Neurosurgery
Dr. Dominic Cannella
Dr. Cannella received his bachelor's degree in Entomology with high honors from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He went on to University South Florida's College of Medicine in Tampa, where he earned his medical degree. While there, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a professional medical organization that recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. Dr. Cannella completed his internship at the University of Mississippi in Jackson. A few years later, he began his Neurosurgery residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo. While in Buffalo, Dr. Cannella completed a Neurology rotation at Harvard Medical School's Department of Neurology in Boston. He later returned to Harvard, where he completed a brain tumor fellowship with the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Cannella specializes in spinal surgery, cranial surgery, and carpal tunnel surgery.
Dr. Paul Davis
Dr. Davis graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He served four years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps after being commissioned a Second Lieutenant, attaining the rank of Captain before resigning to attend Medical School. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Davis completed a General Surgery internship at Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, New York, followed by a Neurological Surgery residency there. He served as Chief Resident for a year and a half. Dr. Davis specializes in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery.
Dr. Christopher Payne
Dr. Payne graduated with his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario in Canada. He studied Medicine at the University of Dublin, Trinity College in Ireland, graduating with his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees. After that, he moved to the United States for Neurological Surgery Residency at Allegheny General Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery in Pennsylvania. He has an interest in the treatment of pain syndromes and minimally invasive surgery.
Podcast: Dr. Payne discusses treatments neurosurgeons provide at San Juan Regional Spine Center.
Meghan Nipper, PA-C
Meghan Nipper received her undergraduate degree in nutrition at the University of New Mexico. She received her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. Nipper is certified by the National Commission on Certification on Physician Assistants, New Mexico Medical Board, and the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She also holds certificates in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.
Cody Johnson, PA-C
Mr. Johnson holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Idaho State University. He attended Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg for his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Public Health Emphasis.
Pain Management
Dr. Dmitry Garmaev
Dr. Garmaev attended Belarusian State Medical College in Minsk, where he graduated summa cum laude as a Physician Assistant. Eager to broaden his depth of medical knowledge he then went on to attend the Belarusian State Medical University, where he graduated summa cum laude with his Doctor of Medicine. After completing a diagnostic radiology residency at the Minsk City Clinical Oncology Center, he practiced as a radiologist until moving to New Mexico, where he quickly fell in love with the diversity of the land and the people. Continuing his desire to expand his knowledge and ability to serve others, he successfully completed an anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in pain medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. He specializes in interventional pain management.
Dr. Jonathan Jones
Dr. Jones received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Arizona State University, and his medical training from the Medical College in Wisconsin. He completed a transitional internship, an anesthesiology residency, and an interventional pain management fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He also holds a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. Dr. Jones is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is a fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiology, which is the highest acknowledgement given by the society. It shows dedication and leadership in anesthesiology and recognizes years of commitment to exceptional education, advocacy for the profession and patient safety. Dr. Jones is a member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and the New Mexico Medical Association. He specializes in interventional pain management and focuses on neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulation.
Eric Griffin, PA-C
Mr. Griffin holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. He attended Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg for his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Public Health Emphasis.