Care Team

At El Camino Health, our team of orthopedic spine specialists delivers a full spectrum of care. From preventive care, education and diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and rehabilitation, we deliver expert, compassionate care.

One of the distinctions of care at El Camino Health is our Oncology Coordinator Program, which provides specialty-trained registered nurses who guide your spine care journey. These program coordinators can provide individual or group education, and answer questions about preparing for a procedure or postsurgical care instructions. They’re available to help you and your family manage insurance details, locate an office or a specialist, and much more.

One Team, Comprehensive Care

Our spine care specialists work closely with other healthcare professionals at El Camino Health — and with you — to provide personalized care that meets your needs and expectations.

Your team may include these and other specialists at El Camino Health:

• Anesthesiologists – Doctors who administer medications to control pain and support vital functions during surgery.
• Hospitalists – Doctors who specialize in hospital medicine and medical care for people who are hospitalized. This focus allows hospitalists to better understand and respond to various day-to-day needs during your hospital stay.
• Infectious disease specialists – Doctors of internal medicine (or pediatrics) who specialize in diagnosing and treating bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and other types of infection.
• Interventional radiologists – Doctors who diagnose and treat spine conditions using a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. These approaches involve inserting small instruments, such as catheters or wires, guided by imaging techniques, such as X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.
• Neurologists – Doctors who specialize in the treatment of nervous system disorders, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
• Neurosurgeons – Surgeons who provide treatment of disorders that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, and provide pain management. They also perform spine surgery for conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs and disc degeneration.
• Nurse program coordinators (Oncology coordinators) – Registered nurses who guide patients through the spinal surgery experience. They meet with patients individually and in group settings to coordinate care and answer questions. Nurse program coordinators assist each patient from pre-surgery through postoperative care, providing individualized education and support.
• Nurses – Skilled specialists who take a leading role in your care. They assist doctors and care for patients with various health conditions. In addition, they can help you understand your treatment plan and answer your questions. Many of our nurses have specialty training and orthopedic certification.
• Occupational therapists – Healthcare professionals who help people with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities live as independently as possible. They may help you learn how to cope with daily activities or recommend changes to your home or school to accommodate your abilities. During your hospital stay, our occupational therapists will come to your room and work with you individually.
• Orthopedic spine surgeons – Surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions and injuries, and providing rehabilitation suggestions and prevention tips.
• Pain management specialists – Professionals who work as part of the care team to provide customized pain management through various therapies.
• Physiatrists – Doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation — also known as physiatry — and restoring abilities lost due to disease, disorder or injury. Physiatrists provide integrated care for physical, psychological, work-related and social challenges.
• Physical therapists – Healthcare professionals who provide training and expertise to help people recover from disease or injury-related setbacks. They may provide balance and gait (walk) retraining, wheelchair safety and management, exercise programs, family education and training, pain management and safety instruction. During your hospital stay, our physical therapists will come to your room and work with you individually.
• Physician assistants (PAs) – Healthcare professional who practice medicine as part of a team of orthopedic spine surgeons and other specialists. PAs can perform physical exams, develop treatment plans, assist with surgery, and provide preventive care and education.
• Primary care doctors – Doctors who provide routine healthcare and annual exams and immunizations, treatment for acute medical conditions, and initial care for all health conditions. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a spine care health for more advanced treatment.
• Speech-language pathologists – Clinicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating people with various types of communication problems resulting from disability, surgery or developmental disorders.

Your Opinion Matters

Because your comfort and well-being are important to us, we encourage you to take an active part in your care and welcome your feedback. Nurse managers are available to speak with you, and you may also call or write the patient experience team at 650-962-5836 or patient_experience@elcaminohealth.org.