Dr. Jobyna Whiting, MD is a Neurosurgeon practicing at Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care | Kendall (Suite 407W) in Miami, FL. As a dedicated partner in the health journeys of older adults (typically 65 and over), she is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Whiting is deeply knowledgeable about the specific neurological needs of seniors. She recognizes the importance of collaboration with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for her patients.
A general neurosurgeon possesses specialized expertise 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. Dr. Whiting, with over 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of the aging process, works collaboratively with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2002, followed by an internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery, both at the University of Florida. Further specializing in endovascular surgery, she is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Whiting is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (786) 345-7208 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Whiting, a neurosurgeon and director of degenerative spine surgery at Baptist Health's Miami Neuroscience Institute, provides consultations primarily in English. Her extensive training, including fellowship training in endovascular surgery at the University of Florida, combined with her commitment to comprehensive care, makes her an invaluable partner in the health of older adults. She is deeply committed to the multidisciplinary approach to patient care championed by the Miami Neuroscience Institute. Her dedication to her patients, coupled with her extensive experience, ensures personalized and compassionate treatment for the specific needs of her senior patient population.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Jobyna Whiting is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Whiting is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive neurosurgical care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. Her expertise in diagnosing and surgically addressing complex neurological conditions, including spinal stenosis and herniated discs, is combined with a collaborative approach, working seamlessly with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes and maintain the highest quality of life for her patients.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Jobyna Whiting can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
CareSource
Cigna
Community Health Choice
Connecticare
Dimension Health
Global Excel Insurance
Golden Rule
Health Net
HealthPlus
HealthPlus Amerigroup
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Humana
Husky Health
Medica
Medicare
Midwest Health Plan
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP)
Peach State Health Plan
Simply Healthcare Plans
Staywell (Wellcare)
WellCare
Wellcare of Georgia
inHealth
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- Anthem
- AvMed HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Care HMO
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Options
- Blue Select
- Blue Traditional
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Dimension Health PPO
- Elderplan
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) POS
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- GEHA
- Gold Plus HMO
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana EPO
- Humana POS
- Humana PPO
- IN Total Health
- INTotal Health
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Medicare HMO
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Neighborhood Health Partnership
- Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) HMO
- NetworkBlue
- Open Access Plus
- PHCS Network
- Preferred Care Blue
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare POS
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Jobyna Whiting 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:
- Dural Tear: If a tear occurs in the dura, the strong membrane protecting your brain and spinal cord, specialized surgical techniques can repair it to minimize risks of infection and improve your overall recovery.
- Spina Bifida: Spina bifida is a condition present from birth involving an incompletely formed spinal cord, potentially leading to various physical challenges but with advancements in care enabling many individuals to live fulfilling lives.
- Vertebral Column Tumors: A vertebral column tumor is a growth on the bones of your spine that may require surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, helping to lessen pain and improve your quality of life.
- Meningiomas: A meningioma is a non-cancerous brain tumor that grows slowly and often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms until it becomes larger, at which point surgery or observation may be options to help maintain your quality of life.
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A cervical spinal cord injury involves damage to the nerves in your neck, sometimes requiring surgery or therapy to lessen pain and improve mobility, helping you maintain your independence as much as possible.
- Spinal Stenosis: As we age, the spaces in our spine can narrow, leading to spinal stenosis, a condition that can cause significant back pain and leg weakness; non-surgical and surgical treatments aim to ease this discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Brain Cancer: Brain cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the brain, and while it can be challenging, various treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Stroke: A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, potentially causing lasting damage but with treatments to help recovery and improve daily living.
- Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury is damage to the nerves in your spine, which can lead to a variety of challenges depending on the severity and location; rehabilitation and support services can help maintain independence.
- Spine Deformities: Spine deformities, like scoliosis or kyphosis, can cause back pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement, but surgery or other treatments can often help manage these issues and improve comfort and independence.
- Tethered Cord Syndrome: In tethered cord syndrome, the spinal cord is literally 'tied down', restricting movement and potentially leading to nerve damage; surgery can release the cord, easing discomfort and preserving function.
- Broken Neck: While a broken neck can be frightening, surgery can help to stabilize the spine and reduce pain, allowing for better movement and a higher quality of life after recovery and rehabilitation.
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. Jobyna Whiting offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: To enhance a senior's overall well-being and mobility, spinal cord stimulation can be used to target and reduce pain signals, leading to increased comfort and function.
- Disc Replacement: Disc replacement surgery is a procedure that can alleviate chronic back pain caused by a damaged disc by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one.
- Laminoplasty: For seniors experiencing back pain and leg weakness from spinal stenosis, laminoplasty may be a surgical option to enhance mobility and quality of life.
- Spinal Reconstructive Surgery for Deformities: Spinal reconstructive surgery helps correct spinal deformities that cause pain and limit mobility in older adults, improving their quality of life.
- Brain Tumor Biopsy: This procedure helps diagnose a brain tumor, clarifying its nature and allowing doctors to tailor a care plan that aligns with the senior's overall health and preferences.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: Deep brain stimulation helps tailor a comprehensive care plan for seniors by offering a targeted treatment for movement disorders, reducing reliance on medications with potential side effects.
- Epidural Lysis of Adhesions (LOA): To determine the source of chronic lower back pain in seniors, a doctor may recommend LOA to release scar tissue and improve nerve function, offering a non-surgical intervention first.
- Kyphoplasty: For seniors experiencing debilitating back pain from compressed vertebrae, kyphoplasty offers a surgical solution to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and improve posture.
- Spinal Discectomy: Spinal discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a damaged or herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, improving pain and mobility for seniors.
- Brain Surgery: Brain surgery can help seniors regain lost function and alleviate symptoms caused by a variety of neurological conditions, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Surgical removal of a brain tumor allows doctors to accurately diagnose the type and grade of the tumor, guiding further treatment decisions.
- Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: For seniors with spinal injuries or conditions affecting the spinal cord, dural repair or other such procedures can help prevent further damage and promote healing.
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. Jobyna Whiting 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 specialized surgical repair of a dural tear, a senior couple was able to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing lessons, finding renewed joy and connection in their social activities.
- With expert guidance, a family found relief from the persistent discomfort associated with their loved one's spina bifida, allowing them to enjoy more peaceful evenings at home. The family felt a renewed sense of security and confidence in managing their loved one's condition.
- Following surgery for vertebral column tumors, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security in their home, confidently navigating stairs and resuming their beloved evening walks together.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Jobyna Whiting:
- 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. Neurologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies. While their approaches differ, neurosurgeons and neurologists often work together as a team to provide the best possible care.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. A large part of a neurosurgeon's job is diagnosis and determining if surgery is the best option. Dr. Whiting often recommends conservative treatments first, such as physical therapy or injections, and only considers surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Jobyna Whiting?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Whiting will be a thorough diagnostic process. It will include a review of your symptoms, a detailed neurological exam, and a careful review of any imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, surgical or otherwise.
- What is a spinal cord stimulator?
- A spinal cord stimulator is a device, similar to a pacemaker, implanted to manage chronic back or leg pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. This is an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Whiting's approach to brain tumors in older adults is highly personalized. Treatment options, such as surgical removal, radiation therapy, or observation, depend on the specific tumor and the patient's overall health. The primary goal is always to maximize quality of life.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Whiting and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose the condition and often treat it initially with conservative measures like splints. If symptoms persist, a simple outpatient surgical release can effectively relieve pressure on the nerve.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to manage movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, when medications are no longer sufficient. It works by implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to help control tremors and other motor symptoms, much like a pacemaker for the brain.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Whiting's practice treats common age-related spine conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, which can cause significant back or leg pain. Our goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pain and improving patients' ability to walk and remain active.
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care | Kendall (Suite 407W)
8950 N Kendall Dr Ste 407W
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 345-7208
Dr. Jobyna Whiting, 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): 1790861144
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 informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Neurosurgeries like Dr. Jobyna Whiting are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.