Katherine Holste, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery. She is the neurosurgical director of the congenital and craniofacial programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Holste grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon where she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Physiology and Psychology. She received her medical doctorate from Oregon Health and Science University. After graduation, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where she completed her neurosurgical residency at the University of Michigan. During her residency training she was awarded an Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) grant to research the pathophysiology of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. After residency, Dr. Holste pursued further subspecialty training in pediatric neurosurgery at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard School of Medicine. There she acquired training in flexible and advanced endoscopy, fetoscopic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery for craniosynostosis.
Dr. Holste enjoys caring for all pediatric patients and has a strong interest in caring for children with spina bifida, complex tethered cord syndrome, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus and congenital anomalies. Her research has focused on the pathophysiology of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus as well as craniosynostosis, Chiari malformation and tethered cord syndrome.
When not in the hospital, Dr. Holste enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, Netters.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Hospital Privileges
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- BS, University of Oregon, Human Physiology and Psychology, 2010-2014
- MD, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 2014-2018
- University of Michigan Neurosurgery Residency, 2018-2025
- Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship, 2025-2026
Honors & Awards
- R. Michael Scott Teaching and Mentoring Award, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, 2026
- Von L. Meyer Traveling Fellowship Award, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, 2025
- University of Michigan, Leadership Award, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2025
- University of Michigan, Hoff Teaching Award, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2025
- University of Michigan, Neurosurgery Clinical Research Award, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2025
- University of Michigan, Neurosurgery Academic Excellence Award, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2023
- University of Michigan, Neuroscience Day, Best Neurosurgery Oral Presentation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2023
- University of Michigan, Neurosurgery Research Symposium, Best basic science presentation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2023
- University of Michigan, Community of Medical Educators In Training Fellowship, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2022
- University of Michigan, Neurosurgery Research Symposium, Best basic science presentation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2022
- University of Michigan, Neuroscience Day, Best oral presentation – Neurosurgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2022
- Oregon Health and Science University FLAME Award – Mentorship, Portland, Oregon, 2016
- Oregon Health and Science University Outstanding Medical Student Award – Teaching, Portland, Oregon, 2015