Here are 20 spine surgeons and neurosurgeons who are leaders at large academic medical centers.
Howard S. An, MD (Rush University Medical Center, Chicago). Dr. An serves as the director of the division of spine surgery and the spine fellowship program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He also serves as a professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush and is a physician with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. He is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society, American Orthopaedic Association and International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. An has published more than 140 articles and 15 books on spine surgery and instrumentation. He is currently involved in researching spinal biomechanics and tissue engineering with funding from the National Institutes of Health, industries and foundations. Dr. An earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, where he also completed his residency in orthopedic surgery. His additional training includes a fellowship at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
Charles L. Branch, Jr., MD (Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.). Dr. Branch is the chair of neurosurgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He has a special interest in treating spinal disorders, spine fractures, herniated discs and spinal tumors. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Branch focuses on research and has published articles on topics such as the disagreement on surgical options for degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. Dr. Branch is a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgery and North Carolina Spine Society. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in neurological surgery at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. His additional training includes time at the University of California, San Francisco studying neurological surgery.
Darrel S. Brodke, MD (University of Utah Healthcare, Salt Lake City). Dr. Brodke is the director of the University Spine Center and vice chair at the medical school. He has a professional interest in cervical spine disorders and complex spine reconstruction. In addition to his clinical interests, Dr. Brodke conducts research in spinal biomechanics. Prior to serving with the university, Dr. Brodke practiced with Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. Dr. Brodke has also served on the board of directors for the Resources for Medical Education & Collaboration. He earned his medical degree at the University of California in San Francisco and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Joseph S. Cheng, MD (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.). Dr. Cheng is the director of the neurosurgery spine program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research interests include spinal biomechanics, modeling of spinal motion and minimally invasive spinal techniques. During his career, Dr. Cheng has served as the president of the Tennessee Neurosurgical Society and director of the coding and reimbursement education courses for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. His clinical expertise includes spinal tumors, deformities and complex spinal reconstructions. Dr. Cheng earned his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. His additional training includes a fellowship in complex spinal surgery and a Master's degree in biomedical engineering with an emphasis on spinal biomechanics and modeling.
Wayne K. Cheng, MD (Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, Calif.). Dr. Cheng is the head of spine for the department of orthopedic surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is also principle investigator at Loma Linda for clinical trials relating to the spine. Dr. Cheng has a professional interest in complex reconstructive surgery, motion preservation, artificial disc replacement, dynamic spinal stabilization and minimally invasive surgical technique. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Cheng is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has also been involved in politics, serving on the National Republican Congressional Committee as honorary chairman of the Physicians Advisory Board in 2006. Dr. Cheng earned his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of medicine and completed his residency at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. His additional training includes a combined spine and neurosurgical program of the adult spine surgery fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.
Theodore J. Choma, MD (University of Missouri Health System). Dr. Choma is the chief of the division of spine surgery at University of Missouri Healthcare and the director of the Missouri Spine Center. He also serves as the vice chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During his career, Dr Choma served as the chief of spine surgery at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Ga., and an assistant professor of surgery, uniformed services, at the University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. He has a professional interest in cervical spine stabilization, lumbar disc disease, spine tumors, spine trauma and spinal biomechanics. Dr. Choma is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His research interest includes the pedicle screw performance in osteoporotic bone and the testing of bioactive cement in pedicle screw fixation. Dr. Choma earned his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk and completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His additional training includes a fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis.
Patrick J. Connolly, MD (UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Mass.). Dr. Connolly is the chief of orthopedic spine surgery and director of the spine center at UMass Memorial Medical Center. He previously served as associate professor of orthopedics at State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Connolly is a member of the North American Spine Society. During his career he has given several presentations and published article based on his spinal surgery research. Dr. Connolly earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and completed his residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at Toronto General Hospital in Canada.
William F. Donaldson, MD (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Dr. Donaldson has served as the chief of the division of spine surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He also was recently promoted to professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Donaldson conducts research on several topics, including cervical spine conditions, and has published articles based on his research in professional journals. He earned his medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and completed his residency at Rockefeller University in New York City. His additional training includes a fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
James S. Harrop, MD (Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia). Dr. Harrop is the director of the division of spine and peripheral nerve disorders at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is also a professor of neurological surgery at the University. His areas of expertise include spinal chord injury, trauma, fractures and spinal oncology. Throughout his career, Dr. Harrop has given presentations on his expertise and published articles in multiple peer-reviewed journals based on his research. He is a member of the Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Harrop earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College and completed his residency in neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. His additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.
Bong-Soo Kim, MD (Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia). Dr. Kim is the director of the minimally invasive and complex spine fellowship program at Temple University Hospital. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery, tumors, scoliosis and spinal cord injury. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kim has published articles based on his research in peer-review journals. He earned his medical degree at Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine in South Korea and completed his neurosurgery training at Temple University Hospital. His additional training includes fellowships in neuro-oncology and stereo taxis at Cleveland Clinic and in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery at the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Mitchell E. Levine, MD, (North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, N.Y.). Dr. Levine is the director of the spine center with North Shore-LIJ Health System, including North Shore University Hospital. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery and brain tumor surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Levine is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for Neuro-Oncology and the New York State Neurological Society. His research interests include biological mechanics, tissue engineering and disc nucleus prosthesis. He is the clinical director of the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Laboratory at Feinstein Institute. Dr. Levine earned his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. His additional training includes a fellowship in neurotraumatology at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
Steven C. Ludwig, MD (University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore). Dr. Ludwig is the chief of spine surgery in the department of orthopedics at the University of Maryland Medical center and the co-director of the University of Maryland Spine Center. He has a professional interest in adult reconstructive spine surgery, sports-related injuries, traumatic injuries to the cervical spine and disc herniation and replacement. He also engages in research of spinal disorders and technology. His research has received recognition from the Cervical Spine Research Society and American Orthopaedic Association. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ludwig also serves as a professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the editor for cervical spine in Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. Dr. Ludwig earned his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His additional training includes a combined Thomas Jefferson University-Rothman Institute residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta.
Rex Marco, MD (University of Texas Medical School, Houston). Dr. Marco is an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the department of neurosurgery and chief of spine surgery and musculoskeletal oncology. He has a professional interest in reconstructive surgery for spinal column tumors and spinal trauma. He also performs revision spine surgery, microscopic discectomy and surgery for degenerative spinal disorders. During his career, Dr. Marco has served as a team physician for the U.S. Snowboard Team. He also engages in research endeavors, which have resulted in articles published in journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Dr. Marco earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. His additional training includes a residency at the UC Davis Medical Center and a fellowship in spine surgery at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
Vikas Patel, MD (University of Colorado Hospital, Denver). Dr. Patel serves as the chief of orthopedic spine surgery at the University of Colorado in Denver. His practice currently focuses on spinal non-fusion technologies, including disc replacement, dynamic stabilization, alternative bone graft materials for fusion and minimally invasive procedures. He also has an interest in computer assisted surgery and has experience in treating cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal disorders. During his career, Dr. Patel has published articles based on his research in professional journals such as Spine and the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques. Prior to earning his medical degree, Dr. Patel worked as an engineer. Dr. Patel earned his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis and completed his residency at the University of California in San Francisco. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at The Spine Institute at St. John's Health Center.
Themistocles Protopsaltis, MD (New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City). Dr. Protopsaltis is the director of the Bellevue Orthopaedic Spine Service and an assistant professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. He has a professional interest in pediatric cervical disorders, thoracic and lumbar disc herniation and pediatric and adult scoliosis treatment. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Protopsaltis has conducted research on several spine topics, including cervical laminectomy and fusion cervical foramenotomy. He has published his work in professional journals such as Spine. Dr. Protopsaltis earned his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City, where he also completed his residency in orthopedic surgery. His additional training includes fellowships in hand surgery at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and at New York University in spine surgery.
Barton L. Sachs, MD (Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston). Dr. Sachs is the associate executive medical director at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery, motion preservation during spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery. During his career, Dr. Sachs has also served as a professor of orthopedics at MUSC. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Sachs is a fellow of the International Society for Study of Lumbar Spine and the North American Spine Society. He is also a member of the Spine Arthroplasty Society and American College of Physician Executives. Dr. Sachs earned his medical degree at the State University of New York in Syracuse and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals in Cleveland. His additional training includes a fellowship in spinal disorders at Twin Cities Scoliosis and Spine Center in Minneapolis.
Nick Shamie, MD (UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles). Dr. Shamie is the co-director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center. He also serves as an assistant professor in orthopedic surgery at UCLA School of Medicine. His professional interests include bone protein implants, cervical spine surgery and metabolic bone disease. During his career, Dr. Shamie has shared his expertise in spine surgery with several media outlets, including MyFox Los Angeles. He has also conducted extensive research in spine-related topics, which has been published in Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques. His research has earned him the UCI School of Medicine Excellence in Research recognition. Dr. Shamie earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at St. Mary's Medical Center. His additional training includes fellowships in spine surgery and bone research at UCLA School of Medicine.
David Polly, MD (University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview). Dr. Polly is the medical director of the spine center at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. He has a professional interest in treating patients with spinal tumors, scoliosis and degenerative diseases. During his career, Dr. Polly has earned recognition for his research from the North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society. Walter Reed Army Medical Center recognized Dr. Polly for his teaching skills. He earned his medical degree from University of the Health Sciences and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Polly's additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
William J. Richardson, MD (Duke University Hospital, Durham, N.C.). Dr. Richardson is the associate chief medical officer and director of orthopedic spine surgery at Duke University Hospital. His clinical interests include adult spinal surgery, deformity, trauma, tumors and reconstructive surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, he is involved in several research projects, such as investigating the biomechanical aspects of cervical injury with head impact. He has published several articles in peer-review journals throughout his career. Dr. Richardson earned his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed his residency in orthopedics at Duke University Medical Center. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at Toronto General and Mount Sinai Hospitals in Canada.
Patrick A. Roth, MD (Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, N.J.). Dr. Roth is the vice-chairman of the department of neurosurgery at and director of the spine center Hackensack University Medical Center and a founding member of North Jersey Brain & Spine Center. He was among the first surgeons in the area to use computer assisted surgery, robotic spine surgery and same day treatment of cervical and lumbar disc surgery. He is interested in minimally invasive spine surgical techniques and has written extensively about back care. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Roth is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and North American Spine Society. Dr. Roth earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency at Tuft's University and Harvard Affiliated Hospitals in Boston.
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Howard S. An, MD (Rush University Medical Center, Chicago). Dr. An serves as the director of the division of spine surgery and the spine fellowship program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He also serves as a professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush and is a physician with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. He is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society, American Orthopaedic Association and International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. An has published more than 140 articles and 15 books on spine surgery and instrumentation. He is currently involved in researching spinal biomechanics and tissue engineering with funding from the National Institutes of Health, industries and foundations. Dr. An earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, where he also completed his residency in orthopedic surgery. His additional training includes a fellowship at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
Charles L. Branch, Jr., MD (Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.). Dr. Branch is the chair of neurosurgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He has a special interest in treating spinal disorders, spine fractures, herniated discs and spinal tumors. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Branch focuses on research and has published articles on topics such as the disagreement on surgical options for degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. Dr. Branch is a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgery and North Carolina Spine Society. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in neurological surgery at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. His additional training includes time at the University of California, San Francisco studying neurological surgery.
Darrel S. Brodke, MD (University of Utah Healthcare, Salt Lake City). Dr. Brodke is the director of the University Spine Center and vice chair at the medical school. He has a professional interest in cervical spine disorders and complex spine reconstruction. In addition to his clinical interests, Dr. Brodke conducts research in spinal biomechanics. Prior to serving with the university, Dr. Brodke practiced with Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. Dr. Brodke has also served on the board of directors for the Resources for Medical Education & Collaboration. He earned his medical degree at the University of California in San Francisco and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Joseph S. Cheng, MD (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.). Dr. Cheng is the director of the neurosurgery spine program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research interests include spinal biomechanics, modeling of spinal motion and minimally invasive spinal techniques. During his career, Dr. Cheng has served as the president of the Tennessee Neurosurgical Society and director of the coding and reimbursement education courses for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. His clinical expertise includes spinal tumors, deformities and complex spinal reconstructions. Dr. Cheng earned his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. His additional training includes a fellowship in complex spinal surgery and a Master's degree in biomedical engineering with an emphasis on spinal biomechanics and modeling.
Wayne K. Cheng, MD (Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, Calif.). Dr. Cheng is the head of spine for the department of orthopedic surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is also principle investigator at Loma Linda for clinical trials relating to the spine. Dr. Cheng has a professional interest in complex reconstructive surgery, motion preservation, artificial disc replacement, dynamic spinal stabilization and minimally invasive surgical technique. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Cheng is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has also been involved in politics, serving on the National Republican Congressional Committee as honorary chairman of the Physicians Advisory Board in 2006. Dr. Cheng earned his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of medicine and completed his residency at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. His additional training includes a combined spine and neurosurgical program of the adult spine surgery fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.
Theodore J. Choma, MD (University of Missouri Health System). Dr. Choma is the chief of the division of spine surgery at University of Missouri Healthcare and the director of the Missouri Spine Center. He also serves as the vice chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During his career, Dr Choma served as the chief of spine surgery at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Ga., and an assistant professor of surgery, uniformed services, at the University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. He has a professional interest in cervical spine stabilization, lumbar disc disease, spine tumors, spine trauma and spinal biomechanics. Dr. Choma is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His research interest includes the pedicle screw performance in osteoporotic bone and the testing of bioactive cement in pedicle screw fixation. Dr. Choma earned his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk and completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His additional training includes a fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis.
Patrick J. Connolly, MD (UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Mass.). Dr. Connolly is the chief of orthopedic spine surgery and director of the spine center at UMass Memorial Medical Center. He previously served as associate professor of orthopedics at State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Connolly is a member of the North American Spine Society. During his career he has given several presentations and published article based on his spinal surgery research. Dr. Connolly earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and completed his residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at Toronto General Hospital in Canada.
William F. Donaldson, MD (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Dr. Donaldson has served as the chief of the division of spine surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He also was recently promoted to professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Donaldson conducts research on several topics, including cervical spine conditions, and has published articles based on his research in professional journals. He earned his medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and completed his residency at Rockefeller University in New York City. His additional training includes a fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
James S. Harrop, MD (Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia). Dr. Harrop is the director of the division of spine and peripheral nerve disorders at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is also a professor of neurological surgery at the University. His areas of expertise include spinal chord injury, trauma, fractures and spinal oncology. Throughout his career, Dr. Harrop has given presentations on his expertise and published articles in multiple peer-reviewed journals based on his research. He is a member of the Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Harrop earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College and completed his residency in neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. His additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.
Bong-Soo Kim, MD (Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia). Dr. Kim is the director of the minimally invasive and complex spine fellowship program at Temple University Hospital. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery, tumors, scoliosis and spinal cord injury. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kim has published articles based on his research in peer-review journals. He earned his medical degree at Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine in South Korea and completed his neurosurgery training at Temple University Hospital. His additional training includes fellowships in neuro-oncology and stereo taxis at Cleveland Clinic and in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery at the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Mitchell E. Levine, MD, (North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, N.Y.). Dr. Levine is the director of the spine center with North Shore-LIJ Health System, including North Shore University Hospital. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery and brain tumor surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Levine is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for Neuro-Oncology and the New York State Neurological Society. His research interests include biological mechanics, tissue engineering and disc nucleus prosthesis. He is the clinical director of the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Laboratory at Feinstein Institute. Dr. Levine earned his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. His additional training includes a fellowship in neurotraumatology at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
Steven C. Ludwig, MD (University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore). Dr. Ludwig is the chief of spine surgery in the department of orthopedics at the University of Maryland Medical center and the co-director of the University of Maryland Spine Center. He has a professional interest in adult reconstructive spine surgery, sports-related injuries, traumatic injuries to the cervical spine and disc herniation and replacement. He also engages in research of spinal disorders and technology. His research has received recognition from the Cervical Spine Research Society and American Orthopaedic Association. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ludwig also serves as a professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the editor for cervical spine in Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. Dr. Ludwig earned his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His additional training includes a combined Thomas Jefferson University-Rothman Institute residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta.
Rex Marco, MD (University of Texas Medical School, Houston). Dr. Marco is an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the department of neurosurgery and chief of spine surgery and musculoskeletal oncology. He has a professional interest in reconstructive surgery for spinal column tumors and spinal trauma. He also performs revision spine surgery, microscopic discectomy and surgery for degenerative spinal disorders. During his career, Dr. Marco has served as a team physician for the U.S. Snowboard Team. He also engages in research endeavors, which have resulted in articles published in journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Dr. Marco earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. His additional training includes a residency at the UC Davis Medical Center and a fellowship in spine surgery at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
Vikas Patel, MD (University of Colorado Hospital, Denver). Dr. Patel serves as the chief of orthopedic spine surgery at the University of Colorado in Denver. His practice currently focuses on spinal non-fusion technologies, including disc replacement, dynamic stabilization, alternative bone graft materials for fusion and minimally invasive procedures. He also has an interest in computer assisted surgery and has experience in treating cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal disorders. During his career, Dr. Patel has published articles based on his research in professional journals such as Spine and the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques. Prior to earning his medical degree, Dr. Patel worked as an engineer. Dr. Patel earned his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis and completed his residency at the University of California in San Francisco. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at The Spine Institute at St. John's Health Center.
Themistocles Protopsaltis, MD (New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City). Dr. Protopsaltis is the director of the Bellevue Orthopaedic Spine Service and an assistant professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. He has a professional interest in pediatric cervical disorders, thoracic and lumbar disc herniation and pediatric and adult scoliosis treatment. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Protopsaltis has conducted research on several spine topics, including cervical laminectomy and fusion cervical foramenotomy. He has published his work in professional journals such as Spine. Dr. Protopsaltis earned his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City, where he also completed his residency in orthopedic surgery. His additional training includes fellowships in hand surgery at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and at New York University in spine surgery.
Barton L. Sachs, MD (Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston). Dr. Sachs is the associate executive medical director at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has a professional interest in minimally invasive spine surgery, motion preservation during spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery. During his career, Dr. Sachs has also served as a professor of orthopedics at MUSC. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Sachs is a fellow of the International Society for Study of Lumbar Spine and the North American Spine Society. He is also a member of the Spine Arthroplasty Society and American College of Physician Executives. Dr. Sachs earned his medical degree at the State University of New York in Syracuse and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals in Cleveland. His additional training includes a fellowship in spinal disorders at Twin Cities Scoliosis and Spine Center in Minneapolis.
Nick Shamie, MD (UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles). Dr. Shamie is the co-director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center. He also serves as an assistant professor in orthopedic surgery at UCLA School of Medicine. His professional interests include bone protein implants, cervical spine surgery and metabolic bone disease. During his career, Dr. Shamie has shared his expertise in spine surgery with several media outlets, including MyFox Los Angeles. He has also conducted extensive research in spine-related topics, which has been published in Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques. His research has earned him the UCI School of Medicine Excellence in Research recognition. Dr. Shamie earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at St. Mary's Medical Center. His additional training includes fellowships in spine surgery and bone research at UCLA School of Medicine.
David Polly, MD (University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview). Dr. Polly is the medical director of the spine center at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. He has a professional interest in treating patients with spinal tumors, scoliosis and degenerative diseases. During his career, Dr. Polly has earned recognition for his research from the North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society. Walter Reed Army Medical Center recognized Dr. Polly for his teaching skills. He earned his medical degree from University of the Health Sciences and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Polly's additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
William J. Richardson, MD (Duke University Hospital, Durham, N.C.). Dr. Richardson is the associate chief medical officer and director of orthopedic spine surgery at Duke University Hospital. His clinical interests include adult spinal surgery, deformity, trauma, tumors and reconstructive surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, he is involved in several research projects, such as investigating the biomechanical aspects of cervical injury with head impact. He has published several articles in peer-review journals throughout his career. Dr. Richardson earned his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed his residency in orthopedics at Duke University Medical Center. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at Toronto General and Mount Sinai Hospitals in Canada.
Patrick A. Roth, MD (Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, N.J.). Dr. Roth is the vice-chairman of the department of neurosurgery at and director of the spine center Hackensack University Medical Center and a founding member of North Jersey Brain & Spine Center. He was among the first surgeons in the area to use computer assisted surgery, robotic spine surgery and same day treatment of cervical and lumbar disc surgery. He is interested in minimally invasive spine surgical techniques and has written extensively about back care. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Roth is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and North American Spine Society. Dr. Roth earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency at Tuft's University and Harvard Affiliated Hospitals in Boston.
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