Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

Mark R. McLaughlin, MD, FAANS, FACS

To me, it was never a question of whether I would become a doctor but what area of medicine I’d choose. My grandfather, my idol, was a doctor in West Orange, New Jersey, for more than 50 years. As a kid, I followed him around constantly, and sometimes even carried his medical bag on house calls. But when I entered college, I opted to major in philosophy, rather than follow the conventional pre-med track. My interests spanned beyond medicine. And, ultimately, I thought if I could think, speak, and write clearly, I’d be a better doctor. While I’ve always considered myself an avid student, and still do, much of what I’ve come to understand about life I’ve learned on the wrestling mat. I was a Division I wrestler in college, and one of my proudest achievements was being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. For the better part of the last 20 years, I’ve coached 8- to 12-year-olds with the Princeton Wrestling Club in the town where I live. And five years ago, I helped launch Trenton Youth Wrestling, a program that each year enables 200 girls and boys from the city’s public schools to learn about and compete in the sport. I’ve remained involved in wrestling because I believe its principles can help shape the trajectory of a child’s life. That’s what happened to me. I credit wrestling and an inspiring coach early in my life with giving me the mental and physical tools to do my best, on the mat and in the operating room. Wrestling taught me the importance of perseverance and gave me the fortitude to achieve a successful career, from pursuing a challenging residency under Dr. Peter Jannetta, the father of modern neurosurgery, to surrounding myself with some of the brightest minds working in the field today. In recent years, I’ve settled into a slightly less prominent role within our practice so that I can devote more time to my patients. I continue to focus on cervical spine surgery, which has been revolutionized by the M6-C artificial cervical disc replacement. Designed to restore the natural range of movement to the spine, the M6-C disc is intended as an alternative to cervical fusion. Patients once crippled by pain who’ve undergone the procedure are consistently regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives. My practice welcomes referrals for most brain and spine disorders, and we accept most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare. Clinical Expertise Complex spine surgery Minimally-invasive spine treatments M6-C artificial cervical disc replacement Trigeminal neuralgia Chiari malformation Medical Education Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Internship University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Residency University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Fellowship Emory University School of Medicine Specialized Training Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Board Certification Neurological Surgery Honors and Recognitions America’s Top Surgeon, Consumer’s Research Council of America, 2008 and 2009 America’s Top Doctor, Castle Connolly, Ltd., New York Metro Area, 2008, 2012, and 2018 “Doctors Who Make a Difference,” New Jersey Monthly Magazine, 2011

Education: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine , Emory University School of Medicine

Certifications: America’s Top Surgeon, Consumer’s Research Council of America

Nirav K. Shah, MD, FAANS, FACS

Clinical Expertise Complex spine surgery Minimally-invasive spine treatments M6-C artificial cervical disc replacement Concussions Chronic traumatic encephalopathy Medical Education Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University Internship University of Maryland Medical System Greater Baltimore Medical Center Spine Center Maryland Shock Trauma Center University of Maryland Residency University of Maryland Medical System Board Certification Neurological Surgery Honors and Recognitions Top Doctors, Philadelphia Magazine, 2018 and 2019 Guide to America’s Top Physicians, Neurosurgery, 2009 Guide to America’s Top Physicians, Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, 2007 Lots of doctors discover neurosurgery well into their medical training. I’m not one of them. Well before I was accepted for the accelerated premedical-medical program at Penn State University, I knew I wanted to be a neurosurgeon. My education and experience during those years only cemented that belief. In medical school, I found myself gravitating to the neurosurgeons in training. Eventually, I began to see what it was about them that drew me to the profession. They worked harder than anyone on campus. They always had the toughest cases, but they also seemed to be the happiest of anyone I came across because they clearly loved what they were doing. I’ve realized every aspect of that in my own practice. The stakes are high with every case, and yet I’ve learned to embrace that energy and pressure. I believe that much of that has to do with appreciating each of my patients as people, not complex medical issues that need to be corrected. When I meet with my patients before their procedure, I explain what’s going on with them and what I’ll need to do to resolve it so they can get back to feeling more like themselves. I try to imagine myself as them in those moments, carefully digesting this news, less for their own knowledge and more so they can repeat it to their concerned family back at home. They don’t need me to flex my expertise. They only need to know that I’m fully invested in their well-being and that I’ll do everything I can to protect it. That part is inherent in me. Even if I never became a neurosurgeon, I’d still be “all in” with everything I do. Whether as the medical director of Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics or a husband and father, I need to be involved in every mundane detail. And that certainly holds true as a doctor, too. As they say, the meaning is in the process, not the outcome. My practice welcomes referrals for most brain and spine disorders, and we accept most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare.

Education: Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University , University of Maryland Medical System , Greater Baltimore Medical Center Spine Center , Maryland Shock Trauma Center

Certifications: Top Doctors, Philadelphia Magazine, 2018 and 2019

Seth S. Joseffer, MD, FAANS, FACS

Clinical Expertise Spine surgery Minimally-invasive spine treatments and disc replacement Spinal decompression Spinal fusion Brain and spine tumors Traumatic injuries and adult normal pressure hydrocephalus Medical Education The New York University School of Medicine Internship NYU Langone Medical Center Residency NYU Langone Medical Center Specialized Training Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and Cyberknife Board Certification Neurosurgery Professional Societies The American Association of Neurological Surgeons Congress of Neurological Surgeons American College of Surgeons AANS/CNS Neurotrauma and Critical Care Section Honors and Recognitions Arnold P Gold Foundation “Gold DOC” recognition, 2014 NJ Monthly Magazine “Jersey Choice Top Doctor,” 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 I think one thing my patients appreciate about me is that I truly get what it’s like to be sidelined by an injury. In addition to being an avid runner, I enjoy rowing, biking, playing golf, and hiking. And I’ve suffered my fair share of injuries over the years. My ability to relate to my patients and the frustration that often accompanies physical limitation makes me a better physician. The main focus of my practice is helping people with debilitating brain or spine conditions achieve their short- and long-term goals and regain quality of life. I recognize the importance of keeping people moving and that their needs are different depending upon their stage of life. That’s why I take the time to understand how patients are limited by their condition and the goals they have following treatment. We then work together to develop an action plan that takes into account their diagnosis, overall health, and personal ambitions. These plans may include simple interventions such as physical therapy or injections, or more intricate approaches such as minimally invasive surgery or even complex spine surgery. Degenerative spine conditions like herniated discs or pinched nerves are more common problems, but I also treat tumors affecting the brain and spine, as well as traumatic brain and spine injuries. As a life-long learner, I strive to remain at the forefront of innovation and safety. This allows me to achieve the best possible results for my patients. It is a tremendous privilege to live and work in Princeton. As a member of this community I enjoy competing at local races—the Princeton half marathon is one of my favorites. STEM Day is another important event for my children and me. I enjoy going into the classes and talking about things like brain function or concussion. The kids really like being hands-on, so I’ll bring models of the brain or screws and rods that are used in spine reconstruction for them to work with. Like these children, my fascination with the brain began at a young age. When I was an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University, I witnessed my first brain surgery. I was immediately hooked. Now I enjoy sharing my love for this field with my patients, community, and professional peers. My practice welcomes referrals for most brain and spine disorders, and we accept most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare.

Education: The New York University School of Medicine , NYU Langone Medical Center

Certifications: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons , Congress of Neurological Surgeons , American College of Surgeons , AANS/CNS Neurotrauma and Critical Care Section

Paul W. Codjoe, MD

Clinical Expertise Total and partial knee replacement Rotator cuff repair and shoulder arthroplasty ACL reconstruction and sports-related injuries Cartilage restoration and orthobiologic therapies (including PRP) Minimally invasive and computer-assisted joint reconstruction Knee multi-ligament reconstruction Arthroscopic surgery and joint preservation Medical Education Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Residency Temple University Hospital Fellowship Sports Medicine, The Hughston Clinic Board Certification American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Professional Memberships American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society American Academy of Regenerative Medicine The Hughston Society I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. Whenever my cousin left one of his medical school textbooks unattended, I’d flip through it. None of it made much sense, of course, but I could feel my curiosity deepening. In time, it did make sense. Although, as empowering as this new knowledge was, I was compelled even more by the idea of helping people. That someone could trust in me to care for them, and I could, in turn, make them whole again. This can mean something different for everyone. For some, it’s living pain-free and keeping up with energetic grandkids. For others, it’s playing again at an elite level. Each of my patients has a unique set of concerns about their injury, and it’s my responsibility to appreciate them and tailor a treatment plan to their needs. As I ask questions and try to learn more about my patients, I want them to ask questions of their own. This is, after all, a partnership. Whatever we determine the goal for their care to be, we both need to be active participants in the process, whether it’s a conservative strategy or a more aggressive approach. We’re in this together. For my part, I’ve been a board-certified orthopedic surgeon for nearly two decades. I’m committed to innovation and regularly travel around the world to learn cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques and minimally invasive procedures at the side of the surgeons perfecting them. Recently, I replaced a patient’s shoulder with a customized implant I created with a 3-D printer. I was also among the first surgeons to perform a Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR), which uses a special implant to stimulate natural healing. And, for the right candidates, I offer a minimally invasive knee replacement surgery that preserves the quadriceps muscle, leading to a faster recovery. Even as treatments become more sophisticated, the patient and their needs remain at the center of everything I do. My practice welcomes referrals for most shoulder and knee disorders, and we accept most insurance providers, as well as Medicare.

Education: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , Temple University Hospital , Sports Medicine, The Hughston Clinic

Certifications: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine , American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons , International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine , International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society , American Academy of Regenerative Medicine , The Hughston Society

David Lamb, MD

Clinical Expertise Minimally invasive procedures Artificial disc replacement Kyphoplasty The use of interspinous devices Medical Education Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Internship Pennsylvania Hospital Residency Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Fellowship Emory School of Medicine Experience Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell In seventh grade, most of my friends wanted to play for the Phillies when they grew up. I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. I fell on the school playground that year and broke my wrist. My mom took me to an orthopedic surgeon. That was the first I’d ever heard of such a doctor, but I knew by the end of the appointment that I’d found my calling. I was sure that I’d be in pain for the rest of my life. He took one look at my x-ray and told me I’d be just fine. The very next year, I broke my tibia playing football with friends. Again, it was an orthopedic surgeon who put me on the path to recovery. It was a sign, I decided, and ran with it. Following my residency, I pursued a fellowship in spine surgery and have made that the focus of my career, keeping pace with a field that’s evolved at an astonishing rate since I entered it 30 years ago. Today, I’m able to perform minimally invasive procedures that enable my patients to spend less time in the hospital following their surgery, recover quicker from it, and resume enjoying their lives pain-free. In preparation for that moment, I’ll ask a lot of questions when I first meet a patient so that I can gain a thorough understanding of their condition and how it’s impacted their life. As part of this, we’ll review their medical records together. Then I’ll conduct a comprehensive physical examination, testing their strength, reflexes, and sensation. I’ll observe how they walk and move. Finally, I’ll analyze the images from any scans that have been done. It’s a holistic process that’s designed to lead us to the treatment that best suits the patient, whether it’s a conservative measure, such as physical therapy, or a more aggressive approach like surgery. Either way, we won’t move forward unless the patient has a clear understanding of what to expect, in terms of the next steps and the long-term future. Such a decision can feel daunting. However, I’ll use all of my experience and expertise to help instill the confidence needed to envision a new reality. My practice welcomes referrals for most cervical and lumbar spine disorders, and we accept most insurance providers, as well as Medicare.

Education: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Pennsylvania Hospital , Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , Emory School of Medicine

Dhimant J. Balar, DO

Clinical Expertise Minimally-invasive treatments for joint and muscle pain Ultrasound guided injection Platelet-rich plasma injection Concussion treatment Medical Education Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency The State University of New York at Stony Brook Fellowship University of Pennsylvania Board Certification Internal Medicine Sports Medicine Professional Societies Diplomate of Sports Medicine American Board of Internal Medicine Honors and Recognitions Patients’ Choice Award, Vitals, 2008-2016 Compassionate Physician Award, Vitals, 2010-2012 and 2015-2016 Top Doctor, NJ Top Docs, 2018-2021 Top Doctor, PA Top Docs, 2021 As a sports medicine doctor, people tend to think that I only treat young athletes. But I consider myself to be a generalist because I treat patients from all walks, from head to toe. I’ve treated concussions that resulted from an in-game injury and others that occurred during a car accident. And, in my various capacities, I’ve treated shoulder pain in pitchers and manual laborers alike. I’m the former director of sports medicine at the Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay Medical Center and the current medical director of the athletic training program and team physician at Monmouth University, as well as the medical director of the Spine Institute of Central Jersey and the Centra State Rehabilitation Center. Where I distinguish myself is in my training. Being an effective sports medicine doctor who provides orthopedic care means having a thorough understanding of how the entire body functions, not just a few injury-prone parts. As a board-certified internal medicine doctor as well, I’m able to look after my patients in a uniquely comprehensive manner. Some conditions, like sports-induced asthma and heart disease, can be misdiagnosed initially when the symptoms don’t align with the typical experience. You may come in concerned about a sore knee, but I’m going to want to dig deeper to make sure there’s nothing else awry. My own experience as a patient informs a lot of my practice, too. I was an all-state athlete in high school. Sports were, and remain, a central part of my life. During my playing days, I sustained several injuries that required professional care. Those experiences taught me the importance of listening as a doctor. I think of myself as a naturally empathetic person, but clear, open communication is especially vital between a doctor and his patient. Whether the injury stems from overuse or an accident, the most important thing for many of my patients is getting back to their normal lifestyles. As the father of a two-year-old who’s constantly in motion, I get it. And that’s why I opt for conservative treatment whenever it’s possible. It’s how I get my patients off the sidelines and back into the game quickly and safely. It’s what I’d want if the roles were reversed. My practice welcomes referrals for most orthopedic-related injuries, concussions, and sport-specific consultations, and we accept most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare. FIND LOCATION Request an appointment Find a Location New Jersey: Flemington Freehold Galloway Lawrenceville Marlton Mullica Hill Oakhurst Princeton Hamilton Somerset Pennsylvania: Bethlehem Newtown Enter Zipcode Princeton, NJ 731 Alexander Road Suite 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 921-9001 Directions Freehold, NJ 901 West Main Street Building A, Suite 267 Freehold, NJ 07728 (732) 333-8702 Directions Oakhurst, NJ 1912 State Rt. 35, Suite 101 Oakhurst, NJ 07755 (732) 677-3733 Directions Marlton, NJ 127 Church Road, Suite 400 Marlton, NJ 08053 (609) 585-6100 Directions Flemington, NJ 190 State Hwy 31, Suite 300B, Hunterdon Medical Pavilion (Behind CVS Pharmacy), Flemington, NJ 08822 (908) 229-6627 Directions Mullica Hill, NJ 199 Mullica Hill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 (856) 336-9808 Directions Somerset, NJ 81 Veronica Avenue, Suite 203 (2nd Floor) Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 677-3733 Directions Lawrenceville, NJ 558 Lawrence Square Blvd, S., Lawrence Township, NJ 08646 (609) 585-6100 Directions Bethlehem, PA 701 West Union Blvd, Suite 9 Bethlehem, PA 18018 (214) 741-3141 Directions Newtown, PA 104 Pheasant Run, Suite 105 Newtown, PA 18940 (215) 741-3141 Directions Galloway, NJ 18 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205 (856) 336-9808 Directions Hamilton, NJ 2312 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Suite 100 Hamilton, NJ 08619 (609) 921-9001 Directions Logo About Conditions Services & Treatments Contact Patient Resources Follow us Power

Education: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine , The State University of New York at Stony Brook , University of Pennsylvania

Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine , Patients’ Choice Award, Vitals, 2008-2016

Guillermo J. Bernal, MD

Clinical Expertise Musculoskeletal issues including neuropathy Spinal cord injury Stroke rehabilitation Orthopedic joint issues Chronic migraine Carpal tunnel Cervical dystonia Amputee rehabilitation Electrodiagnostic studies Electromyography (EMG) Nerve conduction study (NCS) Trigger-point injections Medical Education Universidad Central Del Caribe Escuela de Medicinia (UCCEM) Internship New York Medical College Metropolitan Hospital Center Residency Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation New York Medical College Board Certification Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Professional Societies American Medical Association American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Fellow American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine Vestibular Disorders Association Pennsylvania Medical Society Meet Dr. Guillermo Bernal Getting to KNOW Guillermo J. Bernal, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation My interest in medicine is partly due to my family – my father and brother are both physicians, as are a number of my friends. I also played a lot of sports growing up, so I became interested in musculoskeletal health. Initially I thought I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon, but then I realized I didn’t want to perform surgeries all the time. I wanted to treat and interact with patients on a regular basis and be involved in their care and recovery. I found physical medicine and rehabilitation to be a good fit for me because it is a non-surgical specialty that deals with musculoskeletal issues. I help people with day-to-day bodily function which has a big impact on quality of life. I really enjoy that. In my practice, I use medications, injections, and other technologies when treating patients with musculoskeletal injuries presenting with pain. I also see stroke patients and amputees who may need help with balance, walking or daily self-care. They may require an assisted device, bracing or special equipment in the home to achieve independence. I provide non-surgical care such as Botox injections to treat patients with chronic migraines and dystonias, as well as to treat spasticity in patients with stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy or other neuromuscular conditions. I also perform joint injections and other injections for those to treat bursitis, tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as trigger point injections for myofascial pain. As part of my practice, I perform both Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), to diagnose patients with diseases that damage muscle tissue, nerves, or the points where nerve and muscle join; as well as determine the cause of weakness, paralysis, involuntary muscle twitching or other symptoms. Both studies can be done in my office and offer valuable information as to whether problems in a muscle, the nerves controlling a muscle, the spinal cord or the brain are causing the patient’s symptoms. People would probably describe me as happy-go-lucky. I’m easy-going, caring, and a good listener. I spend a lot of time listening to my patients and performing a comprehensive evaluation so I can understand their condition and exactly how the pain or dysfunction interferes with their daily life. I like treating patients in a comprehensive, holistic way. Though I was born in Philadelphia, my family is from Puerto Rico where I grew up. When I returned to Philadelphia for college, I met my wife. I returned to Puerto Rico for medical school and thought I’d be practicing there but we came back to the area when we got married. We’ve been married for 37 years and have three grown daughters. Our first grandchild was born in 2022. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis 3-4 times per week. I also enjoy movies, art galleries, and fine dining.

Education: Universidad Central Del Caribe Escuela de Medicinia (UCCEM) , New York Medical College Metropolitan Hospital Center , Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation New York Medical College

Gregory Quille, DC

Clinical Expertise Manual chiropractic low-force techniques Rehabilitative therapies Corrective exercise Medical Education Exercise Science Creighton University Palmer College of Chiropractic Certifications Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia Professional Societies The Association of New Jersey Chiropractors The National Strength and Conditioning Association Honors and Recognitions Top Doctor, NJ Top Docs, 2020 Service Award, Stafford Township School District Board of Education My staff likes to joke that I’m too talkative with my patients sometimes. But I’m always very conscious of putting my patients at ease. For someone who’s never visited a chiropractor before, chiropractic can be a foreign and sometimes intimidating concept. Typically, I’ll start by explaining what chiropractic is about. And then I’ll describe how it’s performed. Chiropractic adjustments are very hands-on compared to most types of medical treatments. After practicing for more than 25 years, I’ve achieved a mastery of the chiropractic techniques. But, perhaps even more importantly, I’ve learned that I need to first make sure my patient understands how the treatment can help their physical issues. I do that by answering all of their questions to their full satisfaction. I treat patients for a wide variety of injuries. On a given day, I may work with a CrossFit athlete who’s hampered by chronic lower back pain and an 80-year-old woman who’s recently undergone minimally-invasive spinal surgery. My aim is the same in both cases: to get them back to full strength so that they can resume an active lifestyle. My office includes a 1,200-square foot space that looks and feels more like a gym. In addition to low-force, hands-on adjustments, a treatment can also include muscle stimulation and massage, as well as stretching and corrective exercises that can eventually be transitioned to a home exercise routine. Daily, meaningful movement is essential to our health. It’s something I appreciated as an athlete, but did not fully understand until I studied exercise science, an emerging field at the time. Chiropractic became a natural transition because it enabled me to work with other athletes. But I also realized very quickly how much I appreciated its holistic approach to healthcare. As a chiropractor, I’m assisting the natural healing process by realigning spinal imbalances that can occur suddenly or over time. The human body is a complex machine, where seemingly unrelated parts are interconnected. Every treatment, while designed to use our natural healing ability to remedy a specific concern, is also ultimately about enabling the body to do what it’s designed to do: function at the height of its ability. My practice welcomes referrals for most spine disorders and a broad range of traumatic injuries. And we accept most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare.

Education: Exercise Science Creighton University , Palmer College of Chiropractic

Certifications: The Association of New Jersey Chiropractors , The National Strength and Conditioning Association

Toni Luongo, APN

Renee Rizzo, PA-C