The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Jacob Lee, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist serving individuals in the Raleigh area. He holds a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) and completed his education at Texas Health and Science University. With extensive clinical experience, Mr. Lee focuses on evidence-informed, patient-centered acupuncture care aimed at improving function, supporting recovery, and enhancing overall well-being. Mr. Lee is associated with Acupuncture Pain Relief Clinic and has also been affiliated with Essential Wellness in Raleigh. He works collaboratively with patients to understand their goals and develop personalized treatment plans. His approach emphasizes careful assessment, clear communication, and ongoing evaluation of progress over time. In practice, Mr. Lee provides acupuncture services for patients seeking nonpharmacologic support for pain-related concerns, stress, and other common health complaints. He is committed to creating a calm, respectful environment where patients feel heard and supported throughout their care. Mr. Lee provides services in English and strives to help patients make informed decisions while working toward meaningful, sustainable improvements in health and quality of life.

Eldon Peters, DPM, is a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon serving patients in Raleigh, North Carolina. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University and completed a three-year surgical residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at Drexel University’s Hahnemann Hospital. Dr. Peters also holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Peters provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. He offers both non-surgical and surgical care, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s needs and goals. His clinical approach emphasizes clear communication, evidence-based decision-making, and a focus on restoring function and relieving pain. Dr. Peters is associated with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. His practice also offers Spanish-language support to help ensure patients and families feel informed and comfortable throughout their care experience.

Gurvinder S. Deol, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Deol’s clinical expertise includes minimally invasive spine surgery, complex degenerative spine conditions, spinal trauma, spinal deformity, and spinal tumors, with an emphasis on techniques designed to support faster recovery and reduce postoperative pain. Dr. Deol completed undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University and earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Penn State University College of Medicine and advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at Rush University Medical Center. In addition to patient care, Dr. Deol is active in professional education and frequently teaches surgical techniques to neurosurgeons and spine surgeons internationally. He has held leadership roles within the North Carolina Spine Society and participates in multiple spine-focused professional organizations. He has also been recognized by Newsweek as an “America’s Best Spine Surgeon.”

Dr. Ronald Summers, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon with a focus commonly associated with sports medicine. He cares for patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports-related injuries, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment options, and individualized care plans designed to help patients return to work, activity, and athletics safely. Dr. Summers earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to his practice. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is affiliated with WakeMed Cary Hospital. Committed to patient education, Dr. Summers has contributed to community-facing guidance on sports injuries, helping patients and families better understand prevention, evaluation, and treatment. He also maintains involvement with professional orthopaedic organizations, reflecting an ongoing dedication to current best practices and continuous improvement in patient care.

James T O’Neil Jr., MD, is an otolaryngology (ENT) physician specializing in comprehensive care of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, with additional focus in head and neck surgery. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine after completing undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama, where he received a BS in Biology and pursued an English Literature minor. Dr. O’Neil completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. His clinical interests include head and neck cancer, thyroid and parathyroid disease, laryngology, robotic surgical approaches, and the evaluation and management of general and pediatric ENT conditions. Dr. O’Neil has contributed to peer-reviewed medical literature, including anatomy-focused publications, and has been credited with authorship contributions to a leading otolaryngology textbook. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In practice, Dr. O’Neil is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care, emphasizing clear communication, thoughtful diagnostic evaluation, and individualized treatment planning.

James Bellard, MD, is a psychiatrist in Raleigh, North Carolina, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults. He is board certified in General Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, reflecting expertise in both clinical mental health care and the intersection of psychiatry with legal and forensic settings. Dr. Bellard earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed residency training in psychiatry through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill/UNC Hospitals program, developing a strong foundation in evidence-based diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Bellard’s approach emphasizes thoughtful assessment, careful medication management when appropriate, and individualized care that considers each patient’s history, goals, and functioning. He brings a rigorous, detail-oriented perspective to complex presentations and collaborates with patients to support symptom relief, stability, and improved quality of life. Professionally, he is a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, the North Carolina Psychiatric Association, and the North Carolina Medical Society.

Kenneth Rich, MD, is a neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. He provides comprehensive evaluation and surgical management for a wide range of spine conditions, with an emphasis on approaches designed to reduce tissue disruption and support recovery while maintaining a focus on patient safety and durable outcomes. Dr. Rich earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed a general surgery internship followed by neurosurgical residency training at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, developing broad experience across cranial and spinal neurosurgery before focusing his practice on advanced spine care. He is board certified in neurosurgery and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Rich is active in advancing the field through education and innovation. He has lectured and taught other spine surgeons, including internationally, and has collaborated with industry partners to help develop and refine technology, equipment, and procedural techniques used in neurosurgical care. He also participates in FDA-approved clinical studies involving disc replacement and surgical treatment for conditions such as spinal stenosis and ruptured discs. Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and gardening.

John M. Erickson, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity care, with clinical expertise spanning conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. He provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment and works collaboratively with hand therapy to support recovery and function. Dr. Erickson earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University, graduating summa cum laude, and completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He then pursued an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Michigan, followed by a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery and in Surgery of the Hand, Dr. Erickson is recognized for his focused approach to upper extremity problems and evidence-informed care. His academic contributions include co-authoring peer-reviewed research on treatments for hand osteoarthritis. He practices with the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center and serves as an independent clinician associated with Duke Raleigh Hospital. He has also been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Dr. James R. Post is an orthopaedic surgeon with advanced expertise in hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio and completed orthopaedic surgery internship and residency training at Indiana University and Indiana University Hospitals. He went on to complete fellowship training in hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery at the University of Florida, with additional specialized training in hand surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Dr. Post is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in both Orthopaedic Surgery and Surgery of the Hand. His clinical interests include common and complex problems affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendon injuries, wrist fractures, rotator cuff tears, and shoulder fractures. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and he has been recognized with membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Post practices in Raleigh, North Carolina, and provides care in English.

Terry Messer, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper-extremity surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery and holds additional board certification in Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Messer completed his medical degree and orthopaedic surgery residency training at Northwestern University, followed by advanced fellowship training in hand and microsurgery at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. He provides adult orthopaedic care with a focus on conditions affecting the hand and wrist, drawing on specialized training in both reconstructive and microsurgical techniques. Dr. Messer practices in Raleigh and provides care at Duke Raleigh Hospital as well as through the Raleigh Hand Center. He is committed to thoughtful evaluation, evidence-based treatment options, and individualized surgical planning when operative care is needed. Dr. Messer speaks English and works closely with patients to help restore function, reduce pain, and support return to daily activities.