Our Physicians and Providers

At the heart of NeuroSpine is Dr. Catherine Gallo, a neurosurgeon whose vision was to create a seamless, patient-centered experience where advanced spine and neck surgery happens under one roof.

At NeuroSpine, Dr. Gallo believes that no one should have to live in pain – and that healing should never come at the cost of creating new problems. Her mission is to help patients get their life back through minimally invasive solutions that restore freedom, comfort, and confidence.

Dr. Ghavam is a Board-Certified, and fellowship-trained spine surgeon. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the North American Spine Society. Dr. Ghavam graduated from Stanford University, where he earned a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in a 5-year program. He then completed medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine, graduating with Research Distinction and with Alpha Omega Alpha honors.

Dr. Ghavam completed his residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and then a fellowship in Spine Surgery at the OrthoCarolina Charlotte Spine Center. He practiced for 20 years in Huntsville, AL, during which time he co-founded a spinal implant manufacturing company which produces American made spine implants sold throughout the US and abroad. Dr. Ghavam also served as a flight surgeon in the Alabama Air National Guard and the Oregon Air National Guard. In 2014, he deployed to Bagram AB in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2017, Dr. Ghavam completed a Master’s degree at MIT, and in 2024, earned a certificate in AI at the University of Oxford, UK. He recently co-authored a peer-reviewed study demonstrating his several years of experience on the safety of performing spine surgery on patients taking clopidogrel (a commonly prescribed blood thinner). He has helped develop spine programs in rural hospitals in Silverton, Oregon, and Enumclaw, Washington, and in the underserved urban community of Burien, Washington. Most recently, his spine practice has been in and around Nashville, TN. He is excited to return to Oregon, join The NeuroSpine Group, and serve Eugene and the surrounding communities.

Kristan Thurber, DMSc, PA-C earned her Bachelor of Medical Science and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Idaho State University, followed by a Doctor of Medical Science degree from The College of Idaho. Her clinical background spans both primary care and specialized wound care, providing a broad and practical foundation for delivering thoughtful, comprehensive patient care.

Beyond her clinical work, Kristan has a strong appreciation for the arts and enjoys theater both as an audience member and a performer. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time along the Oregon Coast.

Kristan brings together clinical expertise, creativity, and a genuine connection with patients, making her a valued and trusted member of our team.

Peter Nauss, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant licensed in the state of Oregon. Originally from a small town in Southwest Virginia and one of seven siblings, Peter brings both compassion and a strong work ethic to his practice. He completed his Physician Assistant studies at Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Drawn to new challenges and growth, Peter relocated to Oregon in October 2023. Before joining NeuroSpine Group, he gained valuable clinical experience serving patients in the Emergency Department at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.

Outside of work, Peter thrives in the outdoors and spends his free time backpacking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking. His adventurous spirit and commitment to patient care make him a well-rounded and dedicated member of our team.

Our NeuroSpine specialists offer consultations, second opinions, treatment plans, and procedures for a wide variety of pain-related symptoms and conditions. Our pain management and surgical team is highly trained and experienced at diagnosing spine-related issues and offering effective treatments to help you get back to doing the things you love.