Program Faculty
Rigoberto Nuñez, MD
Program Director
Core Faculty
- Benjamin Cooper, DO
- Natacha S. Falcon, DO
- Nomen Azeem, MD
- Medical Director, West Florida Surgical Suites Executive
- Executive Board Member, American Society of Pain & Neuroscience
- Board of Directors, Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Foundation
Dr. Benjamin Cooper is a board-eligible physiatrist with clinical interests in wound care, amputee rehabilitation, and neuro-rehabilitation. He serves as Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services at HCA Florida Blake Hospital.
Dr. Cooper began his career as a firefighter and paramedic, which laid the foundation for his hands-on, patient-centered approach. He earned his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton Campus, completed his transitional year at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, and went on to complete his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mercy Medical Center in New York.
In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Cooper holds an MBA and MS in Healthcare Leadership from Cornell University and is committed to advancing innovative, collaborative models of care.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Falcon earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her internship at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 2007, and served as Chief Resident during her senior year. She completed her fellowship in Interventional Spine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Falcon is active in numerous professional organizations.
Dr. Nomen Azeem is a double board-certified interventional pain and sports medicine physician with a reputation for clinical innovation and compassionate care. He serves as the Founder and CEO of Florida Spine & Pain Specialists and the Program Director of its Interventional Spine Fellowship.
Dr. Azeem completed his undergraduate studies at James Madison University and earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his internship at Medstar Harbor Hospital Center and his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, where he served as chief resident.
Following a faculty position at Medstar Georgetown, Dr. Azeem completed an ACGME-accredited interventional pain fellowship at Temple University Hospital under the guidance of internationally renowned physician Dr. Frank J.E. Falco.
After relocating to Florida, Dr. Azeem developed the region’s first successful non-opioid interventional pain clinic and remains a strong advocate for personalized, non-surgical treatment strategies. He is known for involving both patients and their families in care decisions and for tailoring treatment plans that focus on long-term relief and function.
Dr. Azeem continues to conduct research and author peer-reviewed publications in addition to treating patients. He is also serves as Founder, Global Spine Initiative and Chair of Foundation of Innovative Spine Procedures, World Academy of Pain Medicine United.
Professional Leadership & Affiliations
Dr. Azeem holds numerous leadership roles across national and global pain medicine organizations.
These include: