Castro was very active in spinal biomechanics research. He has presented research at various national orthopaedic meetings and has numerous publications including journal articles and book chapters to his credit. Dr. Castro was awarded the John H. Moe Award from the Scoliosis Research Society. He remains actively involved in Spinal Biomechanics research and has designed and patented medical implants that are currently in use today.
Dr. Castro has extensive experience treating all disorders of the spine in both adults and children. Over the last 20 years he has developed one of the busiest spine practices in Denver, Colorado, and has been selected as one of Denver’s TOP DOCS. Dr. Castro is well-versed in and utilizes the latest surgical techniques including minimally invasive surgery and disc replacement. Dr. Castro typically exhausts non-surgical options prior to considering surgical intervention.
When not working, Dr. Castro enjoys fly fishing, boating, golf, and intermittently participating in IRONMAN events. His recent return to South Carolina was to be closer to family and friends.
Scott E. Strohmeyer, MD, is board certified in orthopaedic surgery, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. He is proud to serve patients at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
After graduating with honors from Auburn University, Dr. Strohmeyer received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama (USA). He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery from USA and completed his fellowship training in spine surgery at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Strohmeyer’s clinical interests include all disorders of the degenerative spine. He has a special interest in conservative non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, which allows his patients to continue an active lifestyle. When possible, Dr. Strohmeyer utilizes minimally invasive techniques to ensure a quick recovery.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a member of the North American Spine Society and South Carolina Spine Society. He continues to be active with the AO Foundation in teaching new advances in spinal care and new surgical techniques.
Dr. Strohmeyer is married to Dr. JoAnn Csakany, a board-certified OB/GYN, and they have two daughters, Abigail and Mary Alice.
“Dr. Strohmeyer met with me and explained all my options with my foot problem. He has ordered an MRI and also referred me to a nerve doctor. Hopefully all these tests will get to the bottom of my Foot Drop problem.”
Dr. Scott Strohmeyer, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
4810 Bluffton Pkwy
Ste 102
Bluffton, SC 29910
4.87(1004)
4.92
(177)
Derek Winebrenner, PA-C
Physician Assistant 24.6 mi
Derek Winebrenner, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Followed by a Bachelor of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Derek has 30 years of orthopaedic experience, including surgical, clinical, High School and College sports team coverage and urgent care aspects.
Derek is a member of PI Alpha, the National Honor Society of Physician Assistants, former Student Delegate for the American Academy of Physician Assistants and former Vice President and Membership Director for the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. He was an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, along with being a preceptor for Cumberland University, Wake Forest University,University of Southern California, Marietta College and Lincoln Memorial
Devin Dukes, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant. Dukes received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with honors. He was the Captain of the UNC Junior Varsity Basketball team and began his medical career working as an EMT. He then returned to the University of North Carolina where he received his Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. He served as the class president while receiving didactic and clinical training in Orthopedics with specialized training in Sports Medicine and Total Joint subspecialties. Dukes is also a member of several professional associations including the American Association of Physician Assistants, and the American Heart Association. He believes in empowering patients to be active participants in their medical care. He tailors patient-specific treatment plans that include both cutting-edge nonoperative treatment modalities as well as traditional interventions. His practice also includes serving as the surgical first assist in total joint surgery and he provides guidance on operative management to his patients when appropriate.
Cristina Laabs, MPAS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants and recognized with an Award for Clinical Excellence.
Before becoming a Physician Assistant, Cristina served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for seven years, gaining extensive hands-on experience in acute patient care in the prehospital setting. Following graduation from PA school, Cristina completed an additional year of specialized training through the Norwalk Hospital/Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Residency Program. There, she gained advanced experience in specialties including orthopedic surgery, trauma surgery, and acute surgical care. She went on to practice trauma surgery in Connecticut and California, gaining extensive operative and inpatient experience with musculoskeletal injuries and complex surgical patients.
Cristina brings a strong surgical foundation and a patient-centered approach to orthopedic care, with a particular focus on helping patients recover function, regain mobility, and return to an active lifestyle. She is also certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Basic Life Support (BLS), and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Originally from Connecticut, Cristina now lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and outdoor activities.
Patrick Pallitto, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery. He specializes in hip and knee replacements, with expertise in both primary and revision arthroplasty, robotics, and the direct anterior approach. His clinical approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, personalized care plans, restoration of function and long-term joint health.
Dr. Pallitto’s practice philosophy as a total joint surgeon is centered on restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. He believes every patient deserves an individualized treatment plan built on evidence-based medicine, advanced surgical techniques, and compassionate care. He emphasizes shared decision-making, taking the time to listen and ensure patients understand their options, both surgical and nonsurgical, so they feel empowered throughout their journey. The goal is not only to replace a joint, but to improve overall quality of life, function, and confidence in movement.
He is trained on both the MAKO SmartRobotics™ system and the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee replacement. This advanced technology allows for highly personalized surgical planning and precise implant placement, resulting in improved alignment, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times.
Dr. Pallitto joined BOSS from UPMC in Pittsburgh, where he practiced across several top-tier hospitals and contributed to orthopaedic research and education.
A New Jersey native and graduate of the College of Charleston, he earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, and pursued fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is an inductee of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and a member of the American Orthopaedic Association Emerging Leaders program.
Dr. Pallitto is also an active contributor to orthopaedic research, with published work in several peer-reviewed journals on a wide range of topics, reflecting a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and improving surgical outcomes for diverse patient populations. In his free time he enjoys exercising, fishing, golf, and spending time with his wife, Lindsey, and their two young children.
Dr. Scott is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery at BOSS Orthopaedics in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, SC.
Expertise
Dr. Scott’s expertise focuses on the shoulder and elbow, specifically in relation to sports medicine, trauma, minimally-invasive arthroscopy, replacement, and the complex reconstruction of these joints.
Education and Training
Doctor of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center
Fellowship in Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Brown University
Professional Background
His training also included pediatric orthopaedics at the DuPont Institute and orthopaedic oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering during his residency. He also completed the prestigious orthopaedic shoulder and elbow fellowship at Brown University, focusing on the upper extremity, including shoulder resurfacing, total shoulder and reverse total shoulder replacement, as well as advanced minimally-invasive techniques of shoulder and elbow arthroscopy.
Practice Achievements
Since beginning practice in the Lowcountry in 2012, Dr. Scott has performed hundreds of shoulder and elbow surgeries annually and has been voted “Best Orthopaedist” by readers of a local magazine.
39 Hospital Center Commons, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926 - (843) 681-2363
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Scott is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of numerous other professional orthopaedic and medical societies. He has authored peer-reviewed journal publications and academic book chapters for orthopaedic surgery, including being the lead author for a shoulder chapter in the 2025 edition of Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Shoulder and Elbow 6.
“Dr. Scott is very personable, spoke to me directly about my problem while looking at me, seemed concerned about the issue and eager to make me comfortable with our decision. He smiled a lot and has a wonderful personality, I felt he cares for his patients and is very knowledgeable in his practice. I highly recommend this Dr. and will definitely feel comfortable having him do my surgery if it comes to that.”
Dr. Douglas Scott, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
4810 Bluffton Pkwy
Ste 102
Bluffton, SC 29910
4.91(1361)
4.91
(1404)
Dr. Mark Dean, MD
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon 24.6 mi
Mark Dean, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with particular expertise in sports medicine and shoulder and knee injuries. He currently sees patients at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
After completing his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Dean received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Subsequently, he did a fellowship in shoulder and knee surgery and sports medicine at the prestigious Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado.
Dr. Dean’s primary focus is sports medicine for active patients of all ages, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction of shoulder and knee injuries. Over the past 20 years, he has performed more than 14,000 surgeries on adult and pediatric patients, including high school, college, and professional athletes, as well as senior athletes.
Dr. Dean has lectured at the regional and national levels on orthopaedic topics with particular emphasis on shoulder and knee injuries, skiing, tennis, and golf-related injuries. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has served as a board member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Fellowship Exam Committee. Additionally, he has contributed many academic articles and book chapters to such publications as the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, and the Handbook of Sports Medicine.
Locally, Dr. Dean serves as the team physician for many area high school athletic teams and as a consultant to elite tennis and golf academies. He has also served as a team physician for the Denver Broncos, the United States Disabled Ski Team, the US Pro Ski Tour, and the US Olympic Ski Team. He is married to Brooke Dean, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, and has three children, Hunter, Elise, and Jenna.
“Listens and is totally concerned with why you are there. Gives you the pros and cons before doing anything. Wish other doctors took that kind of time when you’re in there nervous and need answers.”
Dr. Mark Dean, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
4810 Bluffton Pkwy
Ste 102
Bluffton, SC 29910
4.91(1404)
4.91
(1490)
Dr. Ralph Salzer, MD
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon 24.6 mi
Dr. Salzer is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at BOSS Orthopaedics in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, SC, specializing in joint, hand, and general orthopaedic surgery.
Education and Training
Doctor of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University Medical Center
Advanced Training in Sports Medicine, Hughston Clinic
Professional Background
A native of New Orleans, Dr. Salzer completed medical school and residency at Tulane University, followed by advanced training in sports medicine at the prestigious Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, under the direction of Drs. Jack Hughston and James Andrews.
Dr. Salzer established Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine (now BOSS) in 1987 to fill the local need for state-of-the-art orthopaedic care with an emphasis on principles of sports medicine, utilizing physical therapy extensively, with surgeries only done in the context of the rehabilitation process.
Practice Philosophy
Although many of these techniques were originally developed for athletes, Dr. Salzer applies the same principles to problems that are common to the general population with outstanding outcomes.
39 Hospital Center Commons, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926 - (843) 681-2363
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Salzer has a broad range of interests in orthopaedics and approaches every patient on a comprehensive basis. Whenever possible, he focuses on non-operative treatment and improving patients’ conditioning and flexibility before surgical consideration.
Dr. Salzer has surgical and non-operative experience in treating a broad variety of orthopaedic conditions, including spine, hip, knee, and shoulder. He also has expertise in hand surgery, treating a wide variety of hand disorders. Although he was trained in spine surgery, he now focuses on the non-operative conservative management of spine disorders. When surgery is needed, he refers patients to his partners, orthopaedic spine surgeons, Drs. Scott Strohmeyer and Andrew Castro.
Cristina Laabs, MPAS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants and recognized with an Award for Clinical Excellence.
Before becoming a Physician Assistant, Cristina served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for seven years, gaining extensive hands-on experience in acute patient care in the prehospital setting. Following graduation from PA school, Cristina completed an additional year of specialized training through the Norwalk Hospital/Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Residency Program. There, she gained advanced experience in specialties including orthopedic surgery, trauma surgery, and acute surgical care. She went on to practice trauma surgery in Connecticut and California, gaining extensive operative and inpatient experience with musculoskeletal injuries and complex surgical patients.
Cristina brings a strong surgical foundation and a patient-centered approach to orthopedic care, with a particular focus on helping patients recover function, regain mobility, and return to an active lifestyle. She is also certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Basic Life Support (BLS), and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Originally from Connecticut, Cristina now lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and outdoor activities.
Patrick Pallitto, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery. He specializes in hip and knee replacements, with expertise in both primary and revision arthroplasty, robotics, and the direct anterior approach. His clinical approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, personalized care plans, restoration of function and long-term joint health.
Dr. Pallitto’s practice philosophy as a total joint surgeon is centered on restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. He believes every patient deserves an individualized treatment plan built on evidence-based medicine, advanced surgical techniques, and compassionate care. He emphasizes shared decision-making, taking the time to listen and ensure patients understand their options, both surgical and nonsurgical, so they feel empowered throughout their journey. The goal is not only to replace a joint, but to improve overall quality of life, function, and confidence in movement.
He is trained on both the MAKO SmartRobotics™ system and the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee replacement. This advanced technology allows for highly personalized surgical planning and precise implant placement, resulting in improved alignment, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times.
Dr. Pallitto joined BOSS from UPMC in Pittsburgh, where he practiced across several top-tier hospitals and contributed to orthopaedic research and education.
A New Jersey native and graduate of the College of Charleston, he earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, and pursued fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is an inductee of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and a member of the American Orthopaedic Association Emerging Leaders program.
Dr. Pallitto is also an active contributor to orthopaedic research, with published work in several peer-reviewed journals on a wide range of topics, reflecting a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and improving surgical outcomes for diverse patient populations. In his free time he enjoys exercising, fishing, golf, and spending time with his wife, Lindsey, and their two young children.
Devin Dukes, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant. Dukes received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with honors. He was the Captain of the UNC Junior Varsity Basketball team and began his medical career working as an EMT. He then returned to the University of North Carolina where he received his Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. He served as the class president while receiving didactic and clinical training in Orthopedics with specialized training in Sports Medicine and Total Joint subspecialties. Dukes is also a member of several professional associations including the American Association of Physician Assistants, and the American Heart Association. He believes in empowering patients to be active participants in their medical care. He tailors patient-specific treatment plans that include both cutting-edge nonoperative treatment modalities as well as traditional interventions. His practice also includes serving as the surgical first assist in total joint surgery and he provides guidance on operative management to his patients when appropriate.
Scott E. Strohmeyer, MD, is board certified in orthopaedic surgery, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. He is proud to serve patients at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
After graduating with honors from Auburn University, Dr. Strohmeyer received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama (USA). He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery from USA and completed his fellowship training in spine surgery at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Strohmeyer’s clinical interests include all disorders of the degenerative spine. He has a special interest in conservative non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, which allows his patients to continue an active lifestyle. When possible, Dr. Strohmeyer utilizes minimally invasive techniques to ensure a quick recovery.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a member of the North American Spine Society and South Carolina Spine Society. He continues to be active with the AO Foundation in teaching new advances in spinal care and new surgical techniques.
Dr. Strohmeyer is married to Dr. JoAnn Csakany, a board-certified OB/GYN, and they have two daughters, Abigail and Mary Alice.
“Dr. Strohmeyer met with me and explained all my options with my foot problem. He has ordered an MRI and also referred me to a nerve doctor. Hopefully all these tests will get to the bottom of my Foot Drop problem.”
Dr. Castro is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic spinal surgery at BOSS Orthopaedics in Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton, SC.
Dr. Castro earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Bioengineering from Clemson University in Clemson, SC and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and went on to complete fellowship training in Complex Spinal Deformities at the University of Colorado.
During residency and fellowship training, Dr. Castro was very active in spinal biomechanics research. He has presented research at various national orthopaedic meetings and has numerous publications including journal articles and book chapters to his credit. Dr. Castro was awarded the John H. Moe Award from the Scoliosis Research Society. He remains actively involved in Spinal Biomechanics research and has designed and patented medical implants that are currently in use today.
Dr. Castro has extensive experience treating all disorders of the spine in both adults and children. Over the last 20 years he has developed one of the busiest spine practices in Denver, Colorado, and has been selected as one of Denver’s TOP DOCS. Dr. Castro is well-versed in and utilizes the latest surgical techniques including minimally invasive surgery and disc replacement. Dr. Castro typically exhausts non-surgical options prior to considering surgical intervention.
When not working, Dr. Castro enjoys fly fishing, boating, golf, and intermittently participating in IRONMAN events. His recent return to South Carolina was to be closer to family and friends.
Derek Winebrenner, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Followed by a Bachelor of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Derek has 30 years of orthopaedic experience, including surgical, clinical, High School and College sports team coverage and urgent care aspects.
Derek is a member of PI Alpha, the National Honor Society of Physician Assistants, former Student Delegate for the American Academy of Physician Assistants and former Vice President and Membership Director for the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. He was an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, along with being a preceptor for Cumberland University, Wake Forest University,University of Southern California, Marietta College and Lincoln Memorial
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