Ronald D Karnaugh, MD

Ronald D. Karnaugh, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation physician who specializes in interventional pain medicine. With fellowship training in spine intervention and sports medicine, Dr. Karnaugh specializes in a minimally invasive treatment option for synovial cysts and other spine related disorders.

Dr. Karnaugh and other researchers at the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at JFK University Medical Center are studying an interventional procedure, called fluoroscopic percutaneous lumbar cyst rupture–a procedure using an X-Ray guided needle injection to rupture a cyst. As a result, patients often experience immediate symptom relief without surgery. 

As part of the multidisciplinary team at the Brain and Spine Tumor Program at JFK University Medical Center, Dr. Karnaugh works alongside neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical neuro-oncologists, neuropathologists, and neuroradiologists utilizing innovative new treatments to …provide comprehensive patient and family-centered care.

The Spine Care Program at JFK University Medical Center treats all aspects of spinal cord injury and related complications. Here, Dr. Karnaugh joins a team of spine specialists collaborating with neurosurgeons, pain medicine physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and radiologists to determine the most appropriate plan of care for patients and their families. 

A world-class swimmer and member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team, Dr. Karnaugh competed in Barcelona as a favorite to medal in the 200 individual medley. After a devastating family tragedy at the opening ceremonies, Dr. Karnaugh went on to compete, placing sixth in his race. After the Olympics, he went on to fulfill his dream of attending medical school with the extraordinary support of Yankees Owner, George Steinbrenner.