The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Dr. Zair Fishkin, MD, PhD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who cares for both pediatric and adult patients with a wide range of spinal conditions. He specializes in the evaluation and surgical treatment of degenerative and deformity-related disorders, with clinical interests that include minimally invasive spine surgery, scoliosis, vertebral compression fractures treated with kyphoplasty, and complex problems such as disc herniation, fractures, whiplash, and work-related injuries. Dr. Fishkin brings a strong engineering and research foundation to spine care, holding a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in addition to his medical training. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo (SUNY) School of Medicine and completed an orthopedic surgery residency, followed by advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Fishkin has authored more than 25 scientific publications, including peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics such as total disc replacement and computer-aided surgery. He is fluent in Russian.

Jenny Romero, M.D., is a medical oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. She serves as Chief of General Medical Oncology and Chief of Head and Neck Medicine within the Department of Head & Neck/Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Romero specializes in the care of patients with head and neck cancers and lung (thoracic) cancers, working as part of Roswell Park’s multidisciplinary Head & Neck cancer care team to coordinate systemic treatment and supportive care. Dr. Romero’s background includes academic and clinical appointments in New York City. She has served as an Instructor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University and as a clinical affiliate assistant attending physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her prior experience also includes attending physician roles in Medical Oncology and Critical Care Medicine at North General Hospital. Her training includes an Internal Medicine residency at Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, followed by fellowships in Critical Care Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Hematology/Medical Oncology at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia. Dr. Romero has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed oncology publications spanning topics such as cancer biomarkers and survivorship interventions.

Christopher Hamill, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, New York. His clinical work encompasses the evaluation and surgical management of complex spinal conditions in both children and adults, including spinal deformity such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and flatback deformities. Dr. Hamill serves as Co-Director of Spine Services at Buffalo General Hospital, a role that supports coordinated, high-quality spine care while also contributing to clinical teaching, program development, and related administrative responsibilities. Dr. Hamill is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and is affiliated with UBMD, the university’s physician practice plan. Through his academic and clinical appointments, he participates in educating medical students and trainees and advances evidence-informed care for patients with spine disorders. He maintains active involvement in organized medicine and the orthopaedic community through professional memberships that include the North American Spine Society, the Western New York Orthopaedic Society, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Hamill is licensed to practice medicine in New York and is enrolled to order and refer services for Medicare beneficiaries.

Dr. Linda Harris, MD, is a vascular surgeon and Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY). She serves as Program Director for both the Vascular Surgery Residency Program and the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program, reflecting a strong commitment to surgical education and trainee development. Dr. Harris earned her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (now Northeast Ohio Medical University). She completed general surgery residency training at the University of Michigan Medical Center and at the University at Buffalo, followed by fellowship training in vascular surgery at the University at Buffalo. Her clinical interests include peripheral arterial disease, venous occlusive disease, dialysis access, thoracic outlet syndrome, aneurysmal disease, and carotid disease. Her research portfolio emphasizes outcomes-based research in vascular disease, including work spanning peripheral arterial and aneurysmal disease as well as venous and cerebrovascular conditions. Nationally, Dr. Harris has contributed to vascular surgery education and professional leadership, including service supporting training standards and milestones. She has also served as a journal reviewer and on editorial boards within the vascular surgery literature. Dr. Harris has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery.

Dr. Julius P. Horvath is a chiropractor serving the Buffalo, New York community. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and brings decades of clinical experience to the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal concerns. Dr. Horvath’s approach emphasizes careful assessment, individualized care plans, and patient education to support function, mobility, and long-term spine and joint health. He practices at Horvath Chiropractic Center, a modern, disability-accessible facility designed to support patient comfort and ease of access. As a sole proprietor, Dr. Horvath provides continuity of care and a personalized clinical experience, focusing on evidence-informed chiropractic services tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Dr. Horvath accepts Medicare assignment, reflecting a commitment to accessible care for eligible patients. He is licensed to practice in New York and is dedicated to helping patients better understand their condition and participate actively in their care, with the aim of improving day-to-day movement and overall quality of life.

Dr. Gary G. Wang is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician dedicated to helping patients improve function and quality of life through comprehensive, non-surgical rehabilitation care. He earned his medical degree from West China University of Medical Sciences and completed residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University at Buffalo, following earlier training in Internal Medicine. Dr. Wang is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wang serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. His academic and research interests include applications of artificial intelligence in chronic pain management, as well as computer-based tools to support children with disabilities. Dr. Wang has contributed to the medical literature with publications focused on pain management topics, including opioid tapering strategies and outcomes related to intrathecal morphine therapy. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Ralph Benedict, PhD, is a psychologist and board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in the evaluation of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with neurologic disease. He is a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and serves as Director of the Neuropsychology Service within UBMD Neurology. Dr. Benedict also provides inpatient neuropsychology consultation at Erie County Medical Center and holds additional volunteer faculty appointments in Psychiatry and in Psychology/Counseling & Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo. His clinical work focuses on comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and care for individuals with cognitive concerns related to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, concussion and brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders, including memory disorders. He supports specialized programs including the Jacobs Multiple Sclerosis Center and the UB Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center. Dr. Benedict earned his doctoral degree in psychology at Arizona State University and completed postdoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His academic and research interests integrate neuropsychological testing with brain imaging findings, and he serves as Neuropsychology Advisor within the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center.

Vincent Croglio, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides comprehensive psychiatric care with an emphasis on personalized, collaborative treatment. He integrates evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy and practical lifestyle and holistic strategies, tailoring care to each individual’s goals, values, and lived experience. Dr. Croglio earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency training at the University at Buffalo. His background includes participation in residency research and quality-improvement work, reflecting a commitment to thoughtful, continuously improving clinical practice. In addition to patient care, Dr. Croglio is actively involved in teaching and mentorship, supporting medical students, physicians in training, and mental health nurse practitioners as they develop clinical skills and professional confidence. Born and raised in Buffalo, Dr. Croglio maintains strong ties to the Western New York community and is dedicated to delivering respectful, high-quality psychiatric care that supports long-term wellness.

Richard M. Spiro, MD, is a neurosurgeon specializing in neurological surgery with a clinical focus on complex cranial and spine injuries, including neurotrauma-related care. He serves as Chief of Neurosurgery at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and is Director of Neurotrauma for the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), where he also holds an appointment as Clinical Associate Professor. Dr. Spiro earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He completed neurosurgery residency training at UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and pursued fellowship training in Complex Spine Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his current roles, Dr. Spiro served on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became Division Chief of Spine Surgery, and he previously directed the Pennsylvania Brain and Spine Institute. He is board certified in neurological surgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and holds the professional designations FACS and FAANS. Dr. Spiro is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and he has published on complex spinal reconstruction and related spine surgery topics.

Michael Chopko, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in trauma surgery and surgical critical care, with additional expertise in general surgery. He cares for adult patients across the continuum of surgical care, including evaluation and follow-up in an outpatient surgical clinic, and is affiliated with Erie County Medical Center. Dr. Chopko completed his medical degree at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences after earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. His postgraduate training includes an internship in surgery at Saint Louis University, a general surgery residency at the University at Buffalo, and fellowship training in surgical critical care at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Chopko serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, contributing to the education of medical students and trainees. His professional interests include applying artificial intelligence to medical applications, and he also has clinical interests in informatics and imaging informatics. He is part of UBMD Surgery’s Burn Surgery team and has been recognized for excellence in teaching and leadership during training.