Physician Spotlight- Mauricio Orbegozo, M.D.

Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo is a highly experienced anesthesiologist and pain management specialist practicing at PPOA’s Fletcher clinic in Tampa.

A United States Air Force war veteran, he is also a published author, educator and public speaker.

Born in Fort Thomas, Ky., Dr. Orbegozo grew up in Colombia, where he also graduated medical school from Universidad del Rosario in Bogota. Inspired by his father’s career in medicine, he went on to complete post-graduate training in general surgery, anesthesiology and pain management. He’s been an instructor in anesthesiology and pain management at two Texas universities, and has maintained licensure as a physician and surgeon in four states.

That brought him to PPOA’s Fletcher location, where he is highly rated for both skill and compassion. “We are offering more therapeutic and less diagnostic results,” he says. “I also enjoy patient interaction and getting to know my patients, as well as teaching.”

Dr. Orbegozo is particularly interested in developing endoscopic — or small-incision — surgical procedures for PPOA. “This is the future of spine surgery,” he says. “With this, we can incorporate laser and other ablative devices that provide longer-term relief.”

He has been instrumental in PPOA’s intrathecal and spinal cord stimulation treatment programs and has written a book,  Practical Pain Management.

While he can point to many career highlights, Dr. Orbegozo is particularly proud of achieving successful results from new treatments and procedures. “I also very much enjoy being involved in the Florida initiative in containing the opioid crisis and participating in conferences of this nature,” he says.

During his free time, Dr. Orbegozo enjoys remaining active by playing tennis, running, swimming, cooking, and participating in triathlons.