Dr. McGovern specializes in spinal surgery to prevent, diagnose, and treat the diverse ailments of the nerves, spinal cord, bones, and discs of the spine.  Disorders of the neck and back are common and affect patients of all ages.  Since each patient’s story is unique, Dr. McGovern enjoys uncovering how their personal story brings to light the biology of the nervous system and the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system.  Sharing this process with patients is gratifying as patients better understand the cause of their symptoms. 
Most patients are successfully treated without the need for surgery; however, Dr. McGovern chose to specialize in spinal surgery to cure patients’ problems with as minimal surgery as possible.  Minimally invasive, percutaneous, microscopic, and motion preserving surgery may involve shorter recovery time and less discomfort.  Whether patients have experienced trauma, osteoporosis, scoliosis, tumor, or degenerative arthritis, Dr. McGovern’s approach to comprehensive spinal care can help restore patients to an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Dr. McGovern trained in orthopaedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic and incorporates the Mayo Model of Care into his daily practice.  One hundred years ago, Dr. William J. Mayo noted “the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.”  At Peninsula Orthopaedics, we engage a focused specialty approach to collaborate on the best medical care for our patients.    
 
In our community, there is a growing recognition of patients who need expert care for their back or neck problems.  Since care for spinal disorders is a spectrum including conservative care and diagnostics, surgery, and post surgical follow-up, this comprehensive approach and continuity of care is in the best interest of the patient.  Although in the past a patient may travel elsewhere for certain types of specialty medical care, we are now able to provide the same expertise with the additional benefit of remaining close to home.  The continuity of the medical team is improved and this greatly enhances the delivery of spine care in the region. 
 
Dr. McGovern brings the most advanced, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and techniques to the practice from his advanced orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal fellowship training at Mayo and UCLA.  Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation with timely, efficient assessment and treatment.  This expert spinal care requires an unhurried examination of each and every patient with time to listen to the patient.  Dr. McGovern strives to deliver the highest quality spinal care with compassion and trust.  The foundation of this care is respect for the patient, family, and the patient’s primary care physician.  
 
In addition to his spine practice, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, playing guitar, windsurfing, skiing, and golf.