Spine surgery is at an inflection point. Robotic-assisted procedures, AI-guided navigation, minimally invasive techniques and seismic shifts in where surgery happens, increasingly in ASCs rather than hospitals, are reshaping the field at a pace the specialty hasn’t seen in decades.
Meanwhile, spine surgery remains one of the least diverse specialties in medicine, with women making up just 6.6% of spine surgery fellows and Black and Hispanic surgeons significantly underrepresented relative to the U.S. population.
The following 10 surgeons stand out for their clinical innovation, institutional leadership and, in many cases, their work to make the field look more like the patients it serves.
Editor’s note: This is not a comprehensive or ranked list. Becker’s does not endorse any individual featured. To nominate a physician for a future list, contact seydis@beckershealthcare.com
- Juan Uribe, MD. Barrow Neurological Institute (Phoenix): Dr. Uribe is vice chairman of neurosurgery and chief of the division of spinal disorders at Barrow Neurological Institute where he holds the Volker K.H. Sonntag Chair for Spine Research.
He specializes in minimally invasive treatment of complex spine conditions, including scoliosis, spinal trauma and tumors. Dr. Uribe is a nationally recognized leader in spine surgery and serves as president of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/ Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, with research focused on advancing minimally invasive techniques for complex spinal disease.
- Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD. Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): Dr. Vaccaro is president of Rothman Orthopaedics and chair of orthopaedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, where he is a leading spine surgeon and researcher. Internationally recognized for his expertise in spinal trauma and complex spine conditions, he has authored more than 1,200 peer-reviewed publications and edited dozens of textbooks.
Dr. Vaccaro is a past president of multiple major spine societies and is widely respected for advancing spine care through clinical innovation, research and leadership.
- Lawrence Lenke, MD. NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York City): Dr. Lenke is surgeon-in-chief of Och Spine Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and one of the world’s leading spinal deformity surgeons.
His practice focuses exclusively on complex spinal deformities, including scoliosis, kyphosis and major spinal imbalances in both pediatric and adult patients. Widely recognized for developing the Lenke classification system for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, he has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and served as president of the Scoliosis Research Society, cementing his influence on spine surgery globally.
- Frank Phillips, MD. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago): Dr. Phillips is a spine surgeon and a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery. Among the first to perform these procedures in Chicago, he specializes in cervical and lumbar reconstruction and motion-preserving techniques, and served as a principal investigator in FDA trials for cervical disc replacement.
A past president of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Dr. Phillips is widely recognized for advancing surgical innovation and educating spine surgeons worldwide.
- Scott Blumenthal, MD. Texas Back Institute (Plano): Dr. Blumenthal is a spine surgeon known for his focus on motion-preserving spine care, particularly artificial disc replacement. He was among the key physicians to help bring disc replacement technology from Europe to the U.S. and remains one of the few surgeons dedicated almost exclusively to its application and advancement.
Dr. Blumenthal also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center and continues to play a leading role in research and innovation in spinal arthroplasty.
- Evalina Burger, MD. University of Colorado School of Medicine (Aurora): Dr. Burger is chair of the department of orthopedics and a spine surgeon known for her leadership in academic medicine.
A prolific researcher with more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, she has contributed to advancements in spinal implants and participated in FDA clinical trials. Dr. Burger has also played a key role in clinical operations and strategic growth within her department and is recognized nationally for her leadership, including service on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ board of directors.
- Christopher Bono, MD. Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston): Dr. Bono is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, specializing in cervical and lumbar degenerative conditions.
A past president of the North American Spine Society, he is widely recognized for his leadership in spine research and evidence-based care. Dr. Bono also serves as editor-in-chief of The Spine Journal, helping shape clinical standards and advancements in spine surgery.
- Erica Bisson, MD. University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City) Dr. Bisson is a spine neurosurgeon and a national leader in complex spine care and clinical outcomes research.
A professor of neurosurgery with an adjunct appointment in orthopedics, she specializes in cervical spine disorders, spinal trauma and advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Bisson has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, serves in national leadership roles within spine societies and holds executive clinical leadership positions, helping drive quality improvement and innovation in spine care.
- Sonia Eden, MD. Semmes-Murphey Clinic (Memphis, Tenn.): Dr. Eden is a neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery, with expertise spanning tumors, traumatic injuries and nerve conditions.
With a background in mechanical engineering, she brings a technically driven approach to advancing surgical care. Dr. Eden has held key leadership roles, including chief of neurosurgery at Harper University Hospital and interim chair at Wayne State University in Detroit, and is a founding member and vice president of the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons, where she champions health equity and leadership development in the field.
- Vedat Deviren, MD. University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Dr. Deviren is a spine surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery, specializing in complex spinal deformities and revision spine surgery in both adults and children.
He is widely recognized for developing novel surgical approaches and advancing minimally invasive techniques, particularly in adult scoliosis and cervicothoracic pathology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Deviren plays a key role in shaping spine care through outcomes research, technology development and global surgical education.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
