St. Vincent Charity Hospital Launches The Spine and Orthopedic Institute

Renowned Surgeons Louis Keppler, M.D., and John S. Collis, M.D.,
Named Co-Directors of New Program

Cleveland (August 2006) – St. Vincent Charity Hospital recently launched The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, a program providing complete medical and surgical care for individuals with injuries and chronic conditions of the back, neck, joints and bones.

"The Spine and Orthopedic Institute is dedicated to serving patients through an integrated delivery system of high quality, comprehensive services provided by an expert team of compassionate medical and surgical specialists," said Jeffrey S. Jeney, President and CEO, St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

Under the co-directorship of renowned surgeons Louis Keppler, M.D., and John S. Collis, M.D., the program features advanced technologies and procedures, and a comprehensive scope of medical and surgical services, including back and neck surgery, joint replacement and revision implant surgery, sports medicine, joint preservation surgery, minimally invasive techniques and computer-assisted orthopedic surgery. The program also specializes in arthritis and pain management, accident care and work injuries, and physical & occupational therapy.

"Both Drs. Keppler and Collis are highly regarded for their renowned skill and expertise in spine and orthopedic surgery, and St. Vincent Charity Hospital has a history of innovation in orthopedics," Jeney said. "Through this program, we are well prepared to provide a full continuum of spine and orthopedic care."

About The Spine and Orthopedic Institute Surgical Team

Louis Keppler, M.D., Co-Director, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute. Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Keppler's clinical practice is broad, encompassing sports medicine, spinal reconstructive surgery, scoliosis surgery and joint replacement. Dr. Keppler completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics and spinal surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, and residency training in orthopedic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He has a medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Keppler's dynamic professional practice includes serving as Medical Director for the Cleveland Indians from 2002 to 2003 and he has been a Team Orthopedic Surgeon with the club since 1991. A consultant to orthopedic device developers, Dr. Keppler is involved in implant and instrument design and ongoing clinical research. Dr. Keppler is a national speaker lecturing on all aspects of orthopedics and a published author in peer reviewed literature.

John S. Collis, M.D., Co-Director, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, is board-certified in neurosurgery and specializes in disorders and injuries of the cervical and lumbar spine. Dr. Collis completed residencies in general and neurological surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He has a medical degree from the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. Dr. Collis is a past Director of spinal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and presently Director of spinal surgery at St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

Young H Kim, M.D., Program Surgeon, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, is board-certified in neurosurgery and specializes in disorders and injuries of the cervical and lumbar spine. Dr. Kim completed his rotating internship at Detroit Memorial Hospital, and residencies in general surgery at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He has a medical degree from Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea.

D. Philip Stickney, M.D., Program Surgeon, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He specializes in sports medicine, total joint replacement surgery, and shoulder and knee arthroscopy and surgery. Dr. Stickney completed residencies in general and orthopedic surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and in orthopedic surgery at Akron General Medical Center. He holds a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University.

The Spine and Orthopedic Institute provides services at several locations. To learn more, call (866) 333-2950.