Meet Our Spine Care Specialists
Patricia A. Hurford, MD, MS
Board-Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
“My interest in neurology and orthopaedic medicine, along with my lifelong passion for sports, is what got me interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation. I developed a special interest in spine medicine because my older brother is a paraplegic. Today, I am proud to offer my patients nearly 12 years of clinical experience along with the advanced training they can feel confident in. My job is very rewarding because it allows me to work closely with patients and utilize proven nonsurgical solutions to help them heal from injury or surgery. I educate my patients on what to expect, plus I encourage their active involvement throughout their treatment.”
- Board-Certified: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (with subspecialty in Pain Management and Electrodiagnostic Medicine)
- Residency: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University and Affiliated Hospitals, Atlanta, GA
- Internship: Emory University and Affiliated Hospitals, Atlanta, GA
- MS: Sports Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
- MD: University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
- Member: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, American Medical Association, Association of Academic Physiatrists, Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, Phi Kappa Alpha
In her free time, Dr. Hurford enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. She donates her time and resources to several organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Hurford is actively involved in her children’s school and her church, plus she coaches youth soccer. Her hobbies include running, reading and music.
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David S. Raskas, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
“I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, specifically orthopaedic spine surgery, because it requires a combination of skill and sensitivity to correct conditions that are highly intricate in nature. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed doing technically demanding things. Each patient I see has unique needs, and every step of the treatment process — from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery and rehabilitation — is very interesting and rewarding to me. Helping patients return to their highest level of function is both a daily goal and a lasting commitment of mine.”
- Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Fellowship: Spine Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
- Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- Internship: General Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- MD: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Member: American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society, St. Louis Orthopaedic Society, St. Louis Spine Society, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
- Licensed: Missouri
When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Raskas enjoys golfing and coaching youth basketball. He is a proud supporter of the Jewish Federation, March of Dimes, Make A Wish Foundation, Youth Lifeline, Project Hope and University of Michigan Medical School’s Orthopaedic Program.
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David B. Robson, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
“I always enjoyed science and medicine while growing up, so it was only natural that I chose to become a doctor. I became fascinated with spine care while completing my orthopaedic surgery residency. Orthopaedic spine surgery was very appealing to me because of its technical nature and its ability to help people overcome a whole host of painful, often debilitating conditions and injuries. When I made the decision to become a spine specialist, I also made the commitment to research the latest surgical techniques in order to provide my patients with the most effective care possible. Equally important, I provide my patients with the utmost compassion and empathy... every step of the way.”
- Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Fellowship: Spine Surgery (with Dr. Arthur Steffee), Cleveland Hospital, Cleveland, OH; St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
- Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University Group Hospital, St. Louis, MO
- Internship: General Surgery- St. Louis University Hospitals, St. Louis, MO
- MD: St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Member: American Association of Orthopedic Surgery, American Medical Association, St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society, St. Louis Orthopaedic Society, St. Louis Spine Society, Missouri State Medical Association, North American Spine Society
When he isn’t at the office, Dr. Robson likes to spend time with his family. He is the proud father of five children. Dr. Robson’s commitment to the community extends beyond that of medical care; he supports many local charities. He enjoys traveling and skiing.
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Barry L. Samson, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
“I chose to become an orthopaedic surgeon because it involves helping patients get out of pain and improving their function with both nonsurgical and surgical solutions. Plus, the challenge of identifying a patient’s problem and determining the most appropriate treatment is very compelling to me. Next, I really enjoy interacting with my patients on a daily basis, and each of them receives my full and undivided attention. I explain their diagnoses and give them a working knowledge of their condition. While I no longer perform surgery, I support my associates — and our patients — by spending as much time at the office as possible.”
- Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Fellowship: Teaching and Spine Fellow, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
- Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH; General Surgery, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Internship: General Surgery, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- MD: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Member: American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, Missouri State Medical Association, St. Louis Orthopaedic Society, St. Louis Spine Society, St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
Dr. Samson is actively involved with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation; he has co-chaired a St. Louis fundraiser and served on a steering committee to raise funds for a special campus. He is also a former board member for a not-for-profit nursing home. Dr. Samson is an avid reader; he enjoys all types of books.
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