Dr. Robert Masson
Dr. Robert Masson’s background is in complex skull base intracranial surgery, but in 2003 he began applying brain surgery techniques strictly to spinal surgery, including artificial disk surgery instead of spinal fusion, which allows for shorter recovery time, better mobility, and less risk of future problems at other levels of the spine.
Dr. Masson graduated with honors from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he also completed his medical training. He completed fellowships at the University of Florida and at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, California and has recently been chosen to develop and teach a fellowship program researching complex lumbar and cervical spine reconstruction through minimally invasive surgery.
A diplomat for the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Masson teaches surgeons from all seven continents and has developed several techniques and products for two of the world’s top three spine companies, which produce advanced products for minimally invasive spinal reconstruction. He has been featured on Discovery Health Network’s Impact: Stories of Survival and is on the board of directors of Golf Fitness Magazine.
Mitchell Supler MD
Mitchell Supler brings 17 years of Neurosurgical experience to Neurospine Institute. Dr. Supler graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1989, receiving the Lyerly Award for excellence in Neurosurgery. He completed his residency in Neurosurgery at the University of Florida in 1996, having trained with Dr. Masson. Dr. Supler was trained by Dr. Albert Rhoton, the father of microneurosurgery while at the University of Florida, in advanced microneurosurgical anatomy and surgery.
He was inspired to develop himself in minimally invasive spine surgery by Dr. Richard Fessler and has joined Dr. Masson as Faculty on the iMAS project, training surgeons from throughout the United States and World. Dr. Supler’s unique specialization at NeuroSpine Institute is in Artificial Disc Replacement of the Lumbar Spine.
He has extensive experience in minimally invasive spine surgery, cervical and lumbar disc replacement, and surgical treatment of chronic pain.
A diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Supler serves as a teaching consultant to multiple spine companies, helping train physicians. He is dedicated to utilizing the latest proven technology but applying it prudently to each individual patient.
Dr. Mark Cuffe
Dr. Mark Cuffe graduated with high honors from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and subsequently with honors from the University of Florida Medical School. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery following completion of his six-year residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Dr. Cuffe received the Augustus McCravey Southern Neurosurgical Resident Clinical Science Award while he was a resident in Birmingham. He has seen and treated tens of thousands of patients, both adult and pediatric, for the past 25 years. His goal is to ensure that his patients simply get better, with surgery or without. He sees himself as a physician first and as a surgeon second. NeuroSpine Institute is excited to have Dr. Mark Cuffe join our team.
Dr. Pete Indelicato
Dr. Pete Indelicato—Head Team Physician, of the University of Florida Athletic Association—will be heading up the Department of Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the NeuroSpine Institute in Orlando, Florida.
Pete A. Indelicato, M.D.'s career achievements include such honors as: the Best Doctors in America – 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005; SEC Doctor of the Year, 2002-2003; Gold Medal Distinguished Alumni Award, New York Medical College – May 2008; 2008 Sports Medicine of the Year, ATAF; as well as being named the incoming 2011-2012 President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, which initiated the development of the STOP Sports Injury Campaign. STOP, which was created by a coalition of organizations and corporation’s main goal is to help prevent athletic overuse and trauma injuries in kids.
In addition to his 33-year career with the University of Florida Athletics department, Dr. Indelicato was also the team consulting physician from 1996-2005 and from 2005-2009 for the Miami Dolphins.
Wayne Gardner, PA-C
Wayne Gardner, PA-C, graduated with a BS degree in Medical Science from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and graduated first in his class from the Surgical Physician Assistant Program of the University of Alabama in Birmingham Medical Center in 1980, receiving the Margaret K. Kirklin Award for Academic Excellence. He has been employed in surgical sub-specialty practice since graduation and has maintained National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants certification throughout.
During his 25- plus year career, he has worked in private and university practices in Chicago and Orlando. He has served as a lecturer and preceptor for Physician Assistant students and has expertise in all aspects of Cardiothoracic surgery, tissue banking, and management of the ICU patient.
Currently, his interests include development of minimally invasive surgical techniques and he has formally taught these techniques to physician assistants and surgeons, alike. He is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Dr. Charles Goodnough
Charles Goodnough completed his undergraduate program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and attended U.C.F. through an athletic scholarship for football and wrestling. He obtained his certification in personal fitness training and successfully built a clientele of professional athletes which included NBA players, college athletes, tri-athletes and non-professional athletes. Charles is also a former Mr. U.S.A. and professional body builder. During his fitness training career, he owned, operated and managed a gym and personal training facility.
Charles Goodnough has an extensive background in designing fitness/wellness programs, implementing nutritional guidelines and customizing rehabilitative programs for clients. In 2001, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from South College as a Physician Assistant and graduated Suma Cum Laude from the program.
He completed his internship and residency program at Orlando Regional Medical Center and specialized in complex spine reconstruction and orthopedic trauma. He is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. In his spare time, he also provides medical support for the Junior World Weightlifting Championships and the U.S.A. Junior National Gymnastics’ team. He also coaches an all women’s basketball league in Central Florida.
Tara Batz, PA-C
Tara completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She furthered her academic career with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2006. She has been a member of the neurosurgical community in Orlando since graduation, developing a growing understanding of the complexity of various neurosurgical conditions and treatment strategies. Her primary goal is to educate patients on their condition so they can make the most appropriate management decisions together with their NeuroSpine Institute team of health care professionals. She is accredited by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants.
