From back pain to crippling long-term maladies, The Spine Team uses sophisticated technology, including a computerized, three-dimensional imaging navigation system, to address your specific needs.

The board-certified, fellowship-trained Spine Team at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center consults and supports one another to provide each patient with the thoughtful and thorough care they deserve.

Phillip Kissel, MD

Neurological Surgery

Dr. Phillip Kissel received his undergraduate degree in biology at University of California, San Diego in 1976. He attended medical school at The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University.  Dr. Kissel completed his surgical internship at University of California, Los Angeles/Harbor General Medical Center and his neurosurgical residency at University of California, Davis.

Dr. Kissel has been a member of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons since 1991 and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1993. He maintains involvement with academic programs both as a clinical instructor and referral source.

Dr. Kissel currently practices in San Luis Obispo, California. His clinical practice focuses on patients with a multitude of neurosurgical problems which involve the spine, brain and peripheral nerves. He is actively involved with both elective and emergency surgery at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

Donald Ramberg, MD

Neurological Surgery

 

Dr. Donald A. Ramberg is a board certified neurosurgeon, a diplomat with the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 1978. In 1979, Dr. Ramberg finished his surgical internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. That same year, he began his residency in neurological surgery, which he completed under Dr. Sundt in 1983 at the Mayo Clinic. While studying at the Mayo Clinic, he had the opportunity to develop research technologies and publish research in the study of pain receptor sites in the brain.

 

In 1983, Dr. Ramberg began his private practice in neurosurgery in Massachusetts and held a clinical appointment at Tufts University. Three years later, he moved to the Central Coast of California and relocated his neurosurgical practice to Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

 

One of only three neurosurgeons in San Luis Obispo County, Dr. Ramberg’s private practice is located in the city of San Luis Obispo. He specializes in neck, back and brain surgery. Dr. Ramberg performs spinal surgery, including spinal fusion, for all types of spine diseases. He performs brain surgical procedures including surgeries on tumors and vascular malformations. Dr. Ramberg has performed lumbar, cervical and brain surgery at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for more than 20 years.

 

 

Harold Segal, MD

Neurological Surgery

 

Dr. Harold Segal graduated medical school from the University of Iowa Medical College in 1973 and prior to that received his undergraduate degree from University of California, Los Angeles. He finished his surgical internship at the University of California, Irvine and his neurosurgical residency as chief resident at University of Cincinnati.

 

Dr. Segal was board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1981. He is a member of the American Medical Association, California Medical Association, San Luis Obispo County Medical Society and American Association of Neurological Surgery.

 

Dr. Segal is a frequent lecturer and is currently participating in several ongoing educational studies. His operative experience includes intracranial surgery and spinal surgery.

 

Larry Herron, MD

Orthopedics

 

Dr. Larry Herron earned his medical degree from University of California, Los Angeles, where he also completed his orthopedic internship and residency.  He went on to finish his fellowship in spinal surgery at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles.

 

Dr. Herron is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has authored 34 articles on spinal surgery. He is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, North American Spine Society, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and California Orthopedic Association.

 

Dr. Herron has practiced in San Luis Obispo, California for 30 years. His practice is limited to the conservative and surgical treatment of spinal disorders in both children and adults.

 

James B. Carr, MD

Orthopedics