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Email Us Email UsDr. Ritvik Mehta received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He then went on to Harvard Medical School where he completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. While at Harvard, he developed his interest in treating patients with facial paralysis. Recognizing the profound impact that facial paralysis has on the lives of those affected, Dr. Mehta chose to pursue advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / Facial Nerve Disorders during his fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary / Harvard Medical School. He then went on to complete a second fellowship in Otology / Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Dr. Mehta is truly a compassionate and caring physician who has a deep interest in providing the best possible care for his patients. He has co-authored numerous publications and was the recipient of the American Neurotology Society Trainee Award for his middle-ear research. Dr. Mehta is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a professional member in the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, International Otopathology Society (Schuknecht Society), and the American Neurotology Society.
Tania Faruque, M.D.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Tania Faruque, MD, is the Medical Director of Palomar Spine & Pain. She is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist.
Dr. Faruque has extensive training and experience using a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of chronic pain. Her journey into pain medicine started with residency training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, where she worked with patients in the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program. The highly recognized multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program treats the most complex chronic pain patients using a biopsychosocial framework. Dr. Faruque learned how to treat patients effectively to help recover their function and avoid invasive treatments.
Dr. Faruque broke barriers by becoming the first female pain management fellow at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Being one of the few female pain physicians in San Diego county, she is a powerful advocate for women’s health.
Dr. Faruque holds the distinction of being appointed physician leader of a comprehensive pain program. The program treated chronic pain patients with interventional management, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and biofeedback/relaxation training. Other innovative treatments used were assertiveness training, expressive writing, mindfulness, and relapse prevention.
Dr. Faruque believes her most important role is being a patient’s advocate. Through assessment and careful diagnoses, she provides the physical, emotional, and social interventions needed to achieve optimum total health. Dr. Faruque combines a multimodal treatment plan using evidence-based treatments, rehabilitative approaches, and interventional pain procedures including spinal injections, joint injections, neuromodulation therapies, and regenerative medicine procedures.
Dr. Faruque grew up in the Midwest. She completed her training in Los Angeles and decided to settle down in Southern California after meeting her husband. Her hobbies include cross country road trips, treasure hunting, playing violin, fiction writing, and sports like tennis and boxing.
Dr. Faruque’s philosophy is “I tailor my approach to each patient individually and we can come up with a plan together on how best to treat the mind and body.”
Wayne M. Whalen, D.C., Q.M.E., D.A.C.A.N.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Ours is a family practice and provides general chiropractic care for conditions such as back and neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. As a recognized authority in workers’ compensation, Dr. Whalen treats many injured workers, as well as automobile and other accident victims. We use a variety of gentle techniques as well as physiotherapy, and works with a variety of other providers.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Whalen graduated with a BS in Nursing from SDSU in 1978, and served as an ER and Life Flight helicopter nurse for 10 years before completing his DC degree at Palmer West Chiropractic College in 1986. Since then he has had extensive training in rehabilitation and is Board Certified in Chiropractic Neurology.
He has served his profession as president of the San Diego County Chiropractic Society and was president of the California Chiropractic Association for 1999-2000. He remains active on numerous state and national association boards, and is Past Chairman of CCGPP, the national chiropractic organization involved in translating research into evidence based care. Dr. Whalen is recognized as a chiropractic authority on workers’ compensation and writes and lectures extensively throughout the state. He is a state appointed Qualified Medical Evaluator, a Fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants, a Fellow of the Internation Academy of Chiropractic Neuroloy and a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including ‘Student of the Year,’ ‘New Doctor of the Year,’ and ‘Doctor of the Year.’
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
We are located across Rio Seco Elementary school, just south of Mast Blvd., on Cuyamaca St. at Riverwalk Dr.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Our San Marcos-based clinic offers a full range of chiropractic services. These include adjustments/manipulations, cox flexion-distraction, myofascial release, therapeutic exercises, foot orthotics, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling and postural correction. We treat a wide variety of conditions including injuries related to the home or workplace, accidents and sports. Our mission is to implement an effective chiropractic system of spinal correction and to help educate patients about natural solutions that will provide improved health, comfort and physical strength, while providing exceptional holistic body care and enabling all to experience an enhanced quality of life.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Joe A. Hernandez completed his undergraduate studies in Exercise Physiology at the University of California, Davis. After graduation, he went on to complete three and a quarter years at Palmer College of Chiropractic where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2002. Before graduating, Dr. Hernandez worked as an intern among chiropractic’s elite, helping treat professional athletes in the San Francisco Bay area. Dr. Hernandez has been certified as a Qualified Medical Examiner for the state of California. He is committed to helping each patient reach his or her maximum health potential using a natural approach that respects the inner wisdom of the human body. The care he provides not only eliminates your body’s aches and pains but also strengthens your immune system. His goals are to help people with his extensive knowledge of how the body works, through compassion, dedication and exceptional service.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
We are conveniently located off the 78 Freeway. If coming from Oceanside, take Las Posas exit, go straight through the lights onto Via Vera Cruz then turn right on Linda Vista Dr. If coming from Escondido East 78, take the Las Posas exit, go south or left on Las Posas and turn left on Linda Vista Drive. We are at 1125 Linda Vista Dr., Ste. 102, next to Michael Russ, CPA.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Community Chiropractic Center offers complete chiropractic services, including therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and x-rays. We specialize in auto accident trauma repair, chiropractic care for adults, children and infants, massage therapy, chiropractic and massage therapy for pregnant patients, treatments for headache sufferers, and general back pain treatments.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Education
Dr. Rich Doss, D.C. earned a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Stanislaus and his Doctor of Chiropractic with honors from Life Chiropractic College West in the San Francisco Bay area. In addition to his coursework, Dr. Doss served Life West as President of the Student Body and served in Mumbai, India on a chiropractic mission trip.
In addition to his training in full-spine techniques, Dr. Doss participates in advanced studies relating to extremity adjusting. This advanced study has provided Dr. Doss with the unique opportunity of providing care to elite and professional athletes, many of whom have represented the United States in international play.
Techniques
While practicing mainly Diversified technique protocols, Dr. Doss is well-versed in instrument-assisted low force adjusting techniques as well as functional movement assessment and screening.
Dr. Doss has worked with children, mothers, expectant mothers, full families, seniors and athletes with acute and chronic conditions.
Education
Dr. Amber Stewart DC, QME graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in 2008. Dr. Amber is Board Certified by the National Boards of Chiropractic Examiners and the State of California Boards of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Amber is also a Qualified Medical Evaluator for Worker’s Compensation and a Certified Medical Examiner for DOT exams.
Techniques
Dr. Amber also has extra training in Graston technique, Kinesio tape application, cold laser therapy, and myofascial release technique. Dr. Amber is proficient in many different techniques specializing in postural correction and spinal rehabilitation. Dr. Amber is also a member of the California Chiropractic Association.
Personal
Dr. Amber is a second-generation chiropractor. She owns and runs her Chiropractic office in the Central Valley after her parents retired as Chiropractors. She has a family practice treating all ages, but she enjoys working with children and working with sports injuries, as she was also very athletic growing up. She still enjoys physical activities
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take I-15 to Poway Rd., head East and make a left on Pomerado Rd. Office located on the corner of Pomerado Rd. and Poway Rd. (13025 Pomerado Road, Ste. A, Poway, CA 92064).
Patient Care Coordinators:
Octavio Aguirre (619) 517-6561
ABOUT THE HOSPITAL
San Diego Spine Center
Patient-Centered San Diego Spine Center
The physicians, nurses and staff of the brand-new San Diego Spine Center have created a special program that brings together a team of experienced and expert surgeons to provide seamless, coordinated care, and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.
Our goal is to ensure that your stay with us is as pleasant as possible. We have created a special place to lift your spirits as you make your way to a more active lifestyle.
SUPERIOR EDUCATION
We believe the key to better outcomes is a commitment to education for you and your family. Knowing what to expect each step of the way can help reduce anxiety and prepares you for as smooth a recovery as possible.
DEDICATED LACE, DEDICATED PEOPLE
Within our hospital, we have created a special area just for the care of our spine patients. You get to wear your own clothes, and family members are encouraged to participate in group activities, meals and other special events. Exercise and therapy is also in a group setting, so that our patients can support and encourage each other on the road to recovery.
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM SPECIAL
Dedicated Unit with Spacious Private Rooms: All activities—physical therapy, group lunches and nursing care—take place on a unit dedicated exclusively to spine patients.
Healing, Ocean-themed Unit: To encourage healing, the unit has been designed to reflect the peacefulness of a seaside town with beach cottage-like rooms, boardwalk hallways for therapeutic strolling and ceilings painted to look like you are outside—all designed with our patients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being in mind.
Dedicated Staff: All San Diego Spine staff have been chosen specially because of their expertise; positive, upbeat nature; and high motivational skills.
Care Coordinator: Our care coordinator oversees your entire stay and is a resource before, during and after discharge.
Dress for Success: Our patients do not wear hospital gowns. You are encouraged to bring comfortable clothes from home, i.e. sweat suits, shorts and T-shirts, to wear during the day to encourage the concept of wellness.
Active Daily Schedule: Our patients participate in an aggressive daily schedule, which means you are up and dressed by 7 a.m. to begin therapy the day after surgery. Patients typically do therapy together to encourage camaraderie and peer support.
Daily Newsletters: Each morning, our patients receive a daily newsletter with breakfast, letting you know what is on the agenda for the day, along with tips for healing.
Comprehensive Guidebook: Education begins in the physician’s office where our patients are provided with a comprehensive guidebook explaining the upcoming surgery, strengthening exercises and pre-surgery and post-surgery guidelines.
Coach: Each of our patients chooses a coach—typically a family member or friend—who is an active participant in the patient’s care before, during and after discharge from the hospital. Coaches learn the program right along with their loved one to provide encouragement and support.
Group Lunches: Group lunches are held in the center’s group room for patients, coaches and staff to encourage camaraderie and shared experiences.
After-Care Support Program: Graduates receive calls from the San Diego Spine Center staff within 72 hours of discharge and reunions for graduates and their coaches are held regularly with surgeons and the entire care team.
Advanced Analgesic and Rapid-Recovery Surgical Techniques: Our surgeons are trained in the most advanced analgesic and minimally invasive surgical techniques that result in less pain and a quicker recovery.
Superior Outcomes: We evaluate each patient on multiple clinical, functional and patient satisfaction criteria. These outcomes are analyzed during monthly performance improvement team meetings, and enable us to become masters of teamwork and performance. So when we say superior outcomes, we have the data to prove it.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Lee Chiropractic Family Wellness Center is a full service clinic offering personalized quality chiropractic care, neuropathy electrotherapy & infrared, nutritional counseling, detox, digital x-rays/ MRI & CT 2nd opinions, spinal decompression therapy, auto injury rehab/ whiplash recovery, laser therapy, physiotherapy & rehab, sports injury rehab, chronic pain management, and authorized work injuries. We specialize in auto injury rehabilitation, sports injuries and effective care for the whole family.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Dae Lee is a 2000 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles, and received his undergraduate degree in biology from UC Santa Barbara in 1997. Dr. Lee has been a chiropractor treating patients in the Murrieta area for 14 years. He loves the family atmosphere of his office, and enjoys getting to know the patients and their families.
Dr. Lee uses a variety of techniques in his clinic including Diversified, Gonstead, and Active Release Technique.
Specializes in the most complicated spinal and extremity diagnosis and treatment
Auto accident, work injury and sports injury rehabilitation specialist
Se Habla Español
Christopher Spence, D.C. / Suzanne Spence, D.C.
Awarded DOCTOR OF THE YEAR by members of the California Chiropractic Association
Voted “BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE IN SAN DIEGO” for 8 years – CityBeat Magazine
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Spence Chiropractic Center offers complete chiropractic services, including therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and x-rays. The practice accepts patients suffering from sports injuries, stress, strain, personal injury, and worker’s compensation cases. The practice accepts patients suffering from personal injury (auto accidents, pedestrian injuries, slip and fall), sports injuries, stress, strain, family care, and worker’s compensation cases.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Spence received his Bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of San Diego, and his doctorate (1995) in Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. He received his Independent Disability Evaluator (I.D.E.) and Qualified Medical Evaluator (Q.M.E) certificate for the state of California in 2004. He was President of the California Chiropractic Association – San Diego Chapter and has served on the Board of that association for 6 years. He also received ‘Doctor of the Year’ honors twice from his peers. Additionally, Spence Chiropractic Center was voted ‘Best Chiropractic Office in San Diego’ by San Diego CityBeat Magazine. Dr. Spence has 200 hours in postgraduate chiropractic rehabilitation studies and is a board eligible Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor. He has additional postgraduate studies in Worker’s Compensation, Whiplash, and Neurology. He has certification in: Accident Reconstruction, Whiplash and Spinal Trauma, Advanced Personal Injury, Whiplash and Automobile Traumatology, and Biomechanical Analysis of Low Speed Impacts.
He is a graduate of the Spine Research of San Diego’s world – renowned whiplash program, the most comprehensive whiplash program in the United States. This program has an emphasis on whiplash, biomechanics of injury, occupant kinematics, automobile crash reconstruction methods for low speed impacts, soft tissue as related to automobile caused injuries, bony, and nervous system disorders as related to automobile caused injuries, advanced diagnostic methodologies, and the comprehensive case management of whiplash and related disorders.
Dr. Spence has participated in comprehensive research workshops of full-scale crashes and their analyses. The crashes were through the Center for Research into Automotive Safety and Health (CRASH) and used both human volunteers and crash test dummies.
Dr. Spence is available for power point presentations on whiplash for attorneys, doctors, or the public. He has deposition and trial experience and is available to serve as an expert witness in personal injury cases.
The office prides itself on thorough documentation, comprehensive reports, and appropriate medical referrals. The doctor is dedicated to quality, personalized, and effective care for all of his patients. He and his staff pay attention to every detail, giving excellent care and assuring a superior experience for the patients, attorneys, and health care professionals with whom they interact.
Liens are accepted, attorney and medical referrals are available.
Please call our office to reach Dr. Spence directly at (619) 284-3883 with any questions. We look forward to serving you and your clients/patients.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
At the Head, Neck and Spine Center of San Diego our focus is treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions due to auto accidents, sports and work related injuries using a variety of techniques including Diversified, SOT, Active Release Technique, and K-Laser. The clinic also offers on site therapeutic massage, physiotherapy, orthotics, rehabilitative exercises and nutritional supplements.
“Our objective is to help individuals and families reach optimal spinal and physical health through chiropractic care, as well as encourage them to take responsibility for their health and well-being.”
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Goldstein, a native Californian, attended the University of California, Santa Barbara and then continued his graduate work at Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles earning a doctorate degree in Chiropractic. Following his graduation, Dr. Goldstein joined a practice in Malibu where he worked with many professional athletes and celebrities.
In 2001, Dr. Goldstein moved back to San Diego where he split his time between two practices, one in Sorrento Valley and one in La Costa. Dr. Goldstein spent a bulk of his time consulting for the United States Golf Fitness Association. In 2002, Dr. Goldstein was asked to provide chiropractic services for the PGA Tour and Physiotherapy Associates, a division of the Stryker Corporation, the “Official Provider of Fitness Training and Physical Rehabilitation for the PGA Tour and Champions Tour”. He traveled and worked with PGA Tour players such as Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Bob Estes, Duffy Waldorf, Stuart Appleby, K.J. Choi, Michael Campbell, Tim Herron, Jeff Sluman, and Tiger Woods.
After several years of gaining valuable experience working on the PGA Tour, Dr. Goldstein took over a busy practice in La Jolla. He converted the practice into a family, sports and auto accident injury clinic. In 2006, the Head, Neck and Spine Center of San Diego was voted “Best of La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Readers poll. In 2007, Dr. Goldstein opened a second clinic inside Active Wellness in Solana Beach.
With nearly 12 years of experience, Dr. Goldstein is setting a new standard with postural restoration and spinal subluxation correction. With his experience and knowledge in the biomechanics of the human body, Dr. Goldstein is creating new, innovative methods to correct posture and correct lives forever.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From the 5 freeway:
Exit La Jolla Village Dr. Go west on La Jolla Village Dr.
Make a left at the first signal onto Villa La Jolla Dr.
Make an immediate Right into the 1st driveway between Rock Bottom and El Torito Restaurant.
Drive straight back into the parking structure and park.
We are upstairs in suite B212.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Our South Bay chiropractic clinic is completely bilingual in Spanish and offers a full range of chiropractic care including comprehensive examinations, adjustments/manipulations, physiotherapy, rehabilitative exercises, school physicals and x-rays. We treat a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as neck & back pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder, knee, wrist and ankle pain. Dr. Cadava is a highly skilled worker’s compensation and auto accident specialist. Treatment is provided for a wide range of conditions stemming from work injuries, auto accidents and sports injuries. Additionally, we treat children and anyone seeking to improve their overall health. We accept walk-in patients and are a provider on most insurance plans. Attorney and medical referrals are available. Liens are accepted. Some of the chiropractic techniques Dr. Cadava utilizes include:
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Cadava did her undergraduate studies at the University of California at San Diego, as a biology major, before receiving her doctorate degree in chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose, California in 1993. Dr. Cadava has completed extensive postgraduate work in Spinal Trauma, Disorders of the Spine, Whiplash and Rehabilitation, amongst other subjects. Dr. Cadava has been certified as a Qualified Medical Evaluator by the State of California since 2000 and holds a license as a Radiography X-ray Supervisor and Operator by the State of California since 1994.
She is fluent in Spanish and has maintained a successful practice in South Bay San Diego for 18 years. She is an active member of the California Chiropractic Association, San Diego Chiropractic Network and California Worker’s Compensation Professionals.
Dr. Cadava is well respected in the medical community and enjoys a mutual exchange of patient referrals with many medical physicians. She has many years of experience of deposition and expert witness testimony in trials.
She thoroughly assesses each patient and creates a treatment plan tailored to each individual. Her patient management approach is centered on identifying the problems causing the individual symptoms, considering the whole picture, involving the general health and particular needs of each patient. 18 years ago she set out to create a healthcare practice that would be different from others, would be community-based and would manifest her expertise and skill set in alignment with the highest standard of care and her patients’ expectations.
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