Objective. Defensible. Physician-Led Medical-Legal Evaluations.
The Performance Lab’s Clinical Forensic Medicine Division provides independent, evidence- based medical opinions from Board-Certified Physicians specializing in PM&R, Brain Injury Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Life Care Planning. Our team brings decades of clinical leadership, academic expertise, and catastrophic injury experience—delivering defensible, detailed, and timely reports for law firms and insurance carriers.
Key Differentiators
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Board-Certified PM&R Physician with subspecialty certification in Brain Injury Medicine, bringing 17 years of clinical, academic, and expert experience in mTBI, TBI, Post-Concussive Syndrome, and catastrophic neurological injuries.
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Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician & Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) with 15 years of clinical, operational, advisory, and leadership experience utilizing objective, repeatable methodologies in Life Care Planning.
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Defensible, timely, and cost-effective report generation tailored to the needs of litigated and non-litigated cases.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) / CMEs
Objective, third-party medical evaluations performed by board-certified physicians to assess injury, impairment, causation, or treatment needs. Our experts provide clear, evidence-based testimony to support litigation, arbitration, and depositions.
Medical Record Review
Comprehensive analysis of medical records to evaluate diagnosis, treatment history, causation, and future care needs. Our reviews identify inconsistencies, validate clinical findings, and clarify complex medical issues.
Life Care Plans (LCPs)
Detailed, evidence-based projections of the long-term medical, rehabilitation, and support needs of individuals with catastrophic or non-catastrophic injuries.
Dr. Gabriel Gonzales-Portillo, MD, FAANS, FACS, FCNS
neurosurgeon
Areas of Forensic Expertise:
• Advanced spine surgery (degenerative, complex, and minimally invasive)
• Robotic-assisted brain surgery
• Cerebrovascular and skull base surgery
• Neurotrauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Surgical management of complex neurological conditions
Career Highlights:
• Board-Certified Neurosurgeon (FAANS, FACS, FCNS)
• Fellowship-trained in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery (University of Miami)
• Former Lead Neurotrauma Consultant, National Football League (2013–2023)
• Staff Neurosurgeon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Decades of clinical leadership in the Tampa Bay community (BayCare Medical Group, AdventHealth Medical Group)
Theodora Coffman, P.h.D
neuropsychologist
Areas of Forensic Expertise:
• Neuropsychological evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Cognitive and neurological dysfunction assessment
• Dementia and neurodegenerative conditions
• Intellectual capacity and neurodevelopmental evaluations
• Record review and medical-legal consultation
• Expert witness testimony (Federal and State Courts)
Career Highlights:
• Licensed Psychologist (Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina)
• Extensive experience in forensic neuropsychology
• Expert witness and consulting expert across Federal and State Courts in Florida
• Integral member of The Performance Lab Brain Health Division
Dr. Marissa McCarthy, MD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BRAIN HEALTH
Areas of Forensic Expertise:
• IMEs/CMEs for TBI, catastrophic injury, and neurological conditions
• Expert witness testimony
• Record review and medical causation analysis
Career Highlights:
• USF Residency Program Director
• Associate Professor of Neurology
• National and international lecturer (AAPM&R, ACRM, VA/DoD, SOCOM)
• Extensive publications in TBI, sleep disorders, spasticity & neurorehabilitation
• PI/Co-PI on major national TBI studies
• Medical Director for multiple VA programs (TBI Polytrauma, Vocational Rehabilitation)
Dr. Michael Lorenz, MD, MBA, CLCP
EXECUTIVE MEDICAL DIRECTOR,
CERTIFIED LIFE CARE PLANNER
Areas of Forensic Expertise:
• Life Care Plans (catastrophic & non-catastrophic)
• Comprehensive medical record review
• Expert witness testimony for Life Care Plans
• IME/CME services for internal medicine and complex medical management claims
Career Highlights:
• Certified Life Care Planner with extensive trauma & hospital medicine background
• Former Medical Director & Physician Advisor (AdventHealth; R1 PAS)
• Leadership roles in finance committees, ACO advisory groups, and clinical performance boards
• Expertise in long-term care forecasting, cost modeling, and objective medical reporting
Meet Our Experts
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