i-Spine - Orthopedic Surgeon Mishawaka
i-Spine Institute comprehensive medical facility dedicated exclusively to the prevention and treatment of spinal disorders in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.
The i-Spine Institute represents a significant step forward in health care. Our focus permits complete evaluation of all details surrounding spinal pathologies from conservative to surgical solutions, as well as a long-term emphasis on prevention.
Our name begins with ”i” so that we remember the three guiding principles that direct our practice:
i – individual: Our treatment plans are specifically tailored to each patient. Every person has individual needs, which when addressed create the most outstanding treatment outcomes.
i – integrated: We combine multiple local disciplines in our treatment plans with the understanding that the majority of patients respond to conservative, non-operative care.
i – innovative: We will always be at the forefront of new technology by participating in clinical trials, and providing training to all those dedicated in the implementation of new technologies including minimally invasive spinal surgery, cervical and lumbar disc replacement, and dynamic stabilization.
Our spine surgery center in Mishawaka is dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients. We are currently accepting new patients. Dr. Gottlieb does not require referrals to schedule an appointment.
i-Spine Services & Treatments
Patient focused pain management
Back pain symptoms that you may be experiencing provide important information that helps back pain specialists to accurately diagnose and treat severe back pain.
Common Back Pain Symptoms
- sharp, shooting, or radiating pain in the spinal cord, lower back, or down the leg
- numbness and tingling in the lower back or any extremities
- tightness or aching sensations in the muscles
In some cases, people experiencing back pain may also lose control of their fine motor skills and coordination.
Neck and back pain can hinder many of your daily activities, but by diagnosing your pain, we can determine what treatments you may need to get back to feeling better.
Whether you suffer from acute back or neck pain or your pain is more severe and chronic, describing your back pain symptoms to a doctor can help to diagnose, treat and alleviate severe back pain.
Meet Our Providers
iSpine Providers
i-Spine Institute is made possible by an amazing group of professionals. From our nurses to our office support, each and every i-Spine employee is patient focused.
Dr. Jamie Gottlieb
Dr. Gottlieb has been serving the Michiana area since late summer/early fall of 2004. He did his undergraduate and doctorate studies at Cornell University in New York. Following medical school, Dr. Gottlieb attended residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he was distinguished as the Orthopaedic Chief. Dr. Gottlieb attended his spine fellowship at The Texas Back Institute in Plano, Texas. While at T.B.I., he participated in cutting edge research and learned the most advanced surgical techniques available today to treat spinal disorders. Dr. Gottlieb is Board Certified, and founded the i-Spine Institute in order to better serve the community by having the first practice devoted exclusively to the care and treatment of spinal disorders.
Jacque (Jack) Boutwell, C.S.T, C.F.A
Jacque is Dr. Gottlieb’s first assistant. Upon your visit to our office, you will most likely speak with Jacque prior to speaking with one of our doctors. He will help you to organize your thoughts as to what you want to relay to our doctors regarding your condition. We do this so that your time with our doctors is spent effectively. Jacque also assists Dr. Gottlieb in his surgical procedures and will be helpful in answering questions during your pre-operative and post-operative course.
Dr. Jeffrey L. Watts
Dr. Watts was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University, and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Jeffrey L. Watts Orthopedic Surgeon
He then completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at St. Joseph Health Center, and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at the Texas Back Institute. He has recently joined the iSpine institute where he will specialize in all disorders of the neck and back.
“Many spine problems can be treated successfully without surgery. When possible, I believe in utilizing all nonoperative treatment options before resorting to surgery. I am happy to be here in Indiana, and I’m looking forward to living in, and serving, this great community.”
Call 574-214-7504 to schedule an appointment and help us welcome Dr. Watts to ISpine!
Dr. Madhu Rao DO, FAOAO
Dr. Madhu Rao is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and Fellow of the AOAO at iSpine Institute Ortho and Sports Care in Mishawaka.
Dr. Rao received his Bachelor of Science from St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Dr. Rao earned his Doctor of Osteopathic
Dr. Madhu Rao DO, FAOAO
Medicine from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan. He then completed his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at POH Medical Center in Pontiac, Michigan. At that time, Dr. Rao received extensive training in several orthopedic specialties,
including adult reconstructive surgery, as well as hand and microsurgery at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan.; pediatric orthopedics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; and orthopedic trauma surgery at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.
Call 574-252-BONE (2663) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rao.
Michele M. Smith, NP
Michele M. Smith is a board certified family Nurse Practitioner with fifteen years of orthopedic experience. She evaluates the whole patient using a strong knowledge base and demonstrates genuine compassion for patients of all ages. Michele received her Bachelor of Science in Bible and Nursing from Johnson Bible College and East Tennessee Baptist Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. She then worked as a registered nurse for several years in oncology, intensive care, and the emergency room. Continuing her education, Michele attended Indiana University in Indianapolis where she received her Master of Science in Nursing. Upon graduation she initially taught senior nursing students and then focused on patient and staff education through her orthopedic practice setting. She enjoys the opportunity of improving the quality of life for her patients through complete orthopedic care including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, non- operative arthritis care, pre-operative and post-op care, as well as assisting in surgery and hospital rounds. The opportunity to provide general orthopedics for all ages of patients as well as educating those involved with a variety of orthopedic diagnosis makes her job rewarding. Michele works with Dr. Madhu Rao at iSpine Ortho and Sports Care in Mishawaka.
Call 574-252-BONE (2663) to schedule an appointment with Michele.
Patient Education
Learn about your upcoming procedure and get answers to frequently asked questions.