Xiaoran Zhang, MD

  • Chief Resident

Xiaoran (Zel) Zhang, MD, MS, joined the University of Pittsburgh Neurological Surgery residency program in June of 2016 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Zhang obtained a combined BS/MS degree from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at University of California, Los Angeles. His master’s thesis was titled “Role of Vitamin D in the Toll-induced Antimicrobial Responses.”

During medical school, Dr. Zhang was selected to participate in the Clinical Scientist Training Program and was awarded a master’s level certificate in clinical research. Additionally, he studied the mechanisms of immune escape in isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant gliomas. He was awarded The Theodore Kurze Senior Prize for excellence in Neurological Surgery and Clinical Neurosciences.

Dr. Zhang is a native of Henan, China.

Specialized Areas of Interest

Neuro-oncology; cerebrovascular; and neurotrauma.

Professional Organization Membership

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Education & Training

  • BS/MS, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, 2012
  • MD, University of Pittsburgh, 2016

Honors & Awards

  • The Theodore Kurze Senior Prize for Excellence in Neurological Surgery and Clinical Neurosciences, 2016