Radiculopathy near Huntersville, NC

Biography: When I was a kid, I had seizures. It was difficult for us because the doctors couldn't figure out why I was having them. My mother would tell me that those seizures wouldn't stop me from being whatever I wanted to be. She would check out books from the library about the brain to help me cope, and I remember thinking, when I grow up, I'm going to be a doctor who studies the brain. \n Today my seizures are gone, and I am a neurosurgeon. My early experiences sparked a passion within me to help others who are diagnosed with cancer of the brain or spine. \n I work with my patients and the oncology team to set goals for the surgical management of tumors, whether it is to control pain, improve or maintain neurologic function, or improve the quality of life. I am also an active member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Spine Tumor Knowledge Committee and the North American Spine Society. My membership in these organizations keeps me up to date on the latest research and treatment options in the field. I'm also actively engaged in clinical research focused on using immunotherapy platforms for spine tumors and understanding the gut microbiome impact on inflammation of the nervous system, as well as endoscopic spine surgery. \n Beyond my work at the hospital and in my clinic, I believe in serving the greater good. My father was a Marine during the Vietnam conflict. He was exposed to Agent Orange, which left him with health issues. Then, during my residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Duke Medical Center, I cared for veterans. These experiences moved me to join the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2015 and serve as a medical corps officer. Most recently, I was called up to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. \n I grew up in Washington, D.C., where I played football and ran track in high school. I continued both sports in college and even briefly considered going to the NFL, but medicine won out. My wife and I moved to Charlotte in early 2021 with our three children, ages 4, 9 and 14. We wanted to be closer to family. I enjoy being a weekend warrior by coaching youth sports and mentoring at-risk youth, spending time with my wife at our kids' activities and biking in the beautiful national parks.

Biography: Dr. Gregory Kurkis, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. Dr. Gregory Kurkis, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Joanna Wroblewska-Shah, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. She is 50 years old and has been practicing for 21 years. Dr. Joanna Wroblewska-Shah, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Michael Bates, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 45 years old and has been practicing for 16 years. Dr. Michael Bates, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Kevin Stanley, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 51 years old and has been practicing for 25 years. Dr. Kevin Stanley, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Scott Smith, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 57 years old and has been practicing for 31 years. Dr. Scott Smith, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Charles Munyon, MD is a Neurosurgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 48 years old and has been practicing for 18 years. Dr. Charles Munyon, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: As an orthopedic surgeon, I focus exclusively on replacing hips and knees in adults who have exhausted other options for reducing pain and restoring mobility. I have performed hundreds of hip and knee replacements since completing a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery in 2003. \n Thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques, these types of surgeries involve much less blood loss, pain and recovery time compared to 20 years ago. Nevertheless, I work with a care team to carefully screen my patients before recommending hip or knee replacement surgery. For example, if you are a smoker, are obese, have a history of chronic narcotics use or other risk factors, we may develop a plan to improve your health before surgery to minimize the potential for complications. \n While a hip or knee replacement may not get you back to running marathons, it can reduce or eliminate pain that makes golfing, hiking, gardening and other favorite activities and daily tasks an ordeal. My goal is to restore your quality of life by restoring your mobility. \n My father was a physician. Seeing the joy that helping people brought him inspired me to go into medicine. I was drawn to orthopedics because I enjoy problem solving, the physical nature of the work and the rapid pace of innovation. \n Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Natalie, and my sons, Jack and Alex. We love traveling and exercising together. In my personal time, I enjoy gaming and have a passion for snow skiing.

Biography: Dr. Joseph Gentile, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 43 years old and has been practicing for 17 years. Dr. Joseph Gentile, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Outpatient Surgery.

Biography: Dr. Edward Robles, MD is a Neurology Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 63 years old and has been practicing for 34 years. Dr. Edward Robles, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Brian Delay, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 57 years old and has been practicing for 30 years. Dr. Brian Delay, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Outpatient Surgery.

Biography: Dr. Jess Kirby, MD is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist who practices in Cornelius, NC. He is 52 years old and has been practicing for 24 years. Dr. Jess Kirby, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Scott McCune, MD is an Internist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 61 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Scott McCune, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.