The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Bruce Wilder, MD, MPH, is a physician specializing in neurological surgery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is board certified in neurological surgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has extensive training spanning public health, general surgery, and neurosurgery. Dr. Wilder completed advanced public health training at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and subsequently pursued surgical training before completing a neurological surgery residency at UPMC Medical Education. In addition to his clinical background, Dr. Wilder has held an academic appointment as a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh (retired). His scholarly contributions include co-authorship on peer-reviewed neurosurgical literature, reflecting ongoing engagement with the advancement of surgical techniques and patient care. Dr. Wilder’s professional interests reflect the broad scope of neurological surgery, including the evaluation and operative management of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. He also holds additional legal training, bringing a distinctive perspective to the intersection of medicine, policy, and professional practice. He is licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Originally from Shanxi, China, Dr. Passerini earned his medical degree at Beijing Medical University. He completed residency training at Shanxi Provincial Hospital, the Third Hospital of Beijing University, and Providence Hospital, and pursued advanced fellowship training at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand & Microsurgery. and spinal disorders. Drawing on this expertise, he was a key contributor to the founding and creation of the Iowa Ortho Bone Health Clinic. Through comprehensive evaluation and surgical precision, Dr. Passerini is dedicated to restoring function, reducing pain, and helping patients return to their daily activities.

Pete G. Mangone, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at UPMC. He serves as Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds an academic appointment as Professor and Foot & Ankle Division Chief in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Mangone earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency training. He pursued advanced fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at The Center for Orthopaedic Care, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. His clinical interests include minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle arthroscopy, and sports medicine, with a focus on helping patients return to activity through individualized, evidence-based care. Active in organized medicine and professional education, Dr. Mangone is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the American Medical Association, the Clinical Orthopaedic Society, and the National Orthopaedic Education Society.

James Palonis, P.T., is a licensed physical therapist affiliated with UPMC. He provides rehabilitation-focused care for adult and older adult patients, helping them improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life through individualized therapy plans. Mr. Palonis emphasizes patient-centered treatment and works collaboratively with each person to support safe, steady progress toward meaningful goals such as returning to daily activities, improving strength and balance, and enhancing independence. Mr. Palonis earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He practices with UPMC Rehabilitation Institute – South Side, where he delivers evidence-informed therapy tailored to each patient’s needs and current abilities. His approach integrates thorough evaluation, targeted therapeutic exercise, functional training, and education to promote lasting results and reduce the risk of future injury. Mr. Palonis communicates in English and is committed to creating a supportive, respectful environment that encourages active participation and confidence throughout the rehabilitation process.

John A. McKeating, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon with clinical expertise in general surgery and wound care. He cares for patients with a wide range of surgical needs, with particular interests in gastrointestinal surgery, abdominal core health, abdominal hernias, complex reconstructive abdominal surgery, and colon-rectal/anorectal procedures. He also performs a broad spectrum of general surgery procedures, including endoscopy. Dr. McKeating earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He pursued advanced fellowship training in surgical oncology (cancer surgery) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, strengthening his foundation in complex surgical care. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. McKeating holds a faculty appointment in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery and contributes to the education and mentorship of medical trainees. He also serves in a senior leadership role at UPMC Mercy as co-chairman of the Department of Surgery. His commitment to teaching has been recognized with the Daniel D. Dillon Excellence in Teaching (Art of Surgery) award.

Michael D. Franzen, PhD, is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist with specialized expertise in neuropsychological assessment and treatment across the lifespan, including work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. He is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network and provides comprehensive evaluations to clarify cognitive and behavioral concerns and to guide practical, individualized recommendations for care and support. Dr. Franzen’s clinical interests include neuropsychological testing and treatment related to concussion, stroke, ADHD, dementia, and other conditions that can affect thinking, memory, attention, and daily functioning. In addition to diagnostic neuropsychological assessment, he offers a range of specialized services such as capacity evaluations, fit-for-duty assessments, and forensic evaluations. His therapeutic approach includes behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) models, with care tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Dr. Franzen completed his education at Southern Illinois University and completed both internship and fellowship training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Assessment Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. He provides care in English and also offers telehealth services.

Glen E. Getz, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist specializing in comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and treatment for individuals with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. His clinical expertise includes evaluation and care for traumatic brain injury, ADHD, and cognitive and behavioral changes associated with neurological disease, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stroke, and seizure disorders. Dr. Getz is board-certified in neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Getz serves as the Psychology/Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Training Director at Allegheny General Hospital within Allegheny Health Network, supporting the education and supervision of postdoctoral trainees in advanced clinical psychology and neuropsychology. His professional background includes doctoral training at the University of Cincinnati, followed by internship and postdoctoral fellowship training at Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Getz is also associated with Neuropsychology Specialty Care, LLC, and provides neuropsychological services related to civil and criminal legal matters, including independent evaluations when appropriate.

George Small, MD, is a clinical neurophysiology physician with Allegheny Health Network who practices at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is board certified in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Small provides expert evaluation and management of neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorders, with particular focus on peripheral neuropathies (including autoimmune, inherited, and diabetic forms), myasthenia gravis, myopathies, motor neuron disease including ALS, and related conditions. He has specialized expertise in electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) and serves as Director of the Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Laboratory at Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Small is also the Director and founder of the Myasthenia Gravis Association Clinic of Western Pennsylvania at AGH and serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. In addition to his clinical work, he is Program Director for the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, supporting the education and training of future specialists. His practice also includes chemodenervation and botulinum toxin injections when clinically indicated.

Todd A. Hillman, MD, is an otology and neurotology physician who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex ear and lateral skull base disorders affecting hearing and balance. He cares for adult and older adult patients with conditions such as hearing loss, chronic ear infections, dizziness and vertigo, acoustic tumors, and facial nerve disorders, and he provides advanced options including cochlear implantation when appropriate. Dr. Hillman earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship and otolaryngology residency at the University of Utah Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at Allegheny General Hospital. He is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in both Otolaryngology and Neurotology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hillman serves in key leadership and teaching roles, including Co-director of the Hearing and Balance Center at Allegheny General Hospital and Program Director of the ACGME-accredited AHN Otolaryngology Residency program. He is also listed on an American Neurotology Society roster and has publications indexed in PubMed.

William H. Nelson, MD, is a general surgeon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who provides elective and emergent surgical care for adults and older adults. His clinical interests include surgery of the stomach, small bowel, and colon, as well as gallbladder and bile duct conditions, with a focus on advanced and complex hernia repair. Dr. Nelson performs minimally invasive approaches when appropriate, including robotic (da Vinci) procedures such as cholecystectomy, colon resection, gastrectomy, and hernia repair. Dr. Nelson earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed both his internship and general surgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and holds Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. He maintains medical staff privileges at Allegheny General Hospital and West Penn Hospital. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Nelson serves as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and has volunteered as a mission surgeon with the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons, providing surgical service in Kenya and Gabon.