James Donald Slover, MD, MS

A specialist in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports-medicine Dr. Zaslav had been in practice with a large single specialty Orthopedic group for 30 years in Richmond Virginia before joining the Northwell/Lenox Hill faculty practice. He was the founding member of the Sports Medicine Center and Cartilage Repair Center at Advanced Orthopedic Centers (Now Ortho Virginia) in Richmond VA, and a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr Zaslav's focus has been on shoulder and knee surgery and well as injuries to athletes and dancers for his entire practice. He has published extensively both on shoulder injuries and sports medicine topics. Most recently over the past decade his research interest has been in cartilage repair and Joint Preservation and he is now involved in Orthobiologic and Stem cell research. Dr Zaslav performed the first Autologous Cartilage transplant in Virginia in 1996 and has served as President of the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society , a society of clinicians and scientists based in Zurich Sw, devoted to clinical and basic science research to preserve joints and function in patients with cartilage injury and early arthritis. He is also past Chairman of the Biologic Association based in the USA, a group made up of all the Orthopedic sub-specialty societies dedicated to speaking with a single academic voice on Stem cell and Regenerative Med topics in Orthopedics and Rehab. His treatment philosophy includes involving patients in their decision making and using both operative and non-operative treatments including Physical therapy, strength training along with appropriate non-invasive procedures to maintain a healthy lifestyle and maximize athletic function in his patients. Awards & Professional Recognition Top Doctors and Surgeons Award, Castle Connolly, 2015 2025; Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Virginia, Leading Physicians of the World, 2015 2016; Distinguished Alumni Award and Commencement Speaker, State University of New York Binghamton University, 2016; Phi Beta Kappa, Binghamton, 1979; Lifetime Achievement Award for the Support of Dance, Richmond Ballet, 2020

Alexander J. Butler, MD is a spine surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital and Lenox Health Greenwich Village in Manhattan, and serves as Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He has experience treating conditions of the cervical (neck), thoracic, and lumbar spine (back). Dr. Butler was driven to a career in medicine by personal experience in navigating a spinal condition, treatment and recovery. He has trained in the management of a wide range of spinal diagnoses with several preeminent leaders in the field from both orthopaedic and neurosurgical backgrounds. He has a special interest and clinical focus in minimally invasive surgical techniques and procedures. As an active member of several professional societies committed to the advancement of the field of spine care and surgery, Dr. Butler regularly publishes and presents research investigating minimally invasive spine surgery and surgical outcomes. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Butler lives with his wife and daughters in New York City. He enjoys golf, travel, and all aspects of physical and mental fitness.

Och Spine brings together Columbia's experts in orthopedic and neurological spine surgery, rehabilitation, radiology, pain management, neurology, and other key services. Our team works with each patient to develop a personalized care plan so you can get back to your daily life as soon as possible with minimal pain or discomfort. We offer the most advanced diagnostic technologies, innovative surgical and non-surgical therapies, and procedures. Columbia's team at Och Spine treats patients of all ages. Whether you have a common problem or a complex case, our specialists have the expertise to help.