Daryl Pinion Fields II, MD, PhD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery in July of 2018. He completed his undergraduate degree at Saint John’s University (Collegeville, Minn.), and his medical degree as well as research doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Prior to medical school Dr. Fields held several leadership positions as a firefighter captain and medic. In addition, he spent several years as a neural rehab personal trainer managing clients with debilitating neuromuscular disorders; including stroke, brain trauma, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. These experiences have inspired both his research and clinical interest in spinal neurorestorative therapies.
Dr. Fields has been recognized with several nationally competitive awards and fellowships from the National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation in addition to funding from private organizations such as the National Football League, Pittsburgh Steelers, Merck Pharmaceuticals and Live Like Lou Foundation.
Dr. Fields is currently a senior neurological surgery resident with a dual appointment as a research fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a technical/medical consultant to several startup companies and investment funds. As the principal investigator of the Fields Research Group he leads several funded studies:
- spinal cord stimulation for motor restoration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
- development of novel biomarkers for spinal cord injuries, and
- development of clinical prognostic tools related to tumor, trauma and degenerative disorders.
Dr. Fields also maintains a collaborative relationship with other researchers within and beyond the University of Pittsburgh neurological surgery community.
In his free time, Dr. Fields enjoys working out, running in the rain, and catching up with friends.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- BA, Biochemistry, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minn.), 2010
- MD, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2017
- PhD, Molecular Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2018
Honors & Awards
- NIH Pathway to Independence K99/R00 Research Award, 2024
- Keynote Speaker, Point Park University Commencement, 2024
- Board of Trustees, Point Park University, 2024
- Travel Award, Wings for Life Foundation, 2023
- Best Clinical Science Poster Award, Richard Simmons Research Day, University of Pittsburgh, 2023
- Research Award, Live Like Lou Foundation, 2022
- UPMC Leadership Academy, Inaugural Class, 2022
- Visiting Scholar, University of Florida, 2022
- Copeland Research Awards, 2019, 2021, 2022
- Charlie Kuntz Spine Scholar Award, 2021
- Chuck Noll Foundation Research Award, 2021
- Physician Champion for Nurses, UPMC Presbyterian, 2020
- Physician Champion for Nurses, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 2020
- Walter Copeland Spine Research Award, 2019
- Runner-up Presentation Award, Stuart Rowe Society Lectureship Day, 2018
- NIH MD/PhD F30 Fellowship, 2015-18
- Top Ambulatory Medicine Project, University of Wisconsin, 2017
- UNCF/Merck Graduate Fellowship, 2015-17
- Bennett Hiner Top Neuroscience Medical Student Award, 2016
- Top Neuroscience Presentation Award, University of Wisconsin, 2016
- Top Biomedical Science Presentation Award, University of Wisconsin, 2016
- Caroline Tum Suden Abstract Award, 2016
- Society for Neuroscience Abstract Award, 2015
- Daryl and Sharon Buss Abstract Award, University of Wisconsin, 2015
- Neuromuscular Graduate Fellowship, University of Florida, 2015
- Science/Medicine Graduate Fellowship, University of Wisconsin, 2014
Media Appearances
‘You’d have to change the game’: Despite increased attention, brain injuries persist in youth football
Columbia Missourian
January 31, 2025
New Point Park University trustee began a firefighter and became a neurosurgeon
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 29, 2024