Dr. Derek Gonzalez is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon specializing in the treatment of adults and children with complex spinal disorders. A native of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Gonzalez earned his medical degree from Florida International University’s Wertheim College of Medicine, graduating with high honors. He then completed residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the foremost national medical honor society. In his final year of residency he served as Chief Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Gonzalez has received extensive training at the best hospitals in the world, including Harvard Medical School’s Boston Children’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Shock Trauma Hospital. He has published research on the use of robotic technology in pediatric scoliosis surgeries, and has taught and lectured medical students and staff.

After residency, Dr. Gonzalez went on to complete a fellowship sub-specializing in complex spine surgery at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the most prestigious spine fellowships in the country.

Dr. Gonzalez’s philosophy on patient care is that each patient receives his or her own unique treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. He believes in listening to patients and working together to decide on the best treatment plan for each person.  Dr. Gonzalez will always exhaust all conservative treatment options before recommending surgery. When surgery is needed, Dr. Gonzalez applies minimally invasive techniques whenever possible with the goals of minimizing pain and restoring function.

In his free time Dr. Gonzalez enjoys fishing, kayaking, and spending quality time with his family.