Irving , TX, Nov. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (http://www.myprgenie.com) -- In October Dr. Douglas Won, founder and director of Minimally Invasive SpineCARE(R) and Star Medical Center, was recognized for health care excellence by two award programs. The Dallas Business Journal named him to its 2013 list of "Who's Who In Health Care" and The Irving Award Program presented him with a 2013 Irving Award in the Doctors classification.
Every year the Dallas Business Journal accepts nominations for health care leaders who are "impacting the industry in North Texas through innovative work." He was nominated by Lisa Young, CFO of Minimally Invasive SpineCARE and Star Medical Center.
"Dr. Won makes such a difference in our industry and our community. He truly has a heart for serving others and making the world a better place; and inspires those around him to do the same. I can't think of anyone better suited for this honor," said Young.
The Irving Award Program recognized Dr. Won with a similar distinction, declaring him one of Irving's best doctors for his dedication to his patients and his practice, as well as his leadership skills. Despite difficult economic times, Minimally Invasive SpineCARE has grown to include 12 locations under Dr. Won's leadership; and the practice continues to add new services, divisions and affiliations, like Star Medical Center, a new surgical hospital in Plano.
Dr. Won has more than 15 years of experience in medicine and more than a decade specializing in helping people manage back pain. He was drawn to the field at an early age, after watching his father suffer through chronic back pain and multiple, ineffective surgeries.
"My father had four back surgeries and lived all his life with severe back pain. I witnessed the sub-optimal care he was receiving when I was in middle school, and it sparked my interest to enter the field of health care as well as spine care," noted Dr. Won. "I am so thankful to be able to make a difference -- to relieve pain and help people get back to their lives. I can't imagine doing anything else."
Approximately 95% of Dr. Won's patients are treated non-surgically, but when surgery is necessary, Dr. Won employs the most non-invasive methods possible. He helped develop endoscopic laser spine surgery and was the first surgeon in Texas to perform it with a 3mm incision, the size of a small grain of rice.
One of the most highly trained spine specialists world-wide, Dr. Won completed fellowship training in spine surgery at William Beaumont Hospital's Spine Center, and fellowship training in cervical spine surgery, microscopic spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency through Washington University SOM/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, received his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and holds undergraduate degrees from Northwestern University and Harvard University.