Robert P. Norton, MD Q&A
Spine Fellowship
New York University – Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
University of Miami – Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL
Medical Degree
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate Degree
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Professional Affiliations
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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
North American Spine Society
Florida Orthopaedic Society
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Hospital Affiliations
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West Boca Medical Center
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
North Broward Medical Center
FAQ About Your Surgeon
Dr. Norton please tell us about yourself:
I was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia then moved to New Jersey at a young age. I
enjoyed my time growing up at the Jersey Shore and playing football at Monmouth
Regional High School. I received my Bachelor Degree in Biological Science and graduated
Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University. While in college, I worked as a personal
trainer, a physiology teaching assistant and was a volunteer at the regional academic
hospital. I returned to Philadelphia to obtain my medical training from the prestigious
Jefferson Medical College, graduating Magna Cum Laude and with the highest honor of
being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
I then pursued my residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of
Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. While at Miami, I was appointed Administrative Chief
Resident and had the fortune of training with nationally recognized Orthopaedic and
Neurosurgical academic spine surgeons.
Following residency, I completed advanced training in spine surgery at the NYU Hospital
for Joint Diseases, one of the most sought after and prestigious spine fellowships in the
country. While at NYU, I obtained specialized training in the surgical and non-surgical
management of the full spectrum of spinal conditions by several pioneers in the field,
including complex spinal deformity and minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Throughout my career, I have had a strong interest in academic medicine and have been
actively involved in teaching and research. I have authored multiple publications on a
variety of topics related to spine surgery in numerous peer-reviewed journals and
textbooks. I have received several research grants and have presented my research at both
national and international conferences.
I recognize how important it is that his patients understand their symptoms and treatment
options in order to make a well-informed decision. I believe that physical fitness, diet, and
emotional wellbeing all play a key role in spinal and overall health. While surgery may be
necessary, I recommend exhausting all non-operative treatment options prior to surgery as
well as optimizing health before surgery to facilitate postoperative recovery.
Skilled in the most advanced surgical techniques and emerging technologies, I offer
expertise in all aspects of spine care ranging from non-operative management options such
as epidural and facet injections to complex degenerative or deformity conditions of the
spine demanding complex surgical reconstructive techniques. I have a particular interest
in cervical (neck) spinal disease, spine trauma, motion preserving technology such as total
disc replacement, percutaneous vertebral body augmentation of pathologic fractures such
as kyphoplasty, and minimally invasive treatment solutions of spinal disorders.
Why did you move to South Florida?
I originally moved to South Florida to train at the highly regarded University of
Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program. During my
training, I was fortunate to cross paths with my wife, a medical student at the time, who I
fell in love with and married. She grew up locally, in Boca Raton, and we both agreed that
this would be the perfect place to settle down and raise a family.
Why did you choose to become a spine surgeon?
Since my first year of medical school I have been fascinated with the intricacies of the spine.
Early on, I became involved in research with some of the most prominent spine surgeons in
the world, and I continue to be engaged in spine related research today. So many people
are afflicted with spine related problems and I find it extremely rewarding to have the
capability to help people in such a profound way.
My goal as a spine surgeon is to provide high quality care that is research and evidencebased with proven and expected results. I am a compassionate physician who seeks to
improve the quality of life of my patients through skill and understanding. My academic
training combined with my passion for teaching and research allows me to do just that,
taking an individual and evidence-based approach to every patient.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
As a new father, I enjoy spending my free time with my wife and son. I am a born
outdoorsman and take pleasure in being in the nature, whether that is hiking and camping
or simply enjoying outdoors activities such as bicycling, skiing, and now that I am a
Floridian, relaxing at the beach. My hobbies also include recreational sports, golf, tennis,
and exercising in the gym. As unrelaxing as this sounds, in my leisure time I enjoy reading
spine related journals and textbooks to stay up-to-date with the most current literature
and surgical techniques. Finally, my true passion is to travel around the world and explore
all of the geography and different cultures our Earth has to offer.