Meet Our Doctors
Meet our highly-qualified, experienced doctors and surgeons who strive to provide the best surgical care to our patients. Book an appointment at the Synergy Surgical Center today!
DR. PAUL B. JOHNSON
DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ANESTHESIOLOGY
BOARD CERTIFIED IN PAIN MEDICINE
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Santa Monica-born Dr. Paul B. Johnson moved as a boy with his family to Reno, Nevada, where he would eventually enroll in undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Awarded the Dean’s list for Academic
Excellence, Dr. Johnson went on to obtain his Doctor of Medicine, with Honors in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
After winning awards for “Excellence in Research” and “Best Abstract” at the Western Student Medical Research Forum in 2000, Dr. Johnson completed his Internship in Internal Medicine at UNSOM. Dr. Johnson then headed for the Midwest,
where he trained at one of the nation’s top Anesthesia Residencies, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Here, he focused on Regional Anesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, participating in research involving regional anesthetic techniques.
With an eye towards enhancing patient comfort and flexibility, Dr. Johnson designed and implemented a unique system for Post-Operative Analgesia involving Ambulatory Peripheral Nerve Catheters.
Following his residency, Dr. Johnson received a fellowship that allowed him to return to his native Southern California, where he trained further in Interventional Pain Management at the top interventional pain medicine program in the U.S.,
the University of California, Los Angeles. An avid athlete, Dr. Johnson enjoys running, mountain biking, scuba diving, hiking and surfing.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Undergraduate Studies in Biology at The University of Nevada
-Doctor of Medicine in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine and
Intensive Care Medicine
EXPERIENCE:
Regional Anesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care Medicine
DR. VIMAL S. LALA
DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ANESTHESIOLOGY
CERTIFIED IN PAIN MEDICINE
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Born in London, England, Dr. Vimal S. Lala moved with his family to California in 1978. After receiving his Undergraduate Degree in Biology from the University of California, Riverside, he obtained his Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University, where he was among the top students in his class, and where he focused intently on Epidemiology and Health Administration.
Dr. Lala then traveled to Maine, where he attended the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Now, having received his medical degree with outstanding honors in each of his clinical core rotations – Surgery, Internal Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN and Psychiatry, Dr. Lala was inducted into Sigma Sigma Phi National Osteopathic Medical Honors Society.
From here, Dr. Lala completed his Residency in Anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, ranked third of all U.S. hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to becoming Chief Resident at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Lala received a prestigious award from the Post-operative Anesthesia Care Unit nursing staff for providing his patients with “world class” service.
Following his residency, Dr. Lala returned to California as a Fellow in Interventional Pain Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top interventional pain medicine programs in the country.
Thoroughly dedicated to the wholeness of health, Dr. Lala’s rigorous training is supported by his appreciation and application of both the art and science of osteopathic medicine. Dr. Lala possesses a holistic awareness of the human body and how pain affects it. This approach incorporates a comprehensive understanding of structure and function, and of the dynamics and importance of pain management in relation to the patient’s entire wellbeing.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Undergraduate Degree in Biology from University of California
-Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University
EXPERIENCE:
Anesthesiology, Interventional Pain Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine
DR. ERIK C. SPAYDE
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL BOARD
CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGEON
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Erik C. Spayde, MD is a fellowship trained Spine Surgeon with over 15 years of experience in treating neck and back disorders. His training background at Stanford and Harvard enable him to provide unparalleled treatment for his patients. His expertise in complex spinal disorders and breadth of training allows him to choose the proper treatment modality for his patients which includes nonsurgical procedures. He specializes in motion preservation including cervical and lumbar disc replacement surgery. He is also a pioneer in the field of Regenerative Medicine having performed stem cell and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in the spine.
EDUCATION
Undergraduate – Stanford University
Medical School – Harvard Medical
Residency – Harvard Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Spayde received his undergraduate degree in Biological Science from Stanford University he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors and distinction in field of immunology. He graduated from Harvard Medical School where he was awarded research grants from the NIH/Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Arthritis Foundation. He completed his internship in surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was selected by the Harvard Department of Orthopedic Surgery to complete his residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. After residency, Dr. Spayde obtained further training in complex spinal-reconstruction surgery at The Spine Institute at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. He is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon.
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Dr. Spayde has presented research at national and international spine meetings and he has published numerous scientific articles. Dr. Spayde remains active in education, research and innovation. He has designed numerous surgical implants and novel technologies to better treat patients around the U.S. and abroad. He has been involved in clinical trials developing artificial disc replacement devices. Currently, he is a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
PATIENT CARE
Dr. Spayde’s office is located in Thousand Oaks, CA. His goal is to provide a comprehensive treatment approach to patients with spinal disorders. Dr. Spayde performs spine surgery at Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital, Outpatient Surgery Centers and Los Robles Regional Medical Center. At Los Robles Hospital, he leads their innovative spine program which strives to offer cutting edge technology, minimally invasive surgery, and high quality patient care.
DR. HARPREET S. BAWA
JOINT SPECIALIST
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Dr. Harpreet Bawa is a board certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in the treatment of arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions of the hip and knee. Through his extensive training and experience, he has developed an expertise in joint replacement surgeries, such as total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, anterior and posterior hip replacement, and hip resurfacing procedures. Dr. Bawa also treats patients who require revision hip or knee replacements and those who have had a previous surgery or deformity requiring complex joint replacement surgery. Using minimally invasive techniques, computer-assisted robotic technology, and protocols specifically tailored to each patient, his goal is to not only relieve his patients of their pain but also restore them to their previous level of function—or better.
Dr. Bawa completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California in Los Angeles, where he graduated magna cum laude with majors in economics and neuroscience. He earned his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated among the top of his class, receiving honors in all clinical clerkships, and he was elected to the highly esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Bawa completed his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Chicago. Following his residency, he underwent additional specialty training through a hip and knee reconstruction and joint replacement fellowship at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) of Cornell University in New York City.
Dr. Bawa is board certified by American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon and an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He has presented and published in multiple areas of orthopedic research, and his papers have been published in top peer-reviewed orthopedic journals, such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Journal of Arthroplasty, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®. Dr. Bawa is also a reviewer for The Journal of Arthroplasty. Furthermore, his research has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Bawa’s treatment philosophy revolves around the importance of caring for the whole patient. He firmly believes that, in addition to treating a patient’s orthopedic condition, it is imperative to address the emotional and social aspects of his or her life as well. He also believes in the value of evidence-based medicine, as it gives his patients optimal outcomes.
Dr. Bawa was raised in the San Fernando Valley. When he is not seeing patients, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
Medical Board Certification
Fellowship
Residency
Degree
DR. BEN DIRKX
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT,
PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION, ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE
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Dr. Ben Dirkx is a triple boarded physician in Interventional Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He is also board eligible for certification in Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Dirkx graduated with honors from Michigan State University where he helped organize and supervise the intramural sports department.
He went on to complete his residency at William Beaumont Hospital under nationally recognized physicians Dr. Ronald Taylor and former national Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation president Myron Laban.
Dr. Dirkx volunteers for several athletic teams including the Santa Barbara City College football team and is the official doctor for the annual Santa Maria Rodeo.
Dr. Dirkx regularly attends new and innovative workshops around the country on the latest interventional pain procedures and regenerative medical techniques to be able to provide his patients with the latest and most up to date options for their care.
He enjoys spending his free time competing in competitive endurance cycling events around the state and playing in competitive ice hockey leagues.
Dr. Dirkx is part of several medical societies including California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Interventional Orthopedics Foundation, Wilderness Medicine Society, AAPM&R, and North American Neuromodulation Society among several others.
Dr. Dirkx believes in developing a comprehensive and unique plan of care for each of his patients to best suit their improvement in quality of life and functional goals.
Call Us
Book an Appointment at the Synergy Surgical Center Today!
Phone
+1 818-348-7246
Address
696 Hampshire Rd. Suite 160
Westlake Village, CA 91361