- CEO
- CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
- DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH
- BIOMECHANICAL RESEARCH
- CLINICAL RESEARCH
- RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD
CEO
When Derek started in 2002, the Foundation was primarily engaged in clinical research. After becoming CEO, he worked to expand FORE’s capabilities to include Biomechanical Research, Surgical Training, and Continuing Medical Education (CME).
He worked to build a biomechanical research lab on the premises so that biomechanical research would no longer have to be outsourced. A biomechanics lab sharing the same building with FOI has enabled FORE to increase its ability to conduct this type of research while allowing physicians in a non-academic setting to participate in this type of research. The close proximity of scientists and physicians is an ideal scenario for the clinicians to engage in research that can answer fundamental questions about problems that they see in the clinic.
In 2005, Derek attended a surgical training course in Chicago and realized the growing need for surgeons to practice and hone their surgical skills in a laboratory setting. In 2007, Derek converted storage space in the basement of FOI into a small surgical training space that could host from 6 to 8 stations. Two years later, the growing need for surgical training was the impetus for renovating and expanding the space to include an auditorium and a much larger space for surgical training. The Surgical Training Center was completed in early 2010 and features space for up to 20 stations and a state of the art audiovisual system and lecture theater.
In addition to the day to day business operations of FORE, he is personally involved in several of the ongoing research projects. Also, he currently serves as Affiliate Associate faculty in the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Department, University of South Florida School of Medicine.
For a list of publications, powered by PubMed, click here.
Curriculum Vitae
| Lexi Betances Director, Continuing Medical Education Susan Doan-Johnson Director, Content & Marketing Richelle Lopez Program Manager Harley Murray CME Coordinator |
 Peter Simon, PhD Director of Research Formerly the Senior Lead Scientist in the biomechanics division, Peter Simon works as the Director of Research at the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) where he has been employed since August 2012. Dr. Simon holds the courtesy Professorship appointments at University of South Florida at Morsani College of Medicine and Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. His primary research interest is focused on morphometric and morphologic evaluation of healthy and diseased human joints. Peter completed his Ph.D. at University of Illinois at Chicago and his Masters degree at Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia. His research endeavors during this period, reflected by his dissertation, were primarily in the area of orthopaedic biomechanics of the spine and the effects of natural progression of osteoarthritis – a degenerative disease affecting every human joint. After graduation, Peter joined FORE for his post-doctoral training with primary focus on shoulder biomechanics and became a full-time staff scientist in 2014. His primary area of expertise is quantification and assessment of shoulder anatomy and pathology from both basic and clinical science perspectives with firm focus on improvements in diagnostics and treatment of shoulder related pathologies. Dr. Simon is best known for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the three-dimensional models of the human bones from computer tomography scans. Peter authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and he is active participant in national and international conferences with more than 50 podium or poster presentations. More recently, Dr. Simon got involved in research and development of new implant designs for shoulder joint replacement. Dr. Simon has served as a research mentor for ten students (both medical school and engineering department), he is active in orthopeadic residency and fellowship research training and currently Dr. Simon serves as a leader of the multicenter study group within the society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons that aims to better diagnose and treat Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint. The long-term goal of Natural History of Osteoarthritis study group is to develop new diagnostic methods for detection of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, particularly in its early stages. His other research interests include studying the biomechanics of the spine and ankle joint and developing clinical outcome measures. Peter received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia in 2007. He received his Ph.D. in Biomechanics from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2012. Peter enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with his friends. |
 Miguel Diaz, MS Biomechanics Research Laboratory Manager Miguel Diaz heads the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) where he works closely with FOI surgeons, fellows and residents, and industry leaders. Miguel began working with FORE in 2011 as a biomechanics research intern and worked on multiple projects involving shoulder, spine and hip biomechanics. His main role was assisting Dr. Simon in the development of a 6-DOF Shoulder Kinematic Testing rig and assessing scapular morphology using CT to 3D renderings. Miguel became a full-time Research Assistant in 2015 after the completion of his Masters degree. During this time, he assisted in the completion of several biomechanical and clinical studies, has co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, and has numerous poster and podium presentations at national and international conferences. Miguel has worked to expand and grow the biomechanical research lab allowing physicians in a non-academic setting to participate in this type of research across all orthopaedic subspecialities. The engagement between the clinicians and research staff has been instrumental to answering fundamental questions about problems that have been experienced in the clinic. Miguel completed his B.S in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Physics from the University of South Florida in 2012. He went on to receive his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2015. Outside of FORE, he enjoys spending time with his wife & kids. His hobbies include playing music, soccer, cycling, running, motocross, weightlifting, and tinkering/building things (3D printing). |
 Sergio Gutierrez, PhD Sergio Gutierrez began working at FORE in May of 2001 as a part time Research Assistant while finishing his Bachelors degree at the University of South Florida (USF). During those early years, he performed biomechanical research in the Biomechanics lab at USF under the mentorship of Dr. William E. Lee III (Director of the Biomedical Engineering program) and Dr. Mark Frankle (Orthopaedic surgeon at Florida Orthopaedic Institute). Through his research in biomechanics, Sergio was instrumental in furthering the understanding of the biomechanics of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and even in helping to alter surgical technique to improve patient outcomes. He has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, podium and poster presentations in national and international conferences, as well as a co-authorship in a book chapter. He is currently an Affiliate Associate Professor at the USF Medical School where he is helping to train future orthopaedic surgeons through an affiliation with the Orthopaedic Residency program. Sergio received his B.S. in both Chemical Engineering and Biology from the University of South Florida in 2002. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Florida in 2009. His hobbies include running, biking, kayaking, flying, playing tennis and developing software for the iPhone. For a list of publications, Powered by PubMed, click here |
 Lauren Wilder, MS Research Engineer Lauren Wilder is a Research Engineer in the Biomechanical Research Department, specializing in 3D reconstructions and computational modeling for shoulder implants. She holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Florida Gulf Coast University. Since joining the FORE research team in 2019, Lauren has focused on advancing orthopedic implant technology, driven by her passion for biomechanics and understanding the impact of orthopedic diseases on the body. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and family outings with her husband, Joseph, and son, Caleb. |
 Debbi Warren, RN, CCRC, ACRP-CP Clinical Research Operations Manager With over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Debbi currently serves as the Clinical Research Operations Manager for the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE). Our work focuses on clinical trials for both experimental (IND device studies) and investigator-initiated studies in orthopaedics. As a Certified Professional from ACRP and an RN with over 40 years of experience in peri-operative nursing, Debbi brings a deep understanding of patient care and surgical research. She has a passion for mentoring new clinical research coordinators, helping them grow in their roles and contribute to meaningful advancements in medical science. One of the most rewarding aspects of her career is witnessing a study evolve from an experimental device to FDA approval and eventual use in patient care. Outside of work, Debbi's greatest joy is spending time with her family, traveling with loved ones—including her husband, siblings, cousins, children, and grandchildren—and caring for her beloved Dobermans. She also enjoys yoga, cooking, and exploring new cuisines. |
 Tantien Nguyen, BS Clinical Research Coordinator, Hand & Upper Extremity Meet Tantien Nguyen, who prefers to go by Andy, a nickname that originated from a restaurant in his hometown of El Dorado, Arkansas. Andy's family later moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent most of his adolescence. After graduating from high school, Andy completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida in 2021. Following graduation, he explored his interest in medicine by working as a medical assistant and later as a research coordinator. As the primary point of contact for the Hand & Upper Extremity department, Andy has taken on the responsibility of creating a well-organized environment where residents, fellows, and medical students can engage in research and produce meaningful papers. This role allows him to contribute to the advancement of orthopedics through clinical trials and research projects. While awaiting opportunities to pursue further education, Andy continues to be involved in research, focusing on producing impactful papers and contributing to the field of orthopedics. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée Tien and their corgi, Rice. Andy also appreciates great food and listening to house music. |
 Anne Meredith Baldy, MS Clinical Research Coordinator, Adult Reconstruction Anne Meredith is a third-generation Floridian, born and raised in South Tampa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University and a Master’s in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, she worked at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, and later developed her research skills at USF and Tampa General Hospital before joining the FORE team. In her free time, Anne Meredith enjoys being with her family, playing tennis, practicing yoga at CAMP, and exploring new books, music, and local restaurants. |
 Viktoria Sochor, MS, CCRC Clinical Research Coordinator, Sports Medicine Viktoria's journey, which began with a Master's degree in Europe and a move to the U.S. in 2007, led her from sales and logistics to the fulfilling world of orthopedic research. This opens a door to a multidisciplinary field she loves to work in. Viki is driven by the desire to improve patient outcomes through effective clinical research. She is an ACRP-certified clinical research coordinator with over a decade of experience in the field. Her commitment is to optimize clinical research processes. Viki is happy for the opportunity to contribute to patient recovery in sports medicine and loves to witness the impact of clinical research in orthopedics. Proud mother of three, she cherishes time spent with her family. |
 Kaitlyn N. Christmas, BS, CCRC Manager, Patient-Reported Outcomes Systems Implementation & Operations Research and Fellowship Coordinator, Shoulder & Elbow Kaitlyn Christmas started as an intern in the Phillip Spiegel Orthopaedic Research Laboratory in 2013 and transitioned into Shoulder and Elbow Clinical Research in 2015, taking over the division in 2016. Kaitlyn maintains a Shoulder Arthroplasty database of over 5000 surgeries and a large repository of corresponding intraoperative videos. She also manages the outcomes data collection for a variety of subspecialty surgeons spanning a wide array of surgical procedures. In her time at FORE, Kaitlyn has co-authored more than 30 publications and continues to take a very hands-on role in all ongoing Shoulder and Elbow research projects, including various multi-center research pursuits within the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). She remains an active part of the FOI/FORE Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship curriculum and enjoys contributing to the advanced training of future leaders in Shoulder and Elbow surgery. Kaitlyn received a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2013. She obtained her Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) designation from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) in 2018. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her husband Christian, her daughter Olivia, and their two dogs. Kaitlyn loves reading, cooking, sports, and winning trivia nights with friends and family. |
 Sergio Aguilar Clinical Research Coordinator, Spine Fellowship Coordinator, Spine Research has always been an interesting career for Sergio, as it wasn’t a direct path. Prior to entering the research field, he worked as a chef for about six years. One of his servers recruited him to a research assistant position, which led to a career change. Learning an entirely new profession in his mid-20s was an exciting yet challenging adventure. Starting off as a research assistant, Sergio was able to learn the ropes of what it takes to be a successful Clinical Research Coordinator. The constant drive and attention to the small details of each protocol while maintaining a high standard of patient care is something he genuinely enjoys. He finds satisfaction in the paperwork and appreciates that there is always something to keep him busy. Being at the forefront of new medical innovations and medicines has been an incredible experience. In his spare time, Sergio enjoys a variety of hobbies, such as playing video games with friends, gardening, learning the guitar, baking, crocheting, and spending time with his dog, Zeus. |
 Alfred V. Hess, MD Dr. Alfred Hess is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in disorders of the upper extremity, including shoulder, elbow and hand surgery. He began his practice with Florida Orthopaedic Institute in March 1995. Prior to Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Dr. Hess was a full-time physician with the University of South Florida. He is a native of Ohio and a graduate of John Carroll University. He received a Master of Science Degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1985 and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh College of Medicine. Dr. Hess then completed a year of fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the University of South Florida and is the current director of the FOI Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program. Dr. Hess is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and also has attained the Certificate of Added Qualification of Hand Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Association for Hand Surgery. He is also the Director of hand surgery at the University of South Florida. Dr. Hess does his surgeries at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute Surgery Center and Tampa General Hospital. Dr. Hess is still an active participant in the hand trauma service at Tampa General Hospital. |
 John M. Small, MD Dr. Small is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and fellowship-trained in Spine Surgery. Since 1996, Dr. Small has treated patients seeking cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine care. With advanced training in endoscopic and microscopic surgery, Dr. Small maintains many ongoing clinical research projects. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and has made numerous presentations to his peers about spine surgery. He is an Associate Assistant Professor at USF Department of Orthopaedics and is the University of South Florida Residency Site Director at the University Community Hospital. Dr. Small is a team consultant at the University of South Florida and has been a Course Chair at Selby Spine Conference since 2002. He has been named a Best Doctor of America every year since 2005. Dr. Small’s personal interests are running, biking and participating in triathlons. |
 Mark A. Frankle, MD Dr. Frankle has been with Florida Orthopaedic Institute since 1991 and received his fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery. In response to encountering a subset of patients for whom there was no effective treatment, Dr. Frankle is the surgeon responsible for bringing reverse shoulder arthroplasty to the United States. His original implant design utilized a lateralized center of rotation which was revolutionary compared to the accepted standard in Europe and it took many years of presenting his durable results to garner acceptance of his work from his peers. He has consistently devoted himself to the refinement of surgical technique and implant design to optimize the device to treat an ever-expanding list of surgical indications. His surgical outcomes remain an enduring testament to the viability and utility of shoulder arthroplasty, both anatomic and reverse. The tenets of his implant design for reverse prostheses are now mirrored by every major orthopaedic implant manufacturer, the surgery he pioneered for American patients is now one of the fastest growing surgical procedures in the nation, and he now holds numerous patents on implants, including anatomic total shoulder, reverse total shoulder prosthetics and suture removal systems. Dr. Frankle’s ingenuity and dogged commitment to improving patient care have garnered him worldwide acclaim as the preeminent expert on reverse shoulder arthroplasty. One of the most active researchers in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery, Dr. Frankle has authored more than two hundred peer-reviewed articles in professional journals, has published a textbook on reverse shoulder arthroplasty, maintains ongoing research projects, and is consistently invited to present his findings at countless professional orthopedic conferences. He also reviews the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Orthopedics, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, and BMC Surgery. This list expands every year. Dr. Frankle currently serves on the Executive Board of the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and is a recent past President of the Society. He is the director of the Biomechanical Shoulder and Elbow Research Lab at the University of South Florida College of Engineering. He is also the director of the Shoulder and Elbow fellowship program, a collaborative effort between the Florida Orthopaedic Institute and the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education responsible for the training of 3-4 surgical fellows every year. The program currently boasts 70+ alumni. His work is often nominated for and has received the prestigious Charles S. Neer award for Basic Science from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Frankle enjoys setting aside time for researching and finding new ways to innovate and progress orthopedics from a surgical perspective. His implementations continue to act as stepping stones that improve overall orthopedic care. |
 Neil S. Kumar, MD, MBA Dr. Kumar received his undergraduate degree at Lehigh University and his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Drexel University, where he served as chief resident. He then completed an Adult and Pediatric Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Neil S. Kumar is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Kumar has been widely published in several major sports medicine journals and presented at several orthopedic surgical conferences. He is also a reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. Dr. Kumar cares for all conditions related to sports medicine, including tendon, muscle, and ligament injuries. His special interests include arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery, knee ligament repair and reconstruction, cartilage restoration and shoulder instability. Dr. Kumar is passionate about his practice of medicine. He believes patient education and understanding of diagnosis and treatment options are extremely important. Dr. Kumar believes in working as a team with other caregivers and the patient to get them feeling better and back to work and activities as soon as possible. In his spare time, Dr. Kumar enjoys spending time with his wife, Bhumi, and their two children, Niam and Ava. |
 Thomas L. Bernasek, MD Dr. Bernasek is fellowship trained in adult reconstruction. Prior to becoming a founding member of Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Dr. Bernasek received his medical training at the Creighton University College of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, and completed his Orthopedic Residency training at the University of New Mexico. After residency, Dr. Bernasek completed a fellowship in joint replacement and adult reconstruction at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is known nationally and internationally as an expert in joint replacement with vast experience in total hip and knee replacement. His articles have been published in numerous professional journals, and he has presented research papers and lectured at medical conferences on the national and international level for over a decade. He maintains active involvement in numerous orthopedic research and development projects and has served as an Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Bernasek served as the President of Hillsborough County Medical Association. |