Medical Causation Analysis Consultants: 44

Dr. Jeffrey Stone, DO, MPH, FCCWS specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Medicine. He received his medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and received a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University. Dr. Stone completed a residency in aerospace medicine at Brooks Air Force Base and a fellowship in hyperbaric medicine and wound care at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. Dr. Stone is one of the first 60 physicians in the U.S.A. to receive his certification in Wound Care. He  served as Medical Director for the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit at the Institute for Exercise & Environmental Medicine from 1992-2016.

Dr. Stone offers Hyperbaric Consultanting Services to the health insurance industry, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, the Poison Control Center of North Dallas, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of General: Office of Evaluation and Inspections. From 1993 to 2011, Dr. stone served as a Senior Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Dr. Stone has been widely published in many medical journals regarding his expertise in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. He has published articles on Hyperbaric Oxygenation, Decompression Sickness, the Diabetic Foot and other wound issues.

Consulting Services Include:

• Diabetic Wound Care
• Prevention Care
• Hyperbaric Medicical Issues
• Nursing Home Nutrition
• Nursing Home Wound Analysis
• Long Term Acute Care Facilities (LTAC)
• Skilled Nursing Facility Wound Care

View Expert Witness Profile.

James M. Wheeler, MD, MPH, JD, magna cum laude in Biology / Psychology from Harvard, is an OB/GYN trained at Baylor, with subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology / Infertility at Yale. He is also a graduate of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Yale, focusing upon clinical epidemiology and biostatistics and health policy. He also earned his MPH at Yale majoring in Biostatistics, minoring in Maternal/Child Health. He graduated from the University of Houston Law Center with a JD in 2005, and was invited to join the Health Law division there. He has completed ADR training, having completed training programs separately in mediation, and arbitration.

Dr. Wheeler is a former national officer of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and served on several of their health policy committees including the Health Care Commission and the Hysterectomy Committee. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers on a wide array of topics in ob/gyn, with a particular emphasis on methodology. He has given over 200 invited lectures to ob/gyns, reproductive endocrinologists, radiologists, midwives, nurses, surgical technologists, law students et al. He sees himself first and foremost as a caregiver, and second to only that, as a teacher.

Dr. Wheeler has consulted in several hundred medicolegal matters for over 20 years, mostly in ob/gyn, but including family practice, internal medicine and several of its subspecialties, general surgery and several of its subspecialties, and dermatology. He has been a testifying expert before the FDA for drugs and devices, and has testified before U.S. Congressional staffers on health policy issues. He reviews for attorneys from both plaintiff and defense bars, as well as insurance companies (e.g. Pro-Assurance), and health plans (e.g. Harvard Community Health Plan). He has helped with Board of Medicine reviews, and constructing/defending class action suits. The combination of his training in medicine, basic and clinical research, clinical epidemiology, biostatistics and law make him a uniquely qualified person to review the complex issues of medicolegal cases.

Dr. Wheeler is a qualified first-reviewer, and a convincing expert during testimony. He has never been excused from a case as insufficiently expert.

Areas of expertise:

Gynecologic surgery Forceps / Vacuum Uses/ Complications Fetal Stress vs. Distress Cesarean vs. Vaginal Birth Shoulder Dystocia Pregnancy induced Hypertension / HELLP Syndrome Hysterectomy: Indications and Complications

Preterm Labor Incompetent Cervix Endometriosis Pelvic Adhesions Leiomyomata Uteri Infertility Advanced Reproductive Technology (IVF)

Clinton F. Merrill, Jr., MD, has over 35 years of experience in clinical Internal Medicine and 28 years of experience in Medical Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Merrill is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all solid tumors as well as the full range of hematologic malignancies. He has special expertise in benign hematology including: anemias, low blood cell counts, iron overload disorders, bleeding and clotting disorders. Litigation Support - Dr. Merrill offers expert witness services to counsel representing Plaintiff and Defendant. His services include medical record review, written reports, depositions, and trial testimony. Dr. Merrill takes pride in providing thorough record review, meticulously researched reports reflecting unbiased opinions, and excellent communication skills with the ability to make the complex understandable. Areas of Expertise:

Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Lung Cancer Tumors Leukemias Lymphomas

Myeloma Myeloproliferative Disorders Myelodysplastic Syndromes Benign Hematology Anemia Bleeding and Clotting Disorders

Tracy L. Skaer, PharmD, FASHP, FASCP is a Professor Emeritus of Pharmacotherapy with over 30 years of pharmaceutical experience. Dr. Skaer's research and professional experience include pharmacy practice, chronic pain, mental health, substance abuse, and complementary and alternative medicine. She is licensed pharmacist in California, Idaho, and Washington.

Dr. Skaer’s current research involves the use of mindfulness and multiple family group problem solving for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in those with high risk of Opioid Use. Her plans are to expand this intervention to manage chronic insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents, American Indians, veterans, and other populations. Other research interests include chronic pain, comorbid mental illness in chronic disease, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, mindfulness, complementary and alternative medicine, and pharamcoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology. Her research has been supported by over $3.2 million in grants from foundations and pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Skaer has published 110 professional abstracts, 82 research papers, 43 review articles, and 6 book chapters. She serves on the editorial boards of 3 medical professional journals, Clinical Therapeutics, Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders, and Pain Studies and Treatment. Dr. Skaer's publications have appeared in numerous journals including, Drugs, Clinical Drug Investigation, PharmacoEconomics, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, American Journal of Medicine, Harvard Review of Psychiatry, and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.

View Dr. Skaer's Expert Witness Profile.

Dr. James Strader, Jr., MD, FACC is a full-time practicing General Invasive Cardiologist, experienced in all areas of cardiovascular medicine>. Dr. Strader is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Nuclear Cardiology. He is currently in private practice and serves as the Chief of Cardiology at The Medical Center of Plano, TX. A published author in his field of expertise, Dr. Strader has given Presentation and Lectures both nationally and internationally. His most recent awards include Cardiologist of the Year”, from The Medical Center of Plano in 2011 and the Max R. Ungar Award from the USAF Society of Flight Surgeons in 2008.

Dr. Strader's main focus is on the Medical Management of all Cardiovascular Disease. He possesses specialized knowledge of Cardio Vascular Imaging and Therpeutic Procedures, including cath lab, TEE, echocardiography, stress testing, and arrhythma testing. He also has special expertise in Aeromedical Cardiology and Return-To-Flight-Status Decisions. Cardiovascular Consultation Services:

Coronary Disease Heart Attack Diagnosis and Management Arrhythmia Management Hypertension Hyperlipidemia Vascular Disease

ICU Care Critical Care Cardiac Cath Lab Alvular Heart Disease Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosis and Management CV Imaging

Certifications:

• Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2002
• Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, 2005
• Diplomate, Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology, 2008
• Fellow, American College of Cardiology, 2008
• Aeromedical Examiner, Federal Aviation Administration, 2010 View Expert Witness Profile.

William B. Stetson, MD specializes in Sports Medicine with an expertise in Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery of the shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle. He has first hand knowledge of athletic injuries and the desire that all of us have to “get back in the game”. He is an associate clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the USC Keck School of Medicine and is the team physician on the USA Men’s and Women’s volleyball teams and was with both teams in London, England for the 2012 Summer Olympics. 

Dr. Stetson utilizes leading edge diagnostic solutions to assess and repair knee injuries, shoulder injuries, elbow injuries, and conditions relating to Arthritis . State-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgery techniques such as arthroscopic surgery means faster recovery times.

Areas of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialization:

Knee Arthroscopy Shoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff Repair ACL Reconstruction Treatment of Arthritis

Knee Ligament Reconstruction Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Impingement / Bursitis Meniscus Repair and Meniscectomy Elbow Arthroscopy

Dr. Stetson has traveled extensively throughout the world teaching and lecturing about shoulder arthroscopy and recently returned from Romania and Beijing, China where he lectured about the latest techniques of shoulder arthroscopy. He has started a non-profit organization, Operation Arthroscopy, whose mission is to bring orthopaedic surgery and arthroscopy to countries and communities in need.

View Dr. Stetson's Expert Witness Profile.

Sasse Surgical Associates, PC is Northern Nevada’s premier provider of minimally invasive surgical solutions. Dr. Sasse is a nationally recognized expert in bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, minimally invasive hernia and gallbladder surgery, and regenerative wound healing. 

Areas of Expertise:

Bariatric Surgery Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass Adjustable Band Gastric Balloon Bariatric Surgery Revision

Colorectal Surgery Gallbladder Surgery da Vinci Robotic Single Site Surgery Hernia Surgery Medically Supervised Weight Loss Regenerative Wound Care

Founder and Medical Director, Kent C. Sasse, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS, FASMBS, is certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, American Board of Surgery, and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. 

Dr. Sasse performed the first laparoscopic colon resection procedure and the first laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure in northern Nevada more than 14 years ago. More recently, he is credited with performing the first daVinci Single Site gallbladder procedure in late 2013. 

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sasse is a sought after speaker and mentor to surgeons around the nation. He hosts cadaver courses on surgical topics including complex abdominal wall reconstruction at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, for visiting surgeons. He has also authored numerous peer-reviewed research articles, and some of his most recent papers discuss sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic rectopexy, gastric physiology, endoscopic techniques for gastric repairs, and minimally invasive hernia repair. He is an acclaimed award-winning author of five books www.SasseSurgical.com/books.

View Dr. Sasse's Expert Witness Profile.

Thomas J. Zaydon, MD, FACS,  is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience.. Dr. Zaydon is the founder of The Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Miami and is a recognized authority on Plastic and Reconstructive and Burn Surgery. During his tenure, he has worked in the medical field in the emergency room, providing surgical procedures and performing surgery on patients who need long term or short-term care.

Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a noted author of numerous articles and chapters on various aspects of plastic surgery. 

Litigation Support - Dr. Zaydon serves as a plastic surgery expert witness on liability cases around the country. He has had the opportunity to work both with defense and plaintiff attorneys. Working in the emergency room at major hospitals has given him opportunities to work with all types of injuries from major reconstruction to minor revisions. He can provide factual synthesis of any issue regarding the medical care or not appropriate medical care rendered. He navigates medical records and understands procedural terminology and insight with professionals, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, as well as physician practices and attorneys.

Video: Plastic Surgeon As Expert Witness: How to Choose Your Expert Witness - A Guide for Lawyers

Areas of Expertise:

Plastic Surgery Burn Reconstructive Surgery Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Facelift Blephroplasty

Nasal Reconstruction Abdominoplasty Body Contouring Burn Patient  Workers Compensation Peer Reviews IMEs / EMAs

John Budny, PhD, provides expert Toxicology opinions based on recognized and accepted medical knowledge to determine if prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and drugs of abuse that cause adverse medical events. With a PhD in basic medical science and a 40-year career as a practicing toxicologist, Dr. Budny combines the science of toxicology with medical knowledge to fully understand the ramifications of an adverse medical event caused by prescribing errors, faulty medications, or failure in the health care delivery process.

Dr. Budny has conducted scientific investigations in toxicology and has published the results of his research. In addition to being as an expert witness, Dr. Budny provides scientific contributions by writing book reviews of relevant topics related to toxicology and forensics. He is also on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Toxicology. In his position on the Editorial Board, Dr. Budny reviews manuscripts on general toxicology and forensic topics that are submitted and proposed for publication in the journal. He also writes book reviews that cover the entire breadth of toxicology. 

Litigation Support - Dr. Budny has over 25 years of experience as an expert witness. He has been retained in over 300 cases in which he has opined in reports, depositions, and in court testimony about cause and effect relationships between chemicals and adverse reactions and toxicities. While his forensic toxicology practice is not limited to any specific type of chemical, most of his retention as an expert has been for prescription drugs, illicit drugs, dietary supplements and nutritional products.  

Successfully resolved complex medical issues involving pharmaceuticals and drugs:

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Toxicology Pharmacology and Physiology Drugs Affecting the Central Nervous System Cognitive and Psychomotor Impairment Pharmacokinetics Dietary Supplements, Nutraceuticals, and Nutrition Opiates Wrongful Death

Antibiotic, Analgesic, and Anesthetic Toxicology Over-the-Counter (OTC) Product Toxicology Amphetamine Toxicity Fentanyl Drugs of Abuse Marijuana Animal and Plant-Derived Toxins

Marcel O. Ponton, PhD, has over 25 years of experience in the field of Psychology. He specializes in the Neuropsychological Assessment and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury patients and patients with Psychological Trauma.

Dr. Ponton continues to treat brain injury and trauma survivors in his private practice. He has extensive expertise in the assessment of Spanish-speaking patients. He is a published author, Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA, and Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Litigation Support - Over the past 22 years he has served as an expert witness, Dr. Ponton has executed hundreds of evaluations and been retained for his expertise over 300 times. He has testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator over 40 times. Dr. Ponton's services include neuropsychological assessments, psychological assessments, report writing, medical records review, consulting, and assessment of children and adults.

Areas of Expertise:

Forensic Neuropsychology Traumatic Brain Injury Brain Injury Rehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Malingering Personal Injury

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychology Dementia Sanity / Trial Competency Sexual Harassment Sexual Discrimination Handedness

John E. (Jack) Handelsman, MD, FRCS, MCh Orth is Chief Emeritus of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of the North Shore/Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Chairman Emeritus of the Orthopaedic Department. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Handelsman serves as a Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics at the School of Medicine at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, at New York University School of Medicine in New York

Dr. Handelsman has given presentations on Pediatric Orthopaedics at national and international meetings. He has published papers and abstracts in noted medical journals and organized and directed major Pediatric Orthopaedic CME Programs at hospitals along the East coast. Dr. Handelsman has received honors and awards for his commitment to research in his field of expertise. He is presently employed by NYU Langone Ambulatory Care - Long Island.

Consulting Services:

• Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases - Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Peripheral Neuropathies
• Hip Diseases in Children - Hip Dislocation, Perthes Disease, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
• Peripheral Deformities - Club Foot, Rocker Bottom Foot, Pes Cavus, Pes Planus, Leg Length Discrepancy, Missing Bones
• Fractures in Children - Growth Plate Injuries, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Child Abuse

American Societies Include:
American Orthopaedic Association
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America - Founder Member
American Academy of Pediatrics (Associate Orthopaedic Surgical Fellow)
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic Research Society
American Orthopaedic Foot Society

View Expert Witness Profile.

Armond Kotikian, DDS, MD, FACS, is double board certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In the clinic setting, Dr. Kotikian routinely performs IV sedations for complex cases including:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Dental Implants Bone Grafting Dento-alveolar Surgery

Reconstructive Jaw Surgery Facial Trauma Oral Pathology - Tumor Excisions Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dr. Kotikian is focused on patient care. He has been an expert witness on over 125 malpractice cases, given depositions on over 65 cases and testified at court over the past seven years.  He has been retained on nerve injury cases, wrong tooth extraction cases, wrongful death/anesthesia complications, dental implant complications, head and neck infection cases, misdiagnosed pathology, jaw fracture due to extraction cases, TMJ and all aspects of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 

Dr. Kotikian routinely lectures on subjects related to his field at both the local and national level. Topics include his areas of specialization such as Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma, Infections, Oral Pathology Resection and Reconstruction, Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients (surgical and non-surgical), and Craniofacial Anomalies (orthognathic surgery / corrective jaw surgery).

Dr. Kotikian has been featured in the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Glendale Newspress and many other local newspapers for his work in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He has also been featured on CNN Headline News local edition and the Diane Sawyer Nightly News on ABC.Dr. Kotikian is a member of numerous organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Southern California Orofacial Academy. 

View Dr. Kotikian's Expert Witness Profile.

North Country Thoracic & Vascular, P.C. specializes in the treatments of diseases affecting the Chest and Vascular System.. Areas of expertise include:

• Thoracic Surgery - The surgical treatment of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs within the thorax (chest).
• Vascular Surgery - The surgical management of diseases of the vascular system (arteries and veins), including standard surgical and minimally-invasive (endovascular) techniques.
• Non-invasive Vascular Testing
• Management of Venous disease - Radiofrequency ablation, microphlebectomy and sclerotherapy for venous insufficiency and varicose vein disease.

Principal, Craig A. Nachbauer, MD, RPVI is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and has practiced thoracic and vascular surgery since 1991. He also serves as the Medical Director of the University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Wound Center.

Dr. Nachbauer completed his thoracic surgery residency at the Ohio State University Hospitals. After a fellowship in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University, he served as Clinical Associate in Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic.

He is a diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.

New York Address 12 Haeley Avenue Plattsburgh, NY

Vermont Address 54 West Twin Oaks Terrace, Suite 14 South Burlington, VT

View Dr. Nachbauer's Expert Witness Profile.

Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. was established in 1993. Specializing in Spine Care and Pain Management, the practice has developed into one of the premier non-surgical orthopaedic practices in the southeast, and an industry leader for the non-invasive treatment of back and neck pain. Non-Surgical Orthopaedics P.C. offers a wide variety of Non-Surgical options to Treat Pain and Musculoskeletal Injuries. Their goal is to eliminate pain with a strong emphasis on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Services include:

• Pain Management
• Orthopaedic & Sports Injuries
• Workers’ Compensation
• Auto Injuries
• IME's & Disability Evaluations

Video: Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. | The Overview

Arnold J. Weil, MD has over 29 years of experience specializing in Non-Surgical Orthopaedics and Pain Management. A Diplomat of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Chief Executive Officer of Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C., one of the premier orthopaedic practices in the metro Atlanta area. 

Dr. Weil's practice focuses on conservative, non-surgical care of orthopaedic injuries, including the spine and extremities, with emphasis on spine rehabilitation, functional restoration, pain management, and ergonomic modifications. He treats patients with back and neck pain and a variety of other orthopaedic conditions. Focusing on acute and chronic pain management through an advanced Non-Surgical approach, 

Dr. Weil has become one of the leading experts on Spine Care and Disability Management. Dr. Weil has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. An active lecturer, Dr. Weil speaks nationally and internationally on the nonsurgical management of back and neck pain as well as new advances in pain management. He also provides practice management to small-medium sized medical practices.

View Dr. Weil's Expert Witness Profile.

Dr. Farr Ajir, MD, MBA, FACS, CIME, is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon with more than 35 years of experience in the treatment of disorders of the Brain, Spine, and Peripheral Nerves. He is also certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.

Dr. Ajir has been staff neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Systems.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS),  Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and California Association of Neurological Surgeons. He is a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) with many years of leadership and administrative experience in healthcare delivery.

Litigation Support - As an expert neurosurgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Ajir offers services to attorneys representing plaintiff and defendant. He is certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (CIME), performs IMEs, and provides expert reviews and medical-legal opinions. Dr. Ajir holds medical licenses in California, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and Utah. 

Areas of Expertise: 

Brain

Brain Abscesses & Infections Brain Concussions Brain Contusions Brain Edema Brain Hemorrhages Brain Injuries Brain Tumors Cerebral Aneurysms Cerebral Vascular Diseases Cranioplasty

Craniotomy Head Traumas Hydrocephalus Microneurosurgery Pituitary Tumors Skull Fractures Stereotactic Neurosurgery Vascular Malformations Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts

Spine

Back Pain & Injuries Back Pain & Injuries Cervical Disc Diseases Cervical & Lumbar Disc Surgeries Cervical & Lumbar Laminectomy Lumbar Disc Diseases Microdiscectomy

Neck Pain & Injuries Spinal Abscesses & Infections Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal Cord Tumors Spinal Stenosis & Spondylosis Spine Fractures Spine Injuries