PHOENIX SPINE SURGEONS

Rafath Baig, MD
Dr. Rafath Baig was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was brought up in a family held together by Old World values. Hard work, integrity and compassion have guided his journey as a healer and spine surgeon. His bedside manner is characterized by a humble candor and humor, but in the operating room, he is well known by the surgical team for his laser focus and exacting nature. Many of his patients come to him crippled by chronic pain, forced into dependency on narcotic pain medications. His most fulfilling moments are derived from using his surgical skills to break the shackles of chronic pain and free his patients from chemical dependency.Dr. Baig has subspecialty training and rigorous experience in complex spine injury and disease. His intense dedication to his patients coupled with his expertise allow him to take on surgical challenges that many other spine surgeons decline and to achieve outcomes that transform the lives of his patients.

Education:
Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago, B.S. Biological SciencesMedical School: Southern Illinois University School of MedicineResidency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center Brooklyn, NYSt. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan, NYFellowship: St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix AZ with emphasis on complex spinal surgery

Specializes in:

Spinal Arthritis/spondylosis
Sciatica
Spondylolisthesis
Disc Herniations -Cervical, thoracic and lumbar
Spinal stenosis – Cervical, thoracic, lumbar
Radiculopathy- Cervical, thoracic, lumbar
Myelopathy- Cervical, thoracic, lumbar
Scoliosis – Adolescent or degenerative
Degenerative disc disease – Cervical, thoracic, lumbar
Spinal fractures
Disc replacement surgery
Minimally invasive surgery
Fusion surgery
Endoscopic surgery
Other non-surgical treatment options

Stephanie Moosman, PA-C:
Stephanie Moosman is a board-certified Physician Assistant practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and then Northern Arizona University in 2018 with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Stephanie is dedicated to helping her patients achieve improved quality of life through personalized treatment plans. She specializes in spine health, evaluating and treating a wide range of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, sciatic pain, herniated discs and scoliosis. She believes healthcare requires a team approach, with the patient being the most valuable player.

Michele Kassmeier, PA-C:
Michele Kassmeier is a Physician Assistant working alongside Dr. Baig assisting with spinal surgery, and sees patients in clinic. She evaluates patients with back and neck, provides valuable patient education, and helps develop an appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, she has experience as a PA in general orthopedics and orthopedic trauma. She graduated with her Master of Medical Science from Saint Louis University in 2017. Prior to becoming a PA, she received her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2012, and Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska in 2009. Ms. Kassmeier is a current member of the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, where she is on the CME committee, and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.