Health First Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Nicholas Scarcella Dedicated to Patients Regaining Quality of Life
By Space Coast Daily // January 19, 2025
Dr. Nicholas Scarcella: passion for solving problems, drive to help people regain their quality of life

Health First Provider Spotlight: Nicholas Scarcella, MD – Orthopedic Spine Surgery: From the advanced tools we use to the satisfaction of helping patients recover, there’s always something engaging about the work.
My journey here has been shaped by personal experiences, a passion for solving problems, and a drive to help people regain their quality of life.
I grew up in Michigan, and my earliest memory of medicine came from watching my father battle leukemia. I was only 13 when he passed, and that experience likely planted the seed for my career in medicine, though I didn’t realize it at the time.
Initially, I thought I’d pursue emergency medicine or general surgery, but I discovered my interest in orthopedics while in medical school.
I then completed my residency at the University of Hawaii. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands—taking things apart and putting them back together. Orthopedics felt natural because it combines that mechanical sense with impactful patient care.
Spine surgery, in particular, drew me in because it requires a bit of detective work. Diagnosing spine-related issues often isn’t straightforward, and I enjoy the challenge of figuring out what’s going on and determining the best course of action.
Some days, it’s frustrating, but ultimately, it’s rewarding. I also enjoy the procedures themselves. From the advanced tools we use to the satisfaction of helping patients recover, there’s always something engaging about the work.
Before moving to Health First, my career took me across the country—from training in Arizona to practicing in New Mexico. My wife and I decided to move here after her father passed away. We wanted a fresh start, and Health First seemed like the right place for both our family and my career.
Here, I focus on working collaboratively with my patients. I believe it’s essential to listen first—to understand their problems and tailor treatments to what they truly need. Not everything has to be fixed, but everything deserves attention and care.
Outside of work, I stay busy with my 3-year-old daughter, Gigi, and my many hobbies. I enjoy photography, learning new skills like playing the piano, and even tackling a bit of cooking. I’ve always been active, playing sports like ice hockey and even completing a few Ironman triathlons in the past.
Spinal surgery may not have been my first calling, but it’s become a career I’m deeply passionate about. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives.