THOMAS ROCCO, MD, FACS

Dr. Thomas Rocco is a fellowship-trained surgeon with extensive experience providing care for patients with chronic spinal pain. He is fully trained in spinal injections and is an active member of the North American Spine Society. Dr. Rocco completed his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, earned his medical degree at University Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, and completed his Surgical Critical Care fellowship at Brown University.

In addition to his work in spine care, Dr. Rocco also works closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health to properly educate appropriate patients with emphasis on safe and proper medical marijuana use for their chronic illnesses. And as the Hospice Medical Director for the non-profit Home and Hospice Visiting Nurse Services in Rhode Island, he’s helped increase proper use of medical marijuana by hospice patients for end-of-life comfort.

Outside of his work at Ortho Rhode Island, Dr. Rocco is active in the community and in local athletics. He is the coach and trainer of Rhode Island youth team sport programs, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Portsmouth Youth Football, and a medical liaison for the Africa Teacher Foundation, an organization supported by the University of Rhode Island, whose goal is the improvement of youth education in Kenya.

Education:

• Undergraduate – Johns Hopkins University, BA, Biology, 1989
• Medical – UHS/Chicago Medical School, Medical Doctorate, 1993
• Residency – Brown University, Department of Surgery, 1994-1998
• Fellowship – Brown University, Department of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, 1998-1999

Professional Associations:

• American College of Surgeons
• North American Spine Society