Thomas J. Buell, MD

  • Assistant Professor

Thomas J. Buell, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery in January of 2022. A native of Texas, he attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering—graduating with high honors—in 2005. After graduation, he worked as an electrical engineer before attending Baylor College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 2013.

He completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Virginia in 2020 and completed an enfolded complex spine fellowship under Justin Smith, MD. He then attended Duke University for a spine fellowship training program under Isaac Karikari, MD, and Christopher Shaffrey, MD. Dr. Buell is a prolific academician, having already published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He is also an ad hoc reviewer for a number of scientific journals.

Dr. Buell is a prolific academician, having already published close to 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His publications be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.

Specialized Areas of Interest

Spine surgery

Hospital Privileges

UPMC Presbyterian
UPMC Mercy
UPMC Shadyside

Professional Organization Membership

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
North American Spine Society

Education & Training

  • BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2005
  • MD, Baylor College of Medicine, 2013
  • Neurosurgery Residency, University of Virginia, 2020
  • Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellowship, University of Virginia Health System, 2017
  • Enfolded Fellowship, Adult & Pediatric Spine Deformity Surgery, University of Virginia, 2020
  • Clinical Associate, Fellow, Duke University, 2022

Honors & Awards

  • Resident & Fellow Research Award, North American Spine Society, 2020
  • Whitecloud Award for Best Clinical Abstract, International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST). 2020
  • Best Presentation Abstract Award, AANS/CNS Joint Spine Section, Spine Summit, 2018
  • John A. Jane, Sr. Neuroanatomy Award, University of Virginia, 2017
  • Crutchfield, Cage, and Thomson Award, 2nd Place Clinical Research, Neurosurgical Society of the Virginias, 2017
  • Crutchfield, Cage, and Thomson Award, 1st Place Basic Science, Neurosurgical Society of the Virginias, 2014
  • Mission Connect Neurotrauma Research Award, Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Foundation, 2011
  • Medical Student Research Scholarship, Baylor College of Medicine, 2004
  • Distinguished College Scholar, University of Texas at Austin, 2004
  • W. C. Dusty and Doris Duesterhoeft Endowed Presidential Scholarship, University of Texas at Austin, 2003-2005