Consultants

Orthopedics

Edward W. Younger III, M.D.

Dr. Younger, Medical Director, MRK Medical Consultants, specializes in orthopedic surgery. He has extensive experience in total joint replacement, as well as reconstructive surgery of the knee, hip and shoulder. He has served on the orthopedic trauma staff at Mercy San Juan Medical Center for over 15 years and was instrumental in bringing computer navigation technology to Mercy San Juan. Dr. Younger is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the California Orthopedic Association. Dr. Younger received his Medical Degree from Chicago Medical School where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. 

Michael R. Klein, Jr. M.D.

Dr. Klein specializes in orthopedic surgery and is a founding member and the first Medical Director of Northern California Orthopedic Centers. He is a senior member of the medical staff at Mercy San Juan Medical Center and was involved with the development of the orthopedic section of the Level II Trauma Center. He is a clinical instructor at University of California, Davis, Medical Center, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; a member of the American Medical Association and the California Medical Association. Dr. Klein received his Master of Science in Anatomy from Drexel University and his Medical Degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine.

William Bargar, M.D.

William Bargar, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a pioneer in robot-assisted surgery. After earning a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Ohio State University and a MS in mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware he served in the US Navy for four years where he taught nuclear physics. He received his MD from Ohio State University and then completed a Fellowship in Biomechanics and Joint Replacement at UCLA. Currently he is in private practice in Sacramento, California and specializes in hip and knee joint replacements and also continues his active research at the UCD labs. Currently an Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCDMC, he served as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at UCDMC from 1981 - 1986. Licensed in California and Minnesota he is a member of numerous professional organizations and the editor of several book chapters on total hip and knee surgery and is widely published both nationally and internationally. He is co-developer of "Robodoc" a surgical robotic devise and also developed a new approach to cementless total hip replacement using CT generated CAD/CAM custom prostheses. Dr. Bargar also holds editorial appointments as a reviewer for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.

Mauro Giordani, M.D.

Mauro Giordani, MD, practices at the University of California Davis, Medical Center, and is Chief, Adult Reconstructive Service, Department of Orthopedics, UCDMC, Sacramento. A graduate of the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency training in Orthopedics at USC. Dr. Giordani also completed a Fellowship in Lecco, Italy, Study of Ilizarov methodology & Adult Reconstruction, and a Fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital & Tuft University, in Adult Reconstruction. He is licensed in the State of California and Italy. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Allen M. Schnaser, M.D.

Dr. Schnaser is a board certified Orthopedic Surgeon, licensed both in California and Nevada. He is a member of the American Board of Independent Examiners, and a retired associate clinical professor at The University of California, Davis. Currently is Volunteer Clinical Faculty at UC Davis, Department of Orthopedics. Dr. Schnaser received his Medical Degree from The University of Minnesota.

Anesthesiology

David Wolf, M.D.

Dr. Wolf is a general and cardiothoracic anesthesiologist with Metropolitan Anesthesiology Consultants, Inc. at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Carmichael, California. He is also an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Medical Center; chairman and surgical assistant, Department of Anesthesiology, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, and medical director, Accent Esthetics Surgery Center. Dr. Wolf is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiologists. He is a member of many professional organizations including the California Medical Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, California Rescue Paramedic Association, and a Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Wolf received his Medical Degree from the University of California, Davis.

Cardiology

Timothy Lee, M.D.

Dr. Lee is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. His focus in cardiology stems from his interest in the full range of heart disease—from chest pain to congestive heart failure to acute mycomial inflammation. Since 1994, he has been a practicing cardiologist with the MedClinic of Sacramento. Dr. Lee began his career in 1989 as a staff physician with Kaiser Permanente and was an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center. He also worked with the Cardiovascular Care Medical Group as an internist/cardiologist. Dr. Lee received his Medical Degree from George Washington University of Medicine and Health Care Sciences.

Richard J. Axelrod, M.D.

Dr. Axelrod is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology since 1985. His special focus is Interventional Cardiology in which he obtained his board certification in 1999. He is a practicing cardiologist with Northern California Cardiology Associates. Dr. Axelrod is also a Qualified Medical Evaluator and a member of the Medical-Legal committee for the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society. He is a Fellow in the American College of Cardiology and a member of the California Medical Association. Dr. Axelrod received his Medical Degree from University of Michigan Medical School in 1979.

Chiropractic Orthopedics

Lewis Meltz, D.C.

Dr. Meltz is Owner/Director of Chiropractic Orthopedic Group of El Dorado Hills, California. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists and a postgraduate instructor at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Department of Orthopedics; the Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, and Lerner Education, Inc. Dr. Meltz is a Diplomat of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Dr. Meltz is a Certified Industrial Injury Consultant and is a credentialed Qualified Medical Evaluator by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations.

Linda Shanks, D.C., FACO

Dr. Shanks is a Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. She has maintained a private practice in Sacramento since 1979. Dr. Shanks is a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedics. She is a Qualified Medical Examiner with the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations. She received her doctorate at Cleveland Chiropractic College, where she was Magna Cum Laude and has done post-graduate work at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.

Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine

Joanne Berkowitz, M.D.

Dr. Berkowitz is the founder and director of The Doctors Center Medical Group in Fair Oaks, California. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is a past-president of the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society among numerous other professional organization affiliations. She received her Medical Degree from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. Dr. Berkowitz has held positions as Clinical Instructor and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

Family Practice/Emergency Medicine, Geriatrics/Sports Medicine

Eric C. Disbrow, M.D.

Dr. Disbrow is in private family practice with Atwater Medical Group, Atwater, California. With a special interest in sports medicine, he is an avid heli-skier and serves as team physician for the Atwater High School football team. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is also board certified in Emergency, Geriatric and Sports Medicine. He received his Medical Degree from the Albany Medical College of Union University, Albany, New York. Among his many professional affiliations, Dr. Disbrow is also a community physician representative to the Continuing Medical Education Advisory Committee at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.

Gastroenterology

Kuldip Sandhu, M.D.

Dr. Sandhu is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is an active medical staff member at Mercy San Juan Medical Center and Sutter Roseville Medical Center. He has been a clinical instructor in medicine at the University of Southern California, School of Medicine and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association, the American College of Gastroenterology and the California Medical Association. Additionally, Dr. Sandhu has participated in and chaired numerous medical committees at Sacramento area hospitals and has been a significant part of the Sacramento Physicians Network. Dr. Sandhu received his Medical Degree from Punjabi University Medical School in Patiala, India.

General Surgery

Laura Machado, M.D.

Dr. Machado is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is in private practice as a general and advanced laparoscopic surgeon in Carmichael, CA. Dr. Machado is Medical Director for Bariatric Services at Mercy San Juan Medical Center and is a member of the hospital surgical executive committee. She is a fellow to the American College of Surgeons and member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Machado received her medical degree from the University of California School of Medicine in San Diego, CA.

Eric Morse, M.D.

Dr. Morse completed his undergraduate work at Stanford University and graduated from UCLA Medical School. He completed both his internship and residency training in general surgery at UCDMC. Presently he is a general and trauma surgeon at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael and is a clinical faculty member at U.C. Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Morse is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Board of Surgery, and holds certifications in endoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic herniorrhaphy, laparoscopic bowel and appendectomy and advanced laparoscopic bowel/colon, rectal, and gastric procedures. He is in private practice in the Carmichael area.

Neurology

Eric Van Ostrand, M.D.

Dr. Van Ostrand is a neurologist focusing on the peripheral nervous system—specifically nerve and muscle disorders. He is part of The Permanente Medical Group and is a certified member of the Acute Stroke Intervention Team with participation in investigational drug trials. Dr. Van Ostrand has written articles on lupus in the Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Dr. Van Ostrand received his Medical Degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

Howard Slyter, M.D.

Dr. Slyter, a Board Certified Neurologist, received his BA from Harvard College, his MD from Case Western Reserve University and completed his Neurology Residency at Stanford University where he was a Fellow in Pediatric Neurology. A member of the American Academy of Neurology, California Medical Association and the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, Dr. Slyter practiced at Kaiser Hospitals in Northern California.

Neuropsychology

Robert A. Allen, Ph.D.

Dr. Allen is a psychologist in private practice. He specializes in neuropsychological, disability, pain evaluations and general adult psychotherapy. He provides forensic consultation regarding head injury, post-traumatic emotional injuries and capacity evaluations. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, International Neuropsychological Society and National Academy of Neuropsychology, among others. Dr. Allen is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Berkeley, California.

Neurosurgery

Jim D. Anderson, M.D.

Dr. Anderson is a board certified neurosurgeon and was affiliated with Kaiser Permanente for 23 years. He is a Diplomate with the American Board of Neurological Surgery and National Board of Medical Examiners, a Fellow of the American Congress of Surgeons and member of many other medical affiliations including the Pediatrics Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Anderson was also a Delegate to the California Medical Association Annual House of Delegates. He received his Medical Degree from Creighton School of Medicine.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Robert P. Freed, M.D.

Dr. Freed is a physician in OB/GYN private practice and maintains an affiliation with Women’s Health Care Consultants in Carmichael, California. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His professional affiliations include Fellow, American College of OB/GYN and member, Northern California OB/GYN Society. Dr. Freed received his Medical Degree from Loma Linda University.

Ophthalmology

Jeffery Adkins, M.D.

Dr. Adkins is an ophthalmologist practicing in Northern California and has worked on numerous research projects during his career. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, among others. Prior to becoming a surgeon, Dr. Adkins was an engineer and worked for prestigious corporations including 3M, Dow Corning and IBM. Dr. Adkins received his Medical Degree from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine.

Otolaryngology

Michael Joseph Kearns, M.D.

Dr. Kearns specializes in head and neck surgery and is affiliated with Sacramento ENT, Inc. in Sacramento, California. He is a qualified medical examiner for the State of California Industrial Medical Council and Diplomate for both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Kearns is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery as well as the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of many professional societies including the California and Sacramento Societies of Otolaryngology, California Medical Association, and Sacramento Sierra Valley Medical Society. Dr. Kearns received his Medical Degree from University of California, Irvine.

Medical and Hospital Bill Auditor, RN Nurse Consultant

Agnes M. Grogan, RN, BS

Ms. Grogan is an RN experienced in clinical issues and she has a BS in Business Administration. She is a founding member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, and a member of the Association of Medical Auditor Specialists. She has published articles on Medical Bill Review and is a contributing author for a chapter on the Significance of Healthcare Fraud in Nursing, Nursing Malpractice, Third Edition. She is a contributing author for a chapter on Medical Billing and Coding, Medical-Legal Aspects of Medical Records; and a chapter on Medical Bill Review, Healthcare Claims Analysis. She has given numerous professional presentations on Bill Review, Medical Fraud, and Legal Nurse Consulting and has provided seminars and educational workshops to hospitals and medical personnel on audit process. She reviews and audits healthcare bills related to organizational compliance, accuracy of charges and! /or medical fraud. She is also experienced in elder abuse issues.

Pharmacy

Arthur Ludwick, Pharm.D.

Dr. Ludwick is a graduate of University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy and is employed as the Clinical Director and Chief Consultant for Pacific West Pharmacy in Rocklin, California. He is a member of the California Pharmacist Association and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. He is certified as a commissioned Geriatric Pharmacist and a consultant pharmacist.

Physical Medicine

Rita Bermudez, M.D., MSEE

Dr. Bermudez is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and is currently the president of Capital Rehab, a solo private PM&R practice. She is also a medical consultant for Blue Shield, United Healthcare Management, the State of California, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, a board member of the California Physician’s Alliance and a qualified medical evaluator for the State of California, Department of Social Services. Dr. Bermudez is a member of the American Board of Pain Management. She received her Medical Degree from the University of California, Davis.

Melita Moore, M.D.

Dr. Moore is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is also has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. Dr. Moore is an Associate Professor at University of California, Davis. She has extensive experience as a Sport Team Physician throughout her medical career. Dr. Moore is also fluent in Spanish. She received her Medical degree from Ohio State University of Medicine & Public Health and did her residency at Sinai Hospital of Boston.

Brandee L. Waite, M.D.

Dr. Waite is a assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Sports Medicine at University of California Davis, Medical Center and is Board Certified in PM & R Sports Medicine. She is a graduate of Stanford University and completed her medical training at The University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. Her post graduate medical training was completed at Stanford University Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of California Davis Medical Center. She serves as the U.C. Davis Inter-Collegiate Athletics Team Physician and also holds that position for the Sacramento Monarchs WNBA. She is a member of The Association of Academic Physiatry; American Academy of PM & R and The American College of Sports Medicine.

Physical Therapy

John Nativo, P.T., M.B.A.

Mr. Nativo has been a licensed physical therapist since 1973. During his career, he has worked as a self-employed therapist, consultant and director of rehabilitative services. He has advised Blue Shield of California, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, the Physical Therapy Board of California, and the Medical Board of California. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (A.P.T.A.), and at various times a member, vice president and president of the Physical Therapy Board of California. He has also been actively involved in the California Chapter of A.P.T.A. Mr. Nativo received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma and completed post-graduate work at CSU, Sacramento, Department of Health and Safety. Mr. Nativo received his M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix in Sacramento.

Plastic Surgery

Jason Solomon, M.D.

Dr. Solomon is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon and has been in the Sacramento area for over 20 years. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the Lipoplasty Society of North America. Dr. Solomon also belongs to the Sacramento Society of Plastic Surgery where he recently served as President and is a member of the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society. He currently is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA. Dr. Solomon graduated from Temple University Medical School in 1976 and did his surgery and plastic surgery training at the University of Chicago and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

Podiatry

Brian McDowell, DPM

Dr. McDowell is a podiatrist in private practice in Northern California since 1975. He is a Diplomate with the National Board of Podiatry Examiners and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is the past president of the Sacramento Valley Podiatry Association and a member of the California Podiatry Association as well as the American Podiatry Association. Dr. McDowell received both his Bachelor of Science in Podiatry and his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

Pulmonary Medicine

Radiology

Robert Paul Ochi, M.D.

Dr. Ochi is a board certified radiologist in the Department of Radiology, Kaiser Roseville, California. He is a senior member of the American Society of Neuroradiology and a member of numerous organizations including the American Society of Spine Radiology, Western Neuroradiological Society and the Radiological Society of Northern California, among others. Dr. Ochi completed a fellowship in Neuroradiology at Tufts/New England Medical Center and received his Medical Degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois.

Rheumatology

Douglas Haselwood, M.D.

Dr. Haselwood is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and has been a principal investigator in a number of clinical trials. He has extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue disorders and arthritis. He’s a consulting physician for the State Teachers Retirement System and a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, California Medical Association and the Sacramento El Dorado County Medical Society. Dr. Haselwood completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Cambridge University and received his Medical Degree from University of Rochester.

Thoracic Surgery

Stephen Maxwell , MD

Stephen Maxwell, MD, F.C.C.P, is Board Certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery and practices at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Mercy General, Mercy Folsom and Sutter Roseville Hospital in the Sacramento area. He is a Fellow of The American College of Chest Physicians and Associate Fellow, American College of Surgeons. Dr. Maxwell is a graduate of The University of Missouri, Columbia Medical School and completed a residency at Baylor University Medical Center as well as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. He is licensed to practice medicine in California, Hawaii and Ohio. His interests are thoracic oncology, general thoracic surgery, including esophageal, pulmonary, mediastinal and diaphragmatic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, including fluoroscopic and thoracoscopic surgery.

Urology

Samuel Chan, M.D.

Dr. Chan is a urologist and has been practicing since 1993. He has been published in notable industry publications focusing on his area of specialty. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Urologic Association. Dr. Chan received his Medical Degree from the University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School.

Vascular Surgery

Sebastian Conti, M.D.

Dr. Conti is a board certified vascular surgeon since 1971. He is on the Board of California Physician’s Alliance and is chairman of the Vascular Surgery Division. He served as an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine and is a member of the American Board of Surgery, American College of Surgeons and the California Medical Association. Dr. Conti received his Medical Degree from State University of New York and completed his post-graduate education at Columbia University.