The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Theodore J. Spinks, MD, is a neurological surgeon with a practice focus in pediatric neurosurgery. He cares for infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of neurologic and spinal conditions, emphasizing family-centered decision-making and individualized treatment planning. His clinical interests include pediatric brain and spine tumors, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, spina bifida, tethered cord, minimally invasive approaches to cranial and spinal surgery, and complex spinal disorders. Dr. Spinks completed undergraduate study at Cornell University and earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed residency training in neurological surgery at UCLA Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery at UPMC. Board certified in neurological surgery, Dr. Spinks has also contributed to professional dialogue around evidence-based care, including work related to pediatric mild traumatic brain injury guidance for neurosurgeons. He has held pediatric neurosurgical affiliations within Florida and has supported the development of pediatric neurosurgery program services in collaboration with regional children’s hospitals.

Abie A. Samuel, DO, is a rheumatology physician with BayCare Medical Group in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine and provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Her clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoporosis, with an emphasis on thoughtful diagnosis, evidence-based therapy, and long-term disease management tailored to each patient’s goals and lifestyle. Dr. Samuel earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine (now Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine) in Stratford, New Jersey. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut, followed by a Rheumatology fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and is committed to partnering with patients through education, shared decision-making, and coordinated care. Dr. Samuel sees patients in English and is affiliated with local hospital care through St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Jaimin G. Shah, MD, is a urology physician with BayCare Medical Group, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of urologic conditions. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed residency training in urology at Yale University School of Medicine, where he developed a strong foundation in both medical and surgical management of urinary tract and male reproductive health concerns. Dr. Shah further pursued advanced subspecialty training with a fellowship in urologic oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina, with focused expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers. Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Urology. He is affiliated with BayCare Physician Partners, BayCare Physician Partners ACO, and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Known for a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and individualized treatment plans that align with each patient’s goals and needs. Dr. Shah speaks English, Spanish, and Gujarati, helping him serve a diverse patient community.

Arnaldo Torres Rodriguez, MD, is a rheumatology physician with BayCare Medical Group in St. Petersburg, Florida. Board certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Torres provides comprehensive evaluation and management of rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, with a focus on helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Torres earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and went on to complete a rheumatology fellowship at New York Medical College. In his clinical practice, Dr. Torres emphasizes careful listening and two-way communication, partnering with patients to develop individualized care plans that align with their goals and day-to-day needs. He is affiliated with BayCare Physician Partners, including the BayCare Physician Partners ACO, and is connected with several BayCare hospitals, including St. Anthony’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, as well as St. Joseph’s Women’s and Children’s Hospitals. Dr. Torres speaks English.

Robert Chuong, D.M.D., M.D., is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon providing comprehensive surgical care for conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, followed by a D.M.D. from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chuong completed advanced internship and residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital, and further refined his expertise through a fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard University. He is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Chuong serves as a Courtesy Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, reflecting his commitment to education and the advancement of the specialty. He is an active member of professional organizations including the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and several regional and alumni dental societies.

Dr. Thomas Tolli is a physician specializing in orthopedic spine surgery. Board-certified in orthopedic spine surgery, he provides evaluation and treatment for a broad range of spinal conditions, with an emphasis on thoughtful decision-making and individualized care plans that consider both surgical and non-surgical options when appropriate. With more than three decades of clinical experience, Dr. Tolli is recognized for his expertise in complex spine problems and for guiding patients through clear, informed discussions about treatment choices, expected outcomes, and recovery. Dr. Tolli completed medical school in the late 1980s and has since built a long-standing practice focused on helping patients return to function and improve quality of life. He is affiliated with several area hospitals, including St. Josephs Hospital, HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, and Morton Plant Hospital, supporting continuity of care across outpatient and inpatient settings. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tolli has been listed as a participating physician for orthopedic spine second opinions through a professional athletes’ association program.

Benjamin D. Streufert, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in orthopaedic spine surgery. He specializes in comprehensive spine care for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar conditions, with clinical interests that include adult degenerative spine disorders, adult spinal deformity, minimally invasive spine surgery, motion-preservation procedures such as laminoplasty and disc replacement, and surgical management of spine trauma and tumors. Dr. Streufert earned his medical degree from Duke University after completing a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Virginia. He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training associated with the University of South Florida and Florida Orthopaedic Institute, followed by an orthopaedic spine surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In his practice, Dr. Streufert emphasizes thoughtful, individualized care and is interested in emerging technologies and novel surgical and non-surgical techniques aimed at improving outcomes for patients with spinal disorders. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the North American Spine Society.

Robert L. Swiggett Jr., MD, is an orthopaedic surgery physician serving patients in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care with a clinical focus on arthroscopy, knee and hip replacement (arthroplasty), and orthopaedic trauma. Dr. Swiggett earned his medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He completed internship training at Tufts New England Medical Center (Tufts Medical Center) and went on to complete orthopaedic surgery residency training at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. His training history also includes additional residency experience at Tufts Medical Center. He practices with All Florida Orthopaedic Associates and is affiliated with several local hospitals, including Bayfront Medical Center, Northside Hospital & Tampa Bay Heart Institute, Saint Petersburg General Hospital, and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Dr. Swiggett has also held leadership roles as Chief of Surgery at multiple hospitals. He is associated with professional organizations including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Florida Orthopaedic Society.

Lawrence M. Gnage, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care for patients in the St. Petersburg, Florida area. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed postgraduate training at UPMC Medical Education in Pittsburgh, including a surgical residency followed by specialized residency training in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Gnage is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, reflecting a commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education. He holds hospital staff privileges at Bayfront Medical Center, where he may be involved in coordinated, team-based care for patients who require hospital evaluation or surgical management. With a long-standing career in clinical practice, Dr. Gnage brings extensive experience to the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic conditions, helping patients address pain, restore function, and return to daily activities. His approach emphasizes careful evaluation, evidence-based treatment planning, and individualized care tailored to each patient’s goals.

Michael Smith, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and total joint replacement, with additional expertise in evaluating and treating knee and leg conditions as well as shoulder disorders. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences and completed internship and general surgery training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He subsequently completed advanced orthopaedic training at the Campbell Clinic, where he developed a strong foundation in both operative and nonoperative musculoskeletal care. Dr. Smith brings extensive experience caring for athletes and active individuals, having served as a team physician for multiple professional and Olympic teams and as an orthopaedic consultant to several Major League Baseball organizations. His clinical approach emphasizes restoring function, relieving pain, and helping patients return safely to work, sport, and daily activities. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Smith has contributed to the sports medicine literature and has held an editorial role with an orthopaedic publication. He is affiliated with St. Anthony’s Hospital and participates in BayCare Physician Partners, including its accountable care organization. He is also a member of leading professional societies such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.