Andrew D. Legarreta, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery residency program in July 2019, after earning his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history.
During his time in medical school, Dr. Legarreta focused on the effects of sports-related concussions among high school athletes. His research specifically explored predictors of post-concussion syndrome and, separately, analyzed structural and functional neuroimaging findings in football players. His peer-reviewed studies have been presented in both oral and poster formats at regional and national neurosurgical conferences.
In his residency, Dr. Legarreta has concentrated on minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly in the context of deformity correction. His current research involves the application of machine learning techniques to various aspects of spine surgery.
In his leisure time, Dr. Legarreta enjoys playing guitar, traveling internationally and playing golf. He is originally from Buffalo, New York.
Dr. Legarreta’s publications can be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- BA, History, Duke University, 2014
- MD, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2019
Honors & Awards
- Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2015-19
Research Activities
Dr. Legarreta’s research focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance neurosurgical techniques and improve patient outcomes. His significant contributions include the application of machine learning to streamline and refine spine surgery processes, particularly by optimizing surgical planning. Additionally, he has been involved in the use of MRI radiomic signatures to better correlate preoperative imaging findings with symptom severity in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. His work also extends to evaluating the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery in treating brain metastases from colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on improving local control and survival rates. Furthermore, Dr. Legarreta explores the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing patient communication, specifically through the deployment of AI-driven chatbots to field patient inquiries about neurosurgical procedures. This diverse array of research not only advances the field of neurosurgery but also promises to significantly impact patient care delivery.