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CAST Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Fellowship

The UPMC CAST Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Fellowship provides advanced training across the full spectrum of spinal disorders, including scoliosis and spinal deformity surgery, complex and minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal oncology, and spinal trauma. This advanced fellowship is designed to prepare neurosurgeons for independent, high-level practice in complex spinal pathology and state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques.
 
Fellows receive a comprehensive education in the management of spinal disorders. Advanced training in minimally invasive techniques and robotics is central to the fellowship. The program focuses on evidence-based decision-making, advanced surgical planning, and technical mastery across open and minimally invasive approaches. Special emphasis is placed on management and correction of scoliosis and spinal deformities across the age spectrum.
 
Clinical and Surgical Experience
 

Fellows gain extensive operative exposure, including:

  • Adult scoliosis and spinal deformity
  • Degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pathology
  • Complex revision spine surgery
  • Spinal trauma
  • Lumbopelvic fixation for complex sacral trauma
  • Tumor and infection
  • Motion preservation and disc arthroplasty
  • Navigation, robotics, and image-guided surgery
  • Endoscopic and tubular minimally invasive techniques
  • Lateral and anterior approaches to the spine

Didactic education includes weekly spine conferences, deformity planning sessions, journal clubs, and multidisciplinary case discussions.

The fellowship is designed as a transition-to-practice format, preparing fellows for careers in academic neurosurgery and for independent practice with a specialty focus in complex spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, and neurosurgery sports medicine.

Research and Academic Development

The fellowship is accredited by CAST and includes dedicated time and mentorship for scholarly activity.

Fellows are expected to participate in clinical or translational research with opportunities to:

  • Present at national meetings (e.g., Spine Summit, SMISS, SRS)
  • Publish in peer-reviewed journals
  • Participate in prospective registries and outcomes research
  • Engage in innovation related to surgical techniques and technology

A dedicated team of full-time research scientists and coordinators assist fellows in conceiving, developing, and conducting research studies. Fellows have full access to our internal prospective spine registry and can collaborate on research through the International Spine Study Group.

The fellow is funded for spine society meetings where research findings have been accepted for oral presentation. Fellows will be encouraged and supported to engage on a national level with the academic spine and sports medicine communities via annual conferences and educational experiences.

Application Requirements

Fellows are appointed as Clinical Instructors and hold attending privileges in the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery.

Selection is competitive and based on clinical excellence, academic achievement, and commitment to spine surgery.

All fellows must:

  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Hold a permanent Pennsylvania medical license
  • Possess a DEA license

Interested applicants should apply by submitting:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of reference

Contact Information

We are proud to offer a CAST-accredited training experience that prepares the next generation of leaders in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Applications should be directed to:
David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD (OkonkwoDO@upmc.edu)

Program Details

Institution
UPMC Mercy
UPMC Presbyterian
UPMC Shadyside

Fellowship Director
David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD

Fellowship Co-Director
Thomas J. Buell, MD

Faculty

Fellowship Duration

Length: 1 Year
Dates: July 1 through June 30

Accreditation
Committee on Accreditation of Subspecialty Training (CAST)

Past Fellows