Dr. Clinton Burkett, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Burkett understands the unique needs of this population. He specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions common in older adults, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome. He serves older adults (typically 65 and over) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (954) 276-3500 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Burkett's background includes extensive training and experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine and completed an internship at Rush Medical College. He then pursued residency training in Neurosurgery at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at the University of Virginia, Main Campus and the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, and is a neurosurgeon at Memorial Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Burkett's practice encompasses head trauma, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine deformities, and minimally invasive spine surgery. He is committed to maintaining or reestablishing the natural shape and harmony of his patients' spines, easing pain, and improving functional abilities. Memorial Healthcare System physicians provide a comprehensive scope of high-quality medical and surgical services and clinical expertise with an emphasis on patient- and family-centered care. Dr. Burkett provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Clinton Burkett is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Clinton Burkett is a compassionate neurosurgeon dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of neurological conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to create a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each patient. His approach emphasizes not just surgical expertise, but also understanding the patient's overall well-being and quality of life, ensuring a supportive and reassuring experience throughout their journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Clinton Burkett can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Dimension Health
Florida Health Administrators
Fortified Provider Network
Humana
Magellan Healthcare
Medicaid
Medicare
Memorial Healthcare System
PHCS
Preferred Medical Plan
Prime Health Services
Simply Healthcare Plans
Sunshine Health
Three Rivers Provider Network
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage 65 Select Health Options
- Ambetter
- Behavioral Health Program
- Blue Card
- Blue Care
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Options
- Blue Select
- BlueDental Choice
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Carelink
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- Commercial
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Freedom Health
- Freedom Network
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HUMx
- Health Net
- Healthy Kids
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- IU Health Plans
- LocalPlus
- MMA Medicaid
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Choice
- Memorial Consumer Health Plan (MCHP)
- Memorial Managed Care Plan (MMCP)
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Navigate
- Neighborhood Health Partnership (NHP)
- Network Blue Health Options
- Open Access Plus
- Options
- PHCS Network
- Preferred
- Preferred Patient Care Health Options
- Presbyterian Health Plan
- Select
- SelectHealth
- Selecthealth
- SouthCare
- Standard
- Superior Health Plan
- UMR
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Clinton Burkett provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Tethered Cord Syndrome: Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is anchored to the surrounding tissues, leading to various neurological problems; surgical untethering can often improve function and reduce pain.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Injury to the spinal cord can disrupt signals between the brain and the body, impacting mobility, bowel/bladder function, and more; thankfully, tailored therapies and support systems exist to improve comfort and function.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious head injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head wound; specialized care and rehabilitation are crucial for recovery and regaining cognitive skills, helping seniors maintain their dignity and participation in daily life.
- Myelopathy: Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed or damaged, leading to symptoms like tingling, weakness, or difficulty walking; treatment, which may include surgery, aims to reduce pressure and alleviate these symptoms, thus improving your quality of life.
- Herniated Disc: With a herniated disc, the protective gel inside a spinal disc pushes out, potentially leading to back or leg pain and numbness, but treatment can often alleviate symptoms and restore mobility.
- Astrocytoma: An astrocytoma is a brain tumor arising from glial cells, and a tailored treatment plan, often involving surgery followed by other therapies, strives to control tumor growth and alleviate any symptoms affecting daily life.
- Chordoma: Chordomas, slow-growing tumors found near the spinal cord or skull base, sometimes need surgical intervention for symptom relief. Modern techniques often minimize disruption, allowing many seniors to recover well and maintain a good quality of life.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding around the brain, often caused by a burst blood vessel, and it requires urgent medical attention to prevent serious complications and improve your chances of recovery and maintaining independence.
- Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can cause bleeding or seizures, but with proper medical care and sometimes surgery, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Aneurysm: If an aneurysm is detected early, it can be carefully monitored or treated to prevent a potentially devastating rupture and ensure your continued health and independence.
- Hypothalamus Cancer: This rare cancer located deep within the brain can cause various symptoms depending on the location and size of the tumor, and specialized medical attention focusing on targeted treatment is crucial for maximizing comfort and independence.
- Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in your spine that can put pressure on your nerves, causing pain and numbness in your back, legs, or arms; treatment options like surgery can help alleviate these symptoms and improve mobility.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Clinton Burkett offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Anterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion (ALIF): For seniors struggling with persistent back pain stemming from spinal problems, ALIF surgery may be recommended to fuse vertebrae, thereby relieving pressure on nerves and improving overall quality of life.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Destruction of a brain tumor through surgery is a key part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors diagnosed with brain cancer, aiming to improve quality of life and extend lifespan.
- Laminoplasty: As part of a comprehensive care plan for spinal stenosis, laminoplasty offers a surgical approach to widen the spinal canal, relieving nerve compression.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Minimally invasive spine surgery offers seniors a less invasive approach to treating spinal conditions like stenosis and herniated discs, leading to faster recovery times and reduced discomfort.
- Spine Surgery: Spine surgery helps diagnose and manage the underlying causes of persistent back pain in seniors, allowing for more effective long-term care.
- Vertebroplasty: Vertebroplasty helps seniors manage the debilitating pain from spinal fractures, providing a pathway towards better mobility and a more fulfilling life.
- Minimally Invasive and Navigational Procedure: By using image guidance, minimally invasive and navigational procedures ensure that the surgery is more accurate, reducing risks and improving the success rate for seniors undergoing treatment for herniated discs or movement disorders.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Neurosurgeries in Florida.
Dr. Clinton Burkett is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After surgery to address tethered cord syndrome, the patient felt a significant reduction in back pain, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of gardening and spend more time with their family.
- After a spinal cord injury, a senior felt significantly more secure in their home environment, thanks to the tailored therapies and support systems implemented by a neurosurgery team. The patient was able to regain some independence and participate in activities they once enjoyed.
- After specialized care for a traumatic brain injury, a senior was able to resume playing the piano, a cherished pastime, bringing joy back into their life. Family members felt immense relief knowing their loved one was regaining valuable cognitive skills and independence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Neurological Surgery (Neurosurgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. Clinton Burkett:
- What is a Neurosurgeon, and how are they different from a Neurologist?
- A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on the brain, spine, and nerves. Unlike neurologists, who diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies, neurosurgeons focus on surgical interventions. They often work collaboratively with neurologists as part of a comprehensive care team.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. A neurosurgeon's role includes diagnosing the problem and determining the best course of action, which may not always involve surgery. Dr. Burkett often recommends conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections first, only considering surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Clinton Burkett?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Burkett will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, conduct a detailed neurological exam, and carefully review any imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help us determine the best path forward, surgical or otherwise.
- What is spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related arthritis, which can pinch nerves. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to surgery, such as a laminectomy, to create more space for the nerves in severe cases.
- What is a laminectomy?
- A laminectomy is a common spine surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It involves removing a small piece of bone from a vertebra to create more space in the spinal canal, easing pain from conditions like spinal stenosis.
- What is a spinal cord stimulator?
- A spinal cord stimulator is a device, similar to a pacemaker, implanted to help manage chronic back or leg pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain. It's an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Burkett and his team develop a highly personalized treatment plan for each patient, considering the specific type of brain tumor and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, or observation, always prioritizing maximizing quality of life.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Burkett's practice treats common age-related spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, which often cause significant back or leg pain. We aim to relieve pressure on the nerves to reduce pain and help patients maintain their mobility and activity levels.
1150 N 35th Ave Ste 300
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 276-3500
Dr. Clinton Burkett, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1568661361
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general in
