Gina Watanabe, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery residency program in July 2024 after earning her medical degree from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She attended the University of Hawaii on a prestigious Regents scholarship and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Cell Biology in 2020.
Dr. Watanabe’s clinical and academic interests span many areas of neurosurgery including neuro-oncology, neurotrauma, minimally invasive and complex spine, cerebrovascular, patient outcomes, technology in neurosurgery, and neurosurgery education.
Dr. Watanabe was born and raised on the island of Oahu. Outside of neurosurgery, she enjoys playing the guitar, tennis, and spending time with family and friends.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- BS, Molecular Cell Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2020
- MD, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2024
Honors & Awards
- Dr. Frank and Mary McDowell Award for Excellence in Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2024
- Dr. Albert C.K. Chun-Hoon Service Award, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2024
- Po’okela Noi’i Research Award, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2024
- Alpha Omega Alpha, Hawaii Chapter, 2024
- Matsumoto Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Windsor Cutting, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2020
- Honors Thesis Prize, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2020
- Associated Students of the University of Hawaii Research Award, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2019
- Regents Scholar, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2016