AZALEA ORTHOPEDICS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Physician
- Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Specialist
Dr. Chad McNeil is a Board Certified physician who specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, as well as sports medicine and spasticity. He has a particular interest in back and neck pain, spasticity management, and nerve testing for problems like numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness.
Dr. McNeil graduated from Texas A&M University. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. Dr. McNeil completed an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Utah.
"An important part of my job is helping my patients understand their symptoms and the impact they can have on health and lifestyle," McNeil explains. "Together, we can then develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses those symptoms as well as the underlying causes."
He is assisted by Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Turner, N.P.
Job Titles:
- Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Job Titles:
- Knee & Shoulder Specialist
Job Titles:
- Fellowship - Trained Orthopedic Surgeon
- Hip & Knee Specialist
Dr. Andrew Hester is a Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in hip and knee arthroplasty. He treats all conditions related to hip and knee arthroplasty from arthritis to painful or dysfunctional hip and knee replacements. He has had extensive training in direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty, robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty, and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (partial knee replacement).
Dr. Hester was born and raised in Rockwall, TX. He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. This was followed by medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas where he was inducted into the AOA National Honor Medical Society for his academic achievements as well as the Gold Humanism Honor Society for his clinical care, leadership, and dedication to service. After medical school, Dr. Hester completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at JPS Hospital in Fort Worth and his adult reconstruction fellowship at The CORE Institute in Phoenix, AZ. During fellowship, he received extensive training in robotic and computer assisted total hip and knee arthroplasty, direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty, as well as complex and revision total hip and knee arthroplasty.
Dr. Hester is passionate about what he does and feels honored to serve the East Texas community by restoring function and quality of life to those suffering from hip and knee pain. Outside of work, he likes to exercise and grill. Most importantly, Dr. Hester and his wife, Andrea, have 4 young children who keep them very busy. They enjoy outdoor activities, sports, and traveling.
Dr. Andrew Hurst is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, Dr. Hurst is proud to serve the community he loves. After graduating from Nacogdoches High School, he attended Baylor University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Following Baylor, he completed medical school at the University of Texas in Galveston, where he met his wife, Kristen. He then finished a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at The Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center.
After spending a few years working out of the state, Dr. Hurst and his wife decided to come back to East Texas, where he began his orthopedic practice. In 2021, he began a partnership with Azalea Orthopedics. Additionally in 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine as a Rising Star.
Dr. Hurst is proud to offer the latest techniques and medical advancements for his patients. Specializing in complex knee and shoulder injuries, Dr. Hurst is experienced in treating both athletes and non-athletes alike. "In many cases, conservative treatment is the best option. I pride myself on providing my patients with as many options and as much information as possible. Then together, we can design the best plan for an optimal recovery."
Job Titles:
- Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Job Titles:
- Shoulder, Hip & Knee Specialist
Job Titles:
- President
- Foot & Ankle Specialist
- Welcome from Azalea 's President
Dr. John Priddy is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle. He has a particular interest in deformities and traumatic injuries in both adults and children. In 2021 and 2022, Dr. Priddy was recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doctor.
Dr. Priddy began his medical career at Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor's degree in Zoology followed by a medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. He concluded an Internship at The University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee, before completing a five-year orthopedic residency and a Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship at the renowned W.C. Campbell Clinic.
With over seventeen years of experience, Dr. Priddy has extensive knowledge and advanced training in orthopedic surgery of the foot and ankle. He is highly specialized and is one of the few surgeons qualified to perform total ankle replacement surgery in East Texas.
"Patients who are suffering from foot and ankle pain have to manage this daily - and that's a very high price for them to pay," Priddy explains. "We can help these patients regain their mobility and their way of life with the latest, most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. Seeing my patients up and walking, pain-free is a wonderful accomplishment."
Job Titles:
- Non - Surgical Sports Medicine
Dr. Jon-Michael Cline is a fellowship trained, board certified Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician. Dr. Cline treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and specializes in non-surgical treatment of sports injuries, concussion management, and ortho biologics. He is an expert at using ultrasound for diagnosing injury and performing targeted injections. Dr. Cline also specializes in non-operative treatment of both hip and knee pain. Depending on the patient's diagnosis, hips and knees can also be successfully treated with injections.
Dr. Cline was born and raised in East Texas. After graduating from Elkhart High School, he attended Tyler Junior College where he played both tennis and baseball. He then completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Texas A&M University where he pitched for the Aggie baseball team. He subsequently spent two years pitching for the Minnesota Twins in their minor league system. Though a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery ended his professional baseball career, he went on to pursue his passion for medicine by attending medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center/TCOM in Fort Worth. He met his wife, Dr. Amby Cline, during medical school, and they both went on to complete their Family Medicine residency training at the prestigious Waco Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Cline then completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship with Southwest Sports Medicine and Baylor University in Waco.
With over 10 years of sports medicine experience, Dr. Cline is excited to provide expert knowledge and care to the athletes and families of East Texas. Dr. Cline's goal is to keep you healthy so you can do the things you enjoy.
Job Titles:
- Shoulder, Hip & Knee Specialist
- Team Physician for Kilgore College
Dr. Justin Bartley is a fellowship-trained, board-certified, Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and comprehensive shoulder surgery. Also, fully trained in general orthopedics and fracture management, Dr. Bartley treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and prefers to attempt non-surgical treatments before considering surgery whenever possible. Following his orthopedic residency training, Dr. Bartley was fortunate to spend an additional year developing expertise in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder reconstruction. Additionally, he has completed dedicated training in hip arthroscopy to better care for young patients with hip pain; he is one of the few surgeons qualified in East Texas to perform this procedure.
Dr. Bartley was a top graduate from The United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and minor in mathematics. He served honorably in the United States Air Force as a pilot, project manager, and mechanical engineer before completing his medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at Baylor - Scott and White and then was selected to spend an additional year of training in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and shoulder reconstruction at the University of Colorado.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bartley has been actively involved in research and education, authoring numerous scientific articles, textbook chapters, and presenting research nationally. His research interests include epidemiology of high school contact sport injuries, optimizing outcomes of arthroscopic shoulder surgery, and the development of innovative surgical techniques. During medical school, Dr. Bartley conducted research at John's Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory involving the neural integration and development of a robotic upper extremity prosthetic limb as part of the DARPA funded Revolutionizing Prosthetics project, and during residency he was awarded a competitive Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Senior Resident Education Grant for his work. He has mentored pre-med students, helped to develop pre-med curriculum, and been recognized as a top Academic Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado. In addition, he has been selected to serve as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr. Bartley has experience treating athletes at all levels of competition and enjoys helping patients from all walks of life. From the competitive athlete to the weekend warrior, his mission is to provide you with the same level of excellent service and compassionate care that he would offer a member of his own family.
Dr. Bartley is the team physician for Kilgore College and Kilgore High School. Additionally, in 2021 and 2022, Dr. Bartley was recognized by Texas Monthly as a Rising Star.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Hip & Knee Specialist
In addition to running a successful private practice, Dr. Kaminski is a board member for Azalea Orthopedics, Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, and OrthoLoneStar. From 2020-2021, Dr. Kaminski served as the president of the Texas Orthopedic Association.
Job Titles:
- Knee & Shoulder Specialist
Job Titles:
- Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
- Hand & Elbow Specialist
Dr. Ryan Patterson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who sub-specializes in complex hand and elbow injuries. His training includes an orthopedic surgery residency at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, followed by a hand, upper extremity and microsurgical fellowship at the Wake Forest University / North Carolina Baptist Hospital. To add to his training, Dr. Patterson completed his CAQ (Certificate of Added Qualification). In 2019, 2020 and 2021, Texas Monthly Magazine recognized his talent with their Rising Stars award. Additionally in 2021, The Tyler Morning Telegraph presented Dr. Patterson with the readers' choice "One of The Best in Town" award for the best surgeon in Tyler.
In 2022, Dr. Patterson was recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doctor.
Dr. Steven Overturf, M.D. is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon practicing in Nacogdoches, Texas. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Overturf received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. He fulfilled his internship at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas before returning to UTMB where he completed his residency, training in the field of Orthopedic Surgery. While there, Dr. Overturf received numerous awards for academic and teaching excellence; he participated in multiple research projects focusing on orthopedic implant design and advanced imaging.
Dr. Overturf offers cutting-edge procedures for orthopedic injuries/disorders and is honored to provide complete musculoskeletal care to residents of Nacogdoches and surrounding areas. His passion for bone and joint health, in conjunction with his diverse experiences, ensures you receive the best possible care. In 2019 - 2022, Texas Monthly has recognized him as a Rising Star for his accomplishments in his career.
He works alongside of the highly trained staff at Azalea Orthopedics, and together, they work to provide professional and personalized services to you and your family. Located at 3816 University Dr., Dr. Overturf and his medical team look forward to meeting your needs and ensuring your speedy recovery.
Job Titles:
- Chapter of the Texas Head Injury Association
Edwin Ferren, M.D., is a Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, hip, and knee repairs.
After completing his orthopedic residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Ferren started his practice in Nacogdoches, Texas. Over the years, he has faithfully served the Nacogdoches community and has been a trusted medical professional in his field. Before enrolling in UTMB, Dr. Ferren graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and fulfilled his undergraduate requirements from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.
"During my career, I've always focused on working with my patients to create the best plan of care. Often non-surgical solutions are the answer, but sometimes surgery is required. It's my responsibility to present my patients with all of the information and together, we can make the best decision for each individual. My goal is to identify my patient's issue and find solutions to return them to their pre-injury condition."
In his free time, Dr. Ferren enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant
Forrest Persing is a licensed certified Physician Assistant who has worked with Dr. Michael Russell for 13 years. He grew up in rural central Pennsylvania, where he completed some undergraduate work at Messiah College. Before completing his physician assistant studies at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Mr. Persing worked with Youth where he volunteered his time performing mission work.
Forrest moved to Tyler in 2004. He began working with Dr. Russell assisting him in all aspects pertaining to orthopedic spine surgery. He is married with 3 children and enjoys woodworking and camping.
Heather and her family have enjoyed being part of the East Texas community since 1999. She has been a physician assistant for Dr. Claire Tibiletti and Dr. James Michaels since 2013.
In 1994, she graduated from University of North Alabama with BS degree in professional biology for undergraduate studies. She received her physician assistant degree at UAB - School of Health-related Professions in the Surgical PA program in 1997.
As a Physician Assistant living in Alabama and Georgia, Heather gained 3.5 years of experience assisting in both orthopedic surgery and a clinical experience. After her time in Georgia, she moved to Tyler and focused on rehab medicine for 13 years in both a hospital and clinical environment.
With a wealth of knowledge and diverse skills, she now calls Azalea Orthopedics her home. Since joining Azalea in 2013, she has focused on Pain Management. Heather is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to her patient's that includes: medication management, trigger-point injections, joint/ bursa injections, patient education and making the appropriate referral for diagnostic testing, physical therapy and surgical consultation if indicated.
Job Titles:
- Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Specialist
Job Titles:
- Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Specialist
Jerry Schwarzbach, M.D. is a Board-Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician with extensive experience and advanced training in electromyography (nerve testing), and neuromusculoskeletal medicine and spine care. With over 33 years of experience, Dr. Schwarzbach has contributed to several publications and professional presentations.
Dr. Schwarzbach received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine following an undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania following an internship at the Louisiana State University Medical Center.
"Exercise… fitness… good general health; physical activity can give you all of these things, along with a great deal of fun and satisfaction," Schwarzbach explains. "The catch? People can get hurt, they can overdo and problems can suddenly occur or develop over time. It is so enjoyable to help a person recover - whether from a sports injury, or a nerve or neuromusculoskeletal problem."
Dr. Schwarzbach also enjoys backpacking, photography, and piloting airplanes in his free time.
J. Schwarzbach, M.D., et al - Factors Associated with Wheelchair Athlete Injuries - presented orally at the 1990 Annual Meeting of the AAPM&R and the ACRM
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant
Jordan Cooke is a certified physician assistant. She works with Dr. Bartley, and together they treat shoulder, knees, elbows, hips, and sports injuries. She was born and raised in East Texas and graduated from high school at Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX. From there, she obtained her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University with a major in Kinesiology. She then enrolled to The University of Texas Medical Branch, where she graduated with her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. After graduating, she practiced at a busy Orthopedic practice in Rockwall, Texas, that specialized in Sports Medicine and Joint Reconstruction.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, and being outdoors. She looks forward to being back in her hometown and serving her community.
Job Titles:
- Orthopedic Trauma Specialist
Job Titles:
- Knee & Shoulder Specialist
Michael E. Russell, II M.D. is board certified, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Russell specializes in the treatment of spine injury, deformity, and degeneration. His interests include decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical spine surgery.
Dr. Russell specializes in all types of spinal surgery and previously has been named one of the "Best Spine Specialists in America" by Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doctor from 2016 - 2022.
Dr. Russell is the past president of Physician Hospitals of America, a national trade organization representing physician-owned hospitals. He is a founder and past board chairman of Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. Dr. Russell holds hospital privileges at Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Mother Frances Hospital and UT Health East Texas.
Michael Merrick, Jeffrey Bradley, Michael Jabara. Proximal Tibiofibular Instability in the Setting of Multiligamentous Knee Injuries. Michigan Orthopaedic Society. Mackinac Island, MI. June 2011.
Job Titles:
- Sigma - Chairman of the Outstanding Teacher Award Committee, UT - Austin
Job Titles:
- Knee & Shoulder Specialist
Dr. Dennis is certified to perform the Mako Total Knee, a robotic-arm assisted technology.
Ruben De La Rosa, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant who serves patients at our main Tyler location on Golden Road. Ruben received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas A&M University where he received scholarships, was named to the Dean's List several times, and was a member of the On To Medicine pre-medical honor society. Ruben earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Ruben's entire medical career has been in the field of Orthopedics. Before joining Azalea, he spent several years gaining experience in trauma, pain management, sports medicine, spine health, and joint reconstruction. Ruben is now part of Dr. Andrew Hester's medical team with a focus on serving knee and hip patients.
Job Titles:
- Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Shawna Blackmon, P.A.-C. is a certified physician assistant who serves in our Nacogdoches clinic. She started her professional career by receiving her Bachelor of Science (with honors) from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Following graduation, Shawna enrolled in the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Master of Physician Assistant program in Fort Worth.
After graduating with honors, she moved to Houston and started her career in sports medicine with Baylor College of Medicine and later accepted a position with Houston Methodist Orthopedic Specialists of Texas. In 2017, Shawna teamed up with Dr. Steven Overturf to serve Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
She loves the time spent with her husband, who is a Captain in the Houston Fire Department and her two children. Whether it is horseback riding with her daughter or baseball with her son, her personal life is busy! She is involved in her local church, loves boating, snow skiing, traveling anywhere and spending time with her friends.
Job Titles:
- Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
- Spine & Neck Specialist
Dr. Todd Raabe is a Board Certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced training as a subspecialist in adult and pediatric spinal surgery. He completed a fellowships at the Colorado Spine Center and the Rocky Mountain Spine Center in Aurora, Colorado. Before completing his fellowships, Dr. Raabe attended Texas A&M University for his undergraduate work, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He continued at A&M for medical school, graduating with honors as the Salutatorian of his class. He completed his internship at Texas A&M University - Scott and White Memorial Hospital, where he also completed his orthopedic residency.
"No one wants to have back surgery. Many people endure years of pain because they want to avoid surgery… or at least delay it as long as possible," Raabe explains. "I understand, but we have techniques today that can make such a dramatic difference reducing or eliminating pain, restoring flexibility and mobility. I know that the term "back surgery" is scary, but it's my job to help my patients understand their options and help them."
Dr. Raabe is considered a thought leader and a leading expert in spine and neck surgery. His research publications are recognized worldwide. In 2022, the renowned journal, Becker's Hospital Review, listed him as a "top 10 spine surgeons to know" in the United States. In 2022, he was also recognized by Texas Monthly as a Super Doctor.