THE JOINT REPLACEMENT INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Licensed Physical Therapist
Adam Long joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2020.
Adam completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, and later obtained his Orthopedic Certified Specialist distinction from the board of the American Physical Therapy Association. He has extensive experience treating a comprehensive orthopedic population, including surgical & non-surgical diagnoses, peripheral joints, & spine. Adam likes to focus on hands-on, manual therapy, combined with a restorative exercise program to help patients achieve their individualized goals.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching all sports, as well as being active outside, including triathlon training, paddleboarding, kayaking, & spending time on the beach.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Licensed Physical Therapist
After suffering an ACL injury and receiving physical therapy, Aris decided to make a career change to incorporate his love of sports and passion for exercise. Aris earned his associate degree at Kent State University in Ohio and has additional training in kinesio taping. Aris' prior experience includes extensive work with athletic trainers in rehabilitating collegiate and professional athletes, as well as working in hospital/inpatient, outpatient, and assisted living settings.
Aris is an avid golfer and enjoys working out, going to the beach, and spending time with his wife and their dog.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Physical Therapist
- Member of the Physical Therapy Team
Ashley joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2024.
Ashley completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Northern Illinois University and has since been certified in ASTYM as well as progressing through the Certified Integrated Manual Therapy program. She has over 13 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses including surgical, sports injuries, spinal, balance, and vertigo. She enjoys a hands-on approach to treating her patients.
In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and her three sons Tyson, Nolan, and Griffin. Her sons are involved in various sporting activities so you will typically find her at a sporting event on the weekends or at the beach.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
David Albritton joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2017.
David performs duties typical of an orthopedic physician assistant, including office visits, pre- and post-operative history and physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, diagnostic imaging, joint injections, and attending hospital rounds. He also assists Dr. Brian Wallace in surgical procedures.
David received his bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He then attended Nova Southeastern University's Orlando campus, where he received a master of science in medical science and physician assistant studies.
In his spare time, David enjoys fishing, Ping-Pong, dirt bikes, and any ball-related sport.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Physical Therapy Team
Job Titles:
- Board Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Benjamin Schnee joined the Joint Replacement Institute provider team in 2024. He has been practicing in Naples, Florida since 2021 after completing his fellowship in Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa.
As a spine surgeon who specializes in degenerative conditions, Dr. Schnee utilizes a conservative and individualized approach to provide the best care for every patient.
He has fellowship training and a preference for less invasive surgical approaches including minimally invasive surgical techniques and endoscopic spine surgery.
Dr. Schnee is also trained in nonoperative treatments such as bone marrow aspirate concentration and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments used to help patients.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Schnee enjoys golf, skiing, boating, scuba diving, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Chief of the Orthopedic Department for the NCH Healthcare
- Surgeon for the USTA / ITF World Tennis Tour
Dr. Wallace currently serves as the head team physician for Ave Maria University, where he works with college athletes to assure their quick return to sport.
Dr Wallace has served as the Chief of the Orthopedic Department for the NCH Healthcare system.
Whether you're a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or just an active adult, you'll want to see sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Wallace at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, should you have any orthopedic concerns. Call (239) 261-2663 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment now.
Dr. Cody Togher is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon specializing in complex foot and ankle reconstruction, including total ankle replacement, bunion correction, arthroscopic/endoscopic techniques, deformity correction, sports injuries, fracture care, and revision surgery of the foot and ankle.
Dr. Togher is dedicated to helping his patients get better and is committed to helping them achieve their goals through personalized treatment plans. He has expertise with conditions best managed by conservative care and is knowledgeable of when surgery is the appropriate option.
Dr. Togher received his fellowship training at the prestigious Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio, under the direct guidance of many world-renowned foot and ankle surgeons. Prior to fellowship, he completed an extensive residency at AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida.
He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated as valedictorian of his class. A native of Naples, Dr. Togher completed his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and is a proud alumnus of Barron Collier High School.
Since moving back to Florida with his wife, Dr. Togher has enjoyed the opportunity to participate in more outdoor activities than he was able to during the harsh Midwest winters. He enjoys all things sports-related, ranging from golf and football to car racing and autocross. While originally raised a Chicago sports fan, his early years in Florida helped to cultivate a fandom for Tampa and Orlando area sports teams. He is a fanatic of Florida State University athletics.
Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs' interest in surgery was cultivated at an early age, being the son of a general surgeon. This exposure provided him a view into the world of orthopedics and joint replacement surgery that has continued to drive him to this day.
Dr. Biggs began his medical career performing joint replacements in private practice in Ohio, while also teaching at the orthopedic surgery residency program at Doctors Hospital of Stark County. His Ohio medical practice also served as a multicenter investigational studies site for developing new implants and procedures.
He relocated to Florida in 2006 and founded the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida two years later.
Dr. Biggs performs 900+ joint replacement surgeries per year. He is a national leader in the development and use of cutting-edge surgical techniques, customized implant design, and post-operative patient care. He hosts surgeons from around the country who come to learn about direct anterior hip replacement, outpatient total joint replacement, and patient-specific knee replacement surgeries.
Direct anterior hip replacements are a passion of his. Dr. Biggs has successfully performed more than 6,000 of these minimally invasive procedures that involve skillfully maneuvering around muscles and tendons for less post-op pain and scarring as well as a faster recovery.
Since moving to Florida, Dr. Biggs, his wife, and six children have enjoyed becoming active members of the community and look forward to living in Naples for many years to come. The Biggs family enjoys many outdoor activities ranging from golf to motocross.
Meet Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs, founder of the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida. In this engaging video, he discusses his passion: hip and knee replacements.
Dr. Zach Elstad joins the Joint Replacement Institute after completing his Adult Reconstruction fellowship at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center (MSMOC). MSMOC is one of the largest volume private practice groups in the United States.
He previously spent time in Florida, having finished his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Florida - Jacksonville, where he was elected to be the administrative chief resident. Dr. Elstad originally grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Athens. Go Dawgs!
Dr. Elstad's expertise focuses on the hip and knee. He has been extensively trained in robotic-assisted surgery for both hip and knee replacements, Partial Knee replacements, as well as the Direct Anterior approach for total hips. He is extremely knowledgeable about the workup and management of previous hip and knee surgeries requiring revision for a variety of reasons.
Dr. Elstad lives in Naples with his wife, Nicole. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking and trying new foods. He is a yard game enthusiast and loves golf (much more than it loves him).
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Erin Bostick worked in the fields of general surgery and interventional radiology before joining the Joint Replacement Institute in 2019 to work with Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs and his staff in orthopedics.
Erin graduated from the University of Central Florida with her bachelor of science in health services administration. She graduated from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida with her master of science in clinical science and physician assistant studies.
In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband Cedrick and their baby girl Gianna. She enjoys cooking, traveling and being outdoors with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Physical Therapy Team
- Licensed Physical Therapist in Naples, FL
Eva joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2023.
Eva completed her physical therapy degree at Cleveland State University. She brings 36 years of evidence-based clinical experience in orthopedics for both surgical and non-surgical diagnoses. Eva focuses on manual therapy combined with skilled restorative exercise techniques to partner with patients to achieve their individualized goals.
In her spare time, Eva enjoys following all Cleveland sports teams even though they have not been successful. She is an avid traveler and enjoys hiking in America's National Parks.
Job Titles:
- Board Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship Trained Hand Surgeon
Dr. Scott Herron joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2021 after completing a rigorous Hand and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Miami. Prior to his time in Florida, he completed medical school at The University of Cincinnati and his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at The University of Toledo Medical Center.
Dr. Herron's interests in Orthopedics include hand and wrist fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand and wrist arthritis and trigger fingers. He also maintains an interest in general orthopedic care.
He has been expertly trained in endoscopic and minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery, microvascular repair and reconstruction and complex wrist fracture care. He has also received extensive training in nonoperative and operative management of wrist and hand arthritis.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Jacob (Jake) Genzel joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2024.
Jake performs duties typical of an orthopedic physician assistant including office visits, pre-and post-operative history, and physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, joint injections, and hospital rounds. He works alongside Dr. Benjamin Schnee in the office and assists him with surgical procedures.
Jake is originally from Buffalo, New York, and has had a strong interest in orthopedic surgery throughout schooling. He received his Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physician Assistant Science from Gannon University, in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Jake believes that living an active lifestyle is essential to his patient's health and longevity and strives to work with his patients to get them back to their normal daily lives.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Kelly has been working in Orthopedic Surgery since 2020 and joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2023.
Kelly assists Dr. Zachary Elstad in all surgical procedures and performs duties typical of an Orthopedic Physician Assistant, including office visits, pre/post-operative management and physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, joint injections, and attending hospital rounds.
Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida. She subsequently earned her Master of Science in Medical Science and Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, working out, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family. She is also an avid football fan and has season tickets to her favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Licensed Physical Therapist
Kelsey joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2021.
Kelsey earned her BS at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and has additional training in IASTM techniques. Prior to JRI, she gained experience working with an athletic population in the outpatient setting, and is now enjoying the active orthopedic population here at JRI.
In her spare time, she enjoys basketball, kayaking, and spending time at the beach with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Licensed Physical Therapist
- Member of the Physical Therapy Team
Mark joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2023, after relocating to Southwest Florida from Long Island, NY. After working in advertising for over 20 years, Mark decided a career change was in order. Mark graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Nassau Community College in New York 14 years ago.
As a PTA, Mark has diverse experience in outpatient, hospital, and home care settings. He has extensive knowledge not only of orthopedic rehab, but also of gait/balance, back/spine, and aquatic therapy (where he was practice director). Mark has worked with all ages as well as both amateur and professional athletes.
Mark enjoys spending time with his family, playing ice hockey, golfing, and boating.
Dr. Paul Beebe joined the Joint Replacement Institute provider team in 2017.
As an interventional pain management physician, Dr. Beebe is the first to recognize that pain management has become a highly specialized and complex field in recent years. In light of the nation's devastating opioid abuse epidemic, pain management is no longer centered around medication and medication alone. Instead, Dr. Beebe partners with each of his patients to carefully discuss and decide on the treatment options that are best for them; only then is a customized treatment plan enacted.
To help his patients reclaim their lives free from debilitating pain, Dr. Beebe offers a variety of pain management treatments, in addition to medication when appropriate. In fact, Dr. Beebe prescribes 90% fewer opiate medications than other pain management physicians, according to recent Medicare statements - yet can still significantly reduce a patient's pain.
Originally from Oklahoma, Dr. Beebe has been practicing anesthesia and pain management in southwest Florida since he, his wife, and children moved here in 2007.
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant
Sarah Oakum has worked as a Physician Assistant for 20 years. She joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2019. Initially working in Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine she has worked the past 10 years in Interventional Pain Management.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Neural Biology from Lehigh University. She then attended the University of Miami where she received a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. She worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer in the both the high school and collegiate setting in an 8 year period. While teaching in the athletic training curriculum program at Barry University, she elected to enter their Physician Assistant program to further her education and received a Masters of Clinical Medical Science in 2000.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys time with her family. As much as possible they take trips in their RV exploring State and National Parks and enjoying the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
William Fazio joined the Joint Replacement Institute in 2012.
Will performs duties typical of an orthopedic physician assistant including office visits, pre- and post-operative history and physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, joint injections, and attending hospital rounds. He also assists Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs in surgical procedures.
Will received his bachelor of science in food science and human nutrition at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He then attended Nova Southeastern University's Fort Myers campus, where he received his master of science in medical science and physician assistant studies.
In his spare time, Will enjoys being outdoors on the water, fishing from his kayak for all types of fish - from snook to sailfish. He also likes to participate in competitive golf and tennis matches and loves watching football on the weekends.