Our Physicians
NEUROSURGERY
Sumit Das, MD
Dr. Sumit Das received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan in biomedical sciences and continued at Michigan for his degree in medicine. He received various awards at Michigan, including the prestigious Edgar A. Kahn Award in Neurosurgery. After completing his residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Kalmon D. Post, Dr. Das served as an integral part of practices in Washington and Rhode Island. After only a few years in Rhode Island, Dr. Das founded the Brain & Spine Neurosurgical Institute, which has become one of the few multidisciplinary practices in the area.
In the field of neurosurgery Dr. Das' interests include minimally invasive spine surgery with the utilization of sophisticated radiographic and microscopic techniques. He strives to keep up with the ever-emerging challenges in neurosurgery, including fusion techniques and artificial disc replacement procedures.
Dr. Das is also an active member of the neurosurgical community through his participation in the American Association of Neurosurgery.
When Dr. Das is not in the office or the operating room, you can find him on the tennis court playing with or teaching tennis to his two young children, Nikhil and Aunjoli.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Christopher Ottiano, MD
Dr. Christopher Ottiano is a native Rhode Islander. He attended St. George's School in Newport before going on to receive his degree in chemistry from Wesleyan University. From there, Dr. Ottiano earned his degree in medicine from Tufts Medical School. He is a board certified general surgeon who has completed specialized training in spine intervention.
Since joining Brain & Spine Neurosurgical Institute in 2004, Dr. Ottiano has performed over 20 thousand epidural steroid injection procedures. He is also an active member of the International Spine Intervention Society.
Outside of the practice, Dr. Ottiano remains dedicated to serving his community as a member of the Rhode Island State Senate, the Board of Trustees for Newport Hospital, and the Board of Directors for People's Credit Union.
DIAGNOSTIC PHYSICIANS
Ronald Hillegass, MD
Dr. Ronald Hillegass is an orthopedic surgeon by training. He is a graduate of Princeton University and received his degree in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He then went on to complete his residency at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Hillegass moved to Rhode Island in 1973. During his time in Rhode Island, Dr. Hillegass has served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Roger Williams Medical Center and has held professorships at distinguished institutions such as University of Pittsburgh, Brown University, and Boston University School of Medicine. He has also served as president of the Rhode Island Orthopedic Society and the Eastern Orthopedic Society.
Dr. Hillegass remains dedicated to the orthopedic community by serving on the Board of Councilors of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery as well as their Occupational Medical Committee. He is a founding member of the North American Spine Society as well as an Emeritus member of the same.
Dr. Hillegass has previously served as the orthopedic consultant to the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Rhode Island Reds hockey team, and the Wheaton College athletic teams.
Because of Dr. Hillegass' years of experience he serves as a valuable component to the Brain & Spine Neurosurgical Institute team. His position as a surgical consultant contributes greatly to the non-surgical care of patients.
Thomas Rocco, MD
Dr. Thomas Rocco has lived in Rhode Island since 1993 when he began his general surgery training at Brown University. Prior to moving, he grew up and went to high school in Long Island, NY. His undergraduate studies were at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland where he received his degree in biology. He obtained his medical degree while attending University Health Sciences/Chicago Medical
Dr. Rocco has completed a board certification in general surgery. He has additional training in a Surgical Critical Care fellowship and is Wound Care Certified. Dr. Rocco has trained in spinal injections and is an active member of the North American Spine Society.
Dr. Rocco is heavily involved in youth sports in his local town. He is active as a coach/volunteer for several team sports and is on the Board of Directors for Portsmouth Youth Football. He has recently traveled abroad to Kenya as the medical liaison to the Africa Teacher Foundation, which is locally supported by the University of Rhode Island.
Katherine Williams, MD
Dr. Katherine Williams went to high school in Radnor, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and her degree of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Williams completed her residency training at Brown University. She has enjoyed living in Rhode Island since 1997.
Dr. Williams joined BSNI in 2010. She takes time to educate patients about their condition and treatment options. Dr. Williams is board certified with additional training in interventional pain management. She is an active member of the North American Spine Society.
When not in the office, Dr. Williams enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She coaches her daughter’s soccer team and enjoys gardening. Dr. Williams is fluent in Spanish.
James Studders, MD
Bio coming soon.
