Edgewood Center for Spine & Pain Management

Dr. Timothy Ko – Pain Management Specialist

Dr. Timothy Ko is double board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. His mission at Edgewood Center for Spine & Pain Management is to provide balanced, individualized, and comprehensive pain management treatment plans for all patients.

Dr. Ko completed his undergraduate training at Youngstown State University as part of the combined and accelerated BS/MD program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). He completed his anesthesiology residency and pain management fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland.   With over a decade of experience treating patients with chronic pain, Dr. Ko is passionate about offering the latest treatment options to his patients. “I enjoy talking to people and developing relationships with my patients,” says Dr. Ko. “In pain management, we get an opportunity to see patients through their treatment plan and help them achieve their goals of pain relief.”

Dr. Ko adds, “I am most proud of my patients who achieve their goals of pain relief under my care. This is the greatest satisfaction for anyone who treats chronic pain.”

In his spare time, Dr. Ko enjoys watching sports and supporting his children in their athletic endeavors. “Watching my kids play sports is one of my greatest joys,” he shared.

   Click to View Dr Ko’s Video                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Jeffery L. Watts, DO

“Many spine problems can be treated successfully without surgery. When possible, I believe in utilizing all non-operative treatment options before resorting to surgery. I am happy to be back in Ohio, and I’m looking forward to living in, and serving, this great community

Dr. Watts was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University and his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Watts then completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph Health Center and a fellowship in spine surgery at the Texas Back Institute in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Watts previously practiced in South Bend, Indiana, where he specialized in elective spine surgery and pain management. He has recently joined WOSM, where he specializes in all disorders of the neck and back.

Valerie Dodds, MSN FNP

Valerie joined our our pain management program in the fall of 2024. Valerie brings years of experience providing high quality patient care in a variety of clinical settings. After starting her career as a registered nurse, Valerie went on to complete her nurse practitioner education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Valerie is dedicated to providing patients with high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive pain management care.   

Q&A with Valerie:

Q: Why did you decide to focus on pain management?

A: Many people live in pain daily, and by choosing pain management as a career path I hope to improve patient’s quality of life, so that patients are able to continue with their lives and enjoy the activities that they used to enjoy.

Q: What made you decide to become a healthcare provider?

A: I decided to go into health care initially due to my father. He was diagnosed with MS when I was only 4 years old, so from a very young age I learned what it meant to take care of someone, and the challenges that went along with 24-hour care. He had a wonderful NP from his PCP office who was a true inspiration, she did whatever was needed to make his life (and ours) easier. She was such a caring person and truly cared for her patients. I strive daily to provide the same care to my patients that she offered to my dad and our family.

Q: What is your philosophy of care?

A: To provide care to my patients that prioritizes their needs and preferences while treating them with compassion and respect.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: In my free time, I like to hang out with my family and play with my dogs, Shermie, a Labradoodle and Eljay, a Goldendoodle. They are both very energetic, so we like to go to the park and walk the trails, and in the warmer months we do quite a bit of camping in our camper van.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: My hobbies in the summer are planting flowers and taking care of my flower garden. I also enjoy camping in our camper van on the Clarion river and on Lake Erie.

In the winter, (really Christmas) I enjoy setting up and enjoying my model-sized Christmas village. I have accumulated many pieces through the years, and it has become a treasured tradition in our household.