The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Clement K. Jones, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery in San Francisco, California. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Jones earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed advanced spine fellowship training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He also pursued additional subspecialty training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Jones treats a broad range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions. His clinical interests include minimally invasive techniques as well as complex and revision spine surgery, with a focus on helping patients regain function and return safely to work, sport, and daily activities. He has served as the orthopaedic spine surgery physician for the University of California, Berkeley football team and has experience caring for collegiate and professional athletes with spine-related problems. He practices primarily at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and has held hospital leadership roles, including service on the hospital’s Board of Trustees and quality-focused governance committees. In addition to clinical care, Dr. Jones performs independent medical examinations and provides expert review services in spine and orthopaedic matters. He also served in the United States Navy in both active and reserve roles.

Serana K. Chester, PhD, is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and functional concerns related to neurological conditions. She practices as a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist at San Francisco Clinical Neurosciences, where she works with individuals navigating the effects of brain injury and neurologic disease. Dr. Chester completed her doctoral training at Palo Alto University and went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology under the supervision of Ronald M. Ruff, PhD. Her professional work reflects a sustained focus on clinical neuropsychology and rehabilitation, including published contributions addressing mild traumatic brain injury and the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Chester contributes to the field through professional service, including participation on the Test Database Committee of the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society. She is also co-author, with Dr. Ruff, of the book Effective Psychotherapy for Individuals with Brain Injury, reflecting her interest in evidence-informed psychotherapy approaches tailored to the needs of individuals with neurologic injury.

Dr. James Y. Soong, MD, is a neurologist providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions. He is board certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Soong earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Soong’s clinical approach emphasizes careful diagnostic assessment, clear communication, and individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. He works closely with patients and families to explain complex neurologic symptoms, review testing options, and guide treatment choices with attention to both medical outcomes and quality of life. He has hospital privileges at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and is affiliated with additional local hospitals, supporting continuity of care when inpatient evaluation or procedures are needed. Dr. Soong speaks English and Mandarin, helping him communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and ensuring that care recommendations are well understood.

Dr. Teo Ernst, PsyD, PhD, is a California-licensed cognitive and behavioral psychologist providing clinical and forensic psychological services. He is board certified in Forensic Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and serves as Founder and Director of Pacific Forensic Group. Dr. Ernst holds a volunteer faculty appointment as Associate Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and has previously served as an Assistant Clinical Professor (Volunteer) as well as adjunct clinical faculty at The Wright Institute. His advanced training includes an APA-approved predoctoral internship at Napa State Hospital and postdoctoral fellowship experience at the San Francisco VA focused on PTSD and substance use concerns. In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Ernst conducts forensic psychological evaluations and consultation in a range of civil and workplace-related matters, including presentations involving post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and questions of capacity and undue influence. He is a Certified Qualified Medical Examiner in California and is also certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. Dr. Ernst is available for forensic evaluation services in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington State.

Edward Diao, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic hand surgeon specializing in conditions of the hand and upper extremity. He brings a strong academic foundation to patient care, having graduated magna cum laude with highest honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harvard University before earning his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Diao completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital through the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Program, where he served as chief resident. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Roosevelt Hospital Hand Surgery Service in New York City. Dr. Diao is Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco. He previously served as Chief of the Division of Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery at UCSF Medical Center. His commitment to excellence in education and clinical practice has been recognized with honors including the New York Orthopaedic Hospital Award for Outstanding Achievement in Orthopaedic Surgery, a Resident Teacher of the Year Award, and a Cave Fellowship for research. In practice, Dr. Diao is known for thoughtful evaluation, clear communication, and meticulous surgical care.

Ajith Malige, MD, is a sports medicine physician specializing in orthopaedic surgery in San Francisco, California. He earned his medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and completed residency training in orthopaedic surgery at St. Luke’s University Hospital. He pursued advanced subspecialty training with a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Malige provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for sports-related and activity-related musculoskeletal conditions, offering both non-operative care and surgical management when appropriate. His approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and helping patients return safely to work, daily activities, and athletic performance. He is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and holds an active medical license in California. Dr. Malige maintains hospital privileges at several San Francisco medical centers, including Chinese Hospital, California Pacific Medical Center campuses, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, and St. Mary’s Medical Center. He is also associated with Advanced Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Inc. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Malige has contributed to peer-reviewed orthopaedic and sports medicine research as an author on published studies.

James Chen, MD, MPH, is a sports medicine physician specializing in orthopaedic surgery. He is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Chen practices with AO Sportsmed / Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in San Francisco, where he focuses on helping patients return safely to the activities they enjoy through evidence-based, individualized care. Dr. Chen’s clinical interests center on sports-related injuries and minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques. He commonly treats knee, shoulder, and elbow conditions, including ACL tears, meniscus injuries, rotator cuff pathology, and shoulder instability. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed a Master of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. His postgraduate training includes an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Hawaii (Queen’s Medical Center) and a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine and arthroscopy at UCSF. In addition to patient care, Dr. Chen serves as Fellowship Director for the San Francisco Sports Medicine Foundation’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship (Advanced Knee & Shoulder program) and has experience providing team and sideline coverage for local athletic organizations. He is also an active medical staff member in orthopedic surgery at Chinese Hospital.

Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM, is a foot and ankle surgery podiatrist with expertise in limb preservation and complex lower-extremity care. He serves as a Senior Physician Diplomate in the UCSF Division of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Surgery within the Department of Surgery and is Co-Director of the UCSF Center for Limb Preservation, a multidisciplinary program focused on limb salvage, wound care, and amputation prevention. Dr. Reyzelman’s clinical interests include diabetic foot care, peripheral neuropathy, and management of lower-extremity wounds, with an emphasis on coordinated care for patients at risk for complications. He is board certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of San Francisco and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed podiatric medical and surgical residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, including service as academic chief resident. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Reyzelman is a Professor at the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, contributes to peer-reviewed research, and is a member of professional organizations including the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association.

Dr. Kenneth J. Hammerman is a physician specializing in internal medicine with additional clinical expertise in gastroenterology. He provides comprehensive adult care, with a focus on evaluating and treating digestive and liver-related concerns while also addressing a broad range of general medical conditions. Dr. Hammerman earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He completed residency training in internal medicine at Yale–New Haven Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in gastroenterology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hammerman has contributed to the peer-reviewed medical literature, including publications in gastroenterology and related areas of medicine. His professional background includes historical academic affiliation with the Department of Medicine at UCSF Medical Center. He has practiced in a private practice setting in San Francisco, bringing a patient-centered approach that emphasizes careful diagnosis, evidence-based management, and coordination of care for both routine and complex health needs.

Youjeong Kim, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon with a clinical focus in spine surgery. She cares for patients with a wide range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions, emphasizing evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s goals, function, and quality of life. Dr. Kim practices in San Francisco as an orthopaedic spine surgeon with Golden Gate Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Kim earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston (UTHealth McGovern Medical School). She completed surgical internship training followed by an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco. She then pursued advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at The Emory Spine Center. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kim is affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. She has also been involved in professional and alumni programming connected to UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Kim holds a Qualified Medical Evaluator designation and is licensed to practice in California and Texas.