At StemX we value our patients from first contact to post procedure we are there to help every step of the way. We always put the patient first and treat our patients as they are our family and friends. Welcome to StemX!
Our Team
Our providers are specially trained in regenerative medicine treatments providing natural, non-surgical therapy to repair and rebuild joints and cartilage in knees, shoulders, ankles, hips, backs, necks and more in one treatment with minimal to no downtime. We treat Osteoarthritis, arthritis, chronic joint pain, knee arthritis, back pain, shoulder pain, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
Dr. Elizabeth Romero, MD, MJ-Health Law, MBA
Chief Medical OfficerDr. Elizabeth Romero attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and is a Diplómate of the American Board of Family Medicine. In addition, she earned a Masters of Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University in Chicago and is finishing her Master of Business Administration at University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business.
Dr. Mauricio Martinez, MD
Supervising PhysicianDr. Martinez is board certified in family medicine with 20 years of experience practicing medicine. He specializes in sports medicine and addiction medicine.
Patrick Astourian, PA-C
Physician AssistantPatrick Astourian is a provider's assistant with over 29 years of experience in urgent care, rheumatology, and orthopedics. Before graduating with his masters degree from Samuel Merritt University, he was a USAF medic for 8 years. Patrick has given hands-on musculoskeletal training to multiple doctors in pain management, PM&R, rheumatology, sports medicine, and orthopaedics. As a speaker and author, Patrick has teamed up with the Boston ACR convention to share his knowledge via online training programs and has published books on musculoskeletal ultrasound guided injections.
Dr. Lamby Ginakes, DC
Director of Natural Pain ManagementDr. Ginakes attended the University of Manitoba for his undergraduate work in pre-med. He received his chiropractic degree in 1993 from Northwestern Health Sciences University, at which time he moved to San Diego and became the owner/center director for Integrated Medical Centers from 1995 to 2017. He joined Spark Health after a company that he founded with Dr. Steve Mertz was acquired in 2020. To this day, Dr. Ginakes continues to oversee natural pain management services.
Victoria Prior
Exercise and Movement SpecialistVictoria earned her Masters in Kinesiology from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is passionate about integrative primary care and the study of movement of the body, with special interests in exercise science, and rehab therapy. She enjoys working with patients of all ages to create exercise programs that are personalized and catered to each individual, according to their injuries or goals. This includes analysis, evaluations, recommendations, and plans for each patient.
Originally from San Diego, she grew up surrounded by the sports medicine world, and has always had a strong interest in giving physicial aide to those who need it. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University, graduating with a degree in Kinesiology as well, with a concentration in Exercise science.
In her free time, she enjoys the gym, going to the beach, playing piano and always listening to music.
AnnMarie Novak
Care CoordinatorAnnMarie is a native Minnesotan. During her free time she loves to spend time with her 3 children and friends and stays active by running and going to the gym. She is passionate about her job and takes the time to make our patients feel welcome, cared for, and part of the Spark Health family.
Mackenzie (Kenzie) Shelton
Care CoordinatorKenzie is currently at Cal State Long Beach where she is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2023. She has plans to go to the Bastyr University of San Diego with hopes of pursuing a career as a Naturopathic Doctor. She values human connection and supporting patients on their journey to an overall healthier and happier life. Through her own health journey, she has found holistic and integrative health approaches to be extremely helpful and supportive giving her a deep appreciation for integrative medicine. You can find her studying, at the gym weightlifting, at the beach, doing yoga, or reading a book when she is not at the clinic.