Spine surgery is rapidly evolving as minimally invasive procedures, robotics, AI-guided surgical planning and motion-preserving techniques transform how complex spinal conditions are treated. Across the western U.S., spine surgeons are helping drive that innovation while advancing research, training the next generation of physicians and leading some of the nation’s most influential spine programs.
The following 10 surgeons stand out for their clinical expertise, research contributions and leadership in advancing spine care across the region.
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.
- Luis Tumialán, MD. HonorHealth (Scottsdale, Ariz.): Dr. Tumialán is a spine neurosurgeon at HonorHealth and professor at Phoenix-based Arizona State University School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, specializing in minimally invasive and motion-preserving surgery for complex spinal conditions.
A former Navy physician, he currently serves as chair of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies and as a director on the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He is also recognized for his advocacy for spine surgeons and authoring a leading textbook on minimally invasive spine surgery.
- Neel Anand, MD. Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles): Dr. Anand is professor of orthopedic surgery and director of the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center, where he is internationally recognized for pioneering minimally invasive and outpatient spine surgery techniques.
A leader in FDA clinical trials that helped advance muscle-sparing spine procedures, he has authored more than 500 scientific publications and helped train the next generation of spine surgeons through Cedars-Sinai’s minimally invasive spine fellowship program. He has also held leadership roles with major spine organizations, including the North American Spine Society, Scoliosis Research Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Jeffrey Wang, MD. Keck Medicine of University of Southern California (Los Angeles): Dr. Wang is an internationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive treatment of neck and back disorders and advancing technologies to improve spine surgery outcomes.
A leading researcher and educator, he has served as president of the NASS, Cervical Spine Research Society and Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics. He is also widely respected for his work in spine advocacy, innovation and clinical research, earning honors including the NASS’ Advocacy Award and the AAOS’ Senior Achievement Award.
- Christopher Ames, MD. University of California San Francisco Health: Dr. Ames is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon and co-director of the UCSF Spine Center, specializing in complex spinal deformity, tumor and scoliosis surgery. A leading researcher in adult spinal deformity and spinal biomechanics, he has pioneered innovations in custom spinal implants and AI-driven surgical planning and authored more than 800 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Ames has earned multiple top honors from the SRS, including five Russell A. Hibbs Awards, and is widely respected for advancing the treatment of complex spine conditions through research, education and surgical innovation.
- Serena Hu, MD. Stanford Medicine (Palo Alto, Calif.): Dr. Hu is professor and vice chair of orthopedic surgery and chief of spine surgery at Stanford Medicine, where she specializes in scoliosis, spinal deformity and complex spine conditions. An internationally recognized spine surgeon and researcher, she has led numerous clinical studies, published more than 145 peer-reviewed articles and helped advance safer, more effective spine surgery techniques.
Dr. Hu is a past president of both the SRS and the American Orthopaedic Association and is widely respected for her leadership in spine research, education and deformity surgery.
- Lindsay Andras, MD. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Dr. Andras is associate division chief and director of the spine program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she specializes in pediatric spinal deformity, early-onset scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis.
An associate professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, she has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and is widely recognized for advancing research and care pathways in pediatric spine surgery. Dr. Andras has also held leadership roles with the SRS, Pediatric Spine Study Group and other leading orthopedic organizations.
- Darrel Brodke, MD. University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City): Dr. Brodke is professor and chair of the department of orthopedics at the University of Utah and holds the Louis and Janet Peery Presidential Endowed Chair.
A spine surgeon specializing in degenerative spine conditions, deformity and spinal trauma, he is widely recognized for his research in spinal biomechanics and patient-reported outcomes. Dr. Brodke has helped advance evidence-based spine care through his clinical leadership and academic research.
- Sigurd Berven, MD. UCSF Health: Dr. Berven is a spine surgeon at UCSF Health specializing in pediatric and adult spinal deformity, degenerative spine conditions, spinal tumors and spinal trauma. An internationally recognized researcher and lecturer, he is known for his work in spine surgery outcomes, minimally invasive techniques and regenerative spine therapies.
- Todd Alamin, MD. Stanford Health Care: Dr. Alamin is professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford Medicine and director of the spine surgery fellowship program and Minimally Invasive Spine Center at Stanford Health Care. An internationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive treatment of spinal deformity, degenerative disc disease and complex spine conditions, he is also known for pioneering innovative surgical devices and techniques, holding numerous patents that have advanced spine care.
Dr. Alamin has published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles and is widely respected for his research, clinical leadership and contributions to motion-preserving and minimally invasive spine surgery.
- Henry Aryan, MD. Sierra Pacific Orthopedics (Fresno, Calif.): Dr. Aryan is a neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine surgery, spinal tumors, robotic-guided spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
A clinical professor of neurosurgery at UCSF and former chief of staff at Fresno Surgical Hospital, he is widely recognized for treating spinal deformity, revision spine conditions and degenerative spine disease. Dr. Aryan has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and several textbooks, and is respected for advancing innovative spine and neurospinal oncology care.
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.
