ABOUT NJSO

NJ Spine & Ortho’s Dr. Katzman is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery, and currently practices in New Jersey and Florida. In October 2015, Dr. Katzman was locally recognized as a top New Jersey doctor by The Star-Ledger’s Inside New Jersey.

After graduating from the University of California at San Diego in 1985, Dr. Scott Katzman attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Upon graduating in 1989, he completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Arizona and went on to become a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in 1996. Since then Dr. Katzman has focused his career on minimally invasive spinal and laser surgical procedures.

As one of the most sought after spinal surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Katzman has spent time throughout his career lecturing and educating other physicians on his highly regarded techniques. He has also been a clinical instructor for companies such as Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, Othrocore, Kyphon and Clarus. His spinal disc replacement and fusion procedures are so minimally invasive, patients are often able to have their surgeries performed in an outpatient surgery center. To his patients this means less down time and a quicker recovery than most traditional spinal surgeries.

Dr. Douglas Slaughter, NJSO’s newest board-certified orthopedic surgeon, has been successfully practicing orthopedic surgery for over 21 years.

He specializes in using minimally invasive methods for orthopedic surgery, with a strong focus in reconstructive surgery for spinal injuries. At NJSO, Dr. Slaughter treats patients who experience conditions that affect muscles, bones, and joints due to sports and high-impact activity injuries. He also treats patients with age-related injuries due to degenerative issues.

Dr. Slaughter served in the United States Army Reserves and simultaneously received his undergraduate degree majoring in mechanical engineering and biochemistry at The Ohio State University in 1985. He then entered medical school and began his lifelong pursuit and dream of becoming a physician – stemming from the age of 8.

Dr. Slaughter received his medical degree from The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and served his residency in orthopedic surgery at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He further honed his orthopedic expertise in spinal reconstructive surgery in New York City at Beth Israel Spine Institute under the direction of Dr. Michael Neuwirth.

Dr. Slaughter joined Sonoran Spine Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where he developed an interest in minimally invasive techniques, which led to personally developing both spinal reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive surgery practices at Sonoran Spine Center. He is a pioneer of minimally invasive surgery and teaches his personally developed techniques to surgeons across the western and southwestern U.S.

Dr. Slaughter’s dedication to treating every patient with the least invasive methods possible has allowed him to become a leading U.S. spine surgeon and a member of the NJSO expert team.  If minimally invasive treatment is necessary, he will work with you personally to develop a treatment plan that works best for you and your needs.

NJ Spine & Ortho’s Dr. Schiebert is an internationally and nationally trained practitioner of osteopathic medicine (DO), with 25 years of general surgical expertise and 10 years of supplementary training in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Schiebert earned his board certification in General Surgery from Tashkent State Medical Institute in the USSR, before relocating to the United States, where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT) in 2007.

Upon graduating in 2007, Dr. Schiebert completed four years of residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at North Shore—LIJ/Plainview Hospital, before performing an additional year of fellowship at Brown Warren Alpert Medical School in order to receive specialty training in spine surgery.

With licensures to practice medicine in both New Jersey and New York, Dr. Schiebert specializes in both minimally invasive surgical techniques (e.g. transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), percutaneous discectomies, fusion surgeries, etc.) as well as sophisticated surgical procedures (e.g. discectomies, laminectomies, decompression surgery, etc.) to provide relief for more advanced spinal conditions.

As a practitioner of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Schiebert believes in delivering outstanding preventative care, providing his patients with conservative treatment alternatives, and employing evidence-based pain management techniques to eliminate your pain. Whenever possible, Dr. Schiebert strives to solve a spinal problem without surgical intervention. However, where surgical intervention is required, Dr. Schiebert selects the most minimally invasive treatment option that will provide lasting relief for your condition. Serving you with compassion and medical expertise, Dr. Schiebert has earned his rapid reputation as a preeminent and in-demand spinal surgeon in the United States.

Dr. Howard Sharf is an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in orthopedic conditions of the spine and neck. He is widely recognized for his diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders, deformities, and back pain. He performs all aspects of spinal care including non-invasive, minimally invasive treatment and traditional surgery. He has a special  interest in bringing the newest technologies to his patients to improve results and speed recovery.

Dr. Sharf received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Biology. He went on to earn his medical degree at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sharf served in the United States Army where he continued his medical training with an internship at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA.  He did his orthopedic surgery residency at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana and a Fellowship at Florida Spine Institute.

While in the United States Army, Dr. Sharf was on active duty for thirteen years, including two years as a Flight Surgeon based out of Fort Hood, Texas and two years as an Orthopedic Preceptor, also in Ft Hood. Following his residency, he was then assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, followed by an appointment to Chief of Surgery.  While on active duty, he served multiple deployments. He later became Chief of Surgery at St. Petersburg General Hospital in Florida.

Dr. Sharf is published in the American Journal of Surgery and has presented at numerous medical conferences around the country. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and holds membership in the American Medical Association and the North American Spine Society.

In his downtime, Dr. Sharf enjoys fishing, autocross racing, target shooting, and the theatre.

Dr. Sharf joins our mission of getting patients back on their feet, back to work, back in the game, and back to life.

Education and Early Achievements

Dr. Ho’s impressive educational journey began at CUNY Macaulay Honors College at City College, where he engineered and patented a groundbreaking neuromodulation technology. This technology, targeting cortical and deep brain structures, has significant clinical applications for chronic pain and post-stroke recovery. His exceptional work earned him the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the honor of being valedictorian for the CUNY Grove School of Engineering.

Research and Clinical Contributions

As a medical student, Dr. Ho conducted pioneering research on diagnostic tools, injury mechanics, and inflammatory processes of traumatic brain injury in the laboratory of Professor Peter Bergold. His dedication to advancing medical science was recognized with an Alpha Omega Alpha Student Research Fellowship, and he graduated with distinction.

Dr. Ho’s contributions to medical literature are substantial, with multiple peer-reviewed papers and poster presentations to his name. Notably, he is the first author of “The Pros and Cons of tDCS as a Therapeutic Tool in the Rehabilitation of Chronic Pain,” recently published in Principles and Practice of Clinical Research. Additionally, he completed Downstate’s ACCME-accredited Medical Acupuncture program and was honored with the Resident Physician of the Year Award from Kings County.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Dr. Ho’s commitment to community service is equally remarkable. He has volunteered at the Brooklyn Free Clinic, staffed numerous community health fairs and flu shot clinics, and served on the SUNY Council and the Student Center Governing Board. Although no longer a SUNY Council member, he continues to provide valuable guidance and counsel.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Dr. Ho has a passion for sports and physical activities. He organized weekly on-campus volleyball events and yearly intramural tournaments, and he now serves as the faculty advisor for the Downstate Volleyball Club. Additionally, he acts as an in-game team physician for high school football teams within the New York City Public School Athletics League.

Personal Dedication and Future Aspirations

Dr. Ho’s dedication extends to his personal life, as demonstrated during Hurricane Ida when he waded through six feet of sewage water to save his neighbors. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, he played a crucial role in assisting storm victims with paperwork, translation, and addressing basic needs such as shelter, water, and food security.

Dr. Ho chose his specialty because it integrates pain management, musculoskeletal, and sports medicine. He is passionate about finding meaning and purpose in his work, whether through patient consultations, interventional procedures to relieve pain, or prescribing therapy for amputees or stroke survivors.

Upon completing his residency in the spring, Dr. Ho will further his expertise by beginning an Interventional Pain Medicine Fellowship at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Johnson Ho’s journey is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his patients.

Dr. Cowin, diagnoses and treats general orthopedic conditions including upper and lower extremities and the spine. Dr. Cowin has a special interest in sacroiliac fusions and minimally invasive treatments for the spine and extremities.

Dr. Cowin was born in Washington, D.C. and was raised for part of his life in the Philippines where his father was an orthopedic surgeon for the US Air Force. He then attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. As an undergraduate student, he did research in orthopedic surgery. Subsequently he attended the University of Florida Medical School, graduating with research honors. He completed a residency in orthopedic at the University of Florida Department of Orthopaedics. Then, he spent a year at the Bone and Joint Institute in Arizona studying total joint reconstruction.

In his free time, Dr. Cowin enjoys traveling, spending time watching his kids play sports, scuba diving and snowboarding.

Joseph Cunningham, PA-C, is a highly skilled and dedicated physician assistant who brings over a decade of specialized experience in neurosurgery and spine care to NJ Spine & Orthopedic. His journey in healthcare began with a strong academic foundation, having received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 2006, where he developed a passion for helping others through medicine.

Following his undergraduate studies, Joseph pursued advanced education at The City College of New York, where he completed his post-baccalaureate studies before being accepted into the prestigious Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Physician Assistant Program. This rigorous program prepared him with comprehensive medical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. Upon graduation, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and became a nationally certified Physician Assistant in 2012.

Joseph maintains active licensure to practice medicine in both New York and New Jersey, demonstrating his commitment to providing quality healthcare across state lines. His educational background, combined with his natural aptitude for patient care and complex medical procedures, positioned him perfectly for a successful career in the demanding field of neurosurgery and spine medicine.

Throughout his career, Joseph has consistently demonstrated exceptional clinical skills, compassionate patient care, and a dedication to staying current with the latest advances in medical technology and treatment protocols. His comprehensive approach to patient care encompasses not only technical expertise but also a genuine concern for each patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Upon graduating High School, Sharmez Savoy PA-C attended U.C. Irvine majoring Biological Sciences. After completing his freshman year, he was accepted into the Los Angeles Maternal
Health Program (L.A.M.P) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in
Los Angeles, California. This program was an internship, which Sharmez Savoy PA-C was introduced to maternal health care and Allied health and completed rotations at Martin Luther
King Hospital. After completing LAMP, he would pursue an interest in becoming a
Physician Assistant. While completing the prerequisites, he attended the University of
Redlands and majored in Business and Management. Sharmez Savoy PA-C was granted acceptance Moreno Valley College Physician Assistant program in 2008. After Graduating the
program in 2010, obtained a board certification. He would work in Family Medicine
and Pain Management, but due to a personal situation, Sharmez Savoy PA-C would be inspired to
continue training and was accepted in the Neurosurgery Fellowship in Arrowhead
Medical Center in San Bernadino, California in 2015.