Robert J. Berkowitz, MD

Advanced specialty training: Neck and back surgery
Specialties: Spine surgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy

Dr. Robert Berkowitz is a specialty-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. He joined the Center for Orthopedics in 2007.

Previously, Dr. Berkowitz was chief of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Podiatry at Andrews Air Force Base's Malcolm Grow Medical Center near Washington, DC. He also ran an orthopedic clinic at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, where he took care of many U.S. government leaders.

Dr. Berkowitz served in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle East, caring for many American soldiers, airmen and seamen.

He has advanced specialty training in neck and back surgery “One of the newest minimally invasive procedures I perform is known as X Stop spinal surgery,” says Dr. Berkowitz. “This state-of-the-art technique treats spinal stenosis by placing a spacer between two bones called spinous processes at the back of the lower spine.

“Another microsurgery technique I perform is disc replacement in the neck—an alternative to disc fusion,” says Dr. Berkowitz. “Disc replacement helps prevent what is called adjacent level breakdown. When a surgeon fuses a level in the cervical spine, the levels above and below it are subjected to more motion and force. This eventually can lead those levels to break down and require disc fusion surgery. Disc replacement helps prevent those healthy levels from breaking down.”

Dr. Berkowitz is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is licensed to practice medicine in Ohio and Maryland.

He is trained to take care of many conditions involving the neck and the back—especially patients who have symptoms in their arms and legs as a result of spine conditions. “I always make an effort to treat patients non-operatively and as conservatively as possible,” Dr. Berkowitz explains. “I will take patients the operating room only if surgery is 100% necessary for their recovery.”

Dr. Berkowitz uses many non-surgical treatment options including physical therapy, injections, referrals to pain management, chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy to help patients treat their conditions non-operatively.

“The majority of my patients do not have surgery,” he explains. “But when they do have surgery, I perform advanced techniques that few other practices in Ohio can offer.”

Dr. Berkowitz is a clinical instructor of orthopedics at Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine, and has served as an assistant professor at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.

He performs arthroscopic surgery on shoulders, knees and ankles. “I have extensive experience in sports medicine, having cared for many injured active-duty military personnel and enabling them to get back to aggressive physical activities,” Dr. Berkowitz explains. “If you have an injury that involves being active—whether that's playing sports or working out—that's the type of sports medicine injuries I treat.”

Dr. Berkowitz was chief resident in the fifth year of his orthopedic surgery residency at the Akron General Medical Center Department of Orthopedics in Akron, Ohio. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Berkowitz also holds a master of science degree in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, North American Spine Society, Ohio State Medical Association and the Lorain County Medical Association.

In his leisure time, Dr. Berkowitz enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, running, skiing, golfing and reading.

Meet Dr. Berkowitz's patient care team

Dr. Berkowitz's patient care team includes his secretary, Stacie Wilson. “Stacie has been with the Center for Orthopedics since 2006,” says Dr. Berkowitz. “She helps patients schedule their tests, surgeries and procedures. Stacie is patient, courteous, knowledgeable and resourceful. She willingly uses those assets to help in whatever manner is needed.”

“I'm here to help you in any way I can and to schedule your tests and surgeries,” adds Stacie.