University of Wisconsin–Madison
Department of Neurological Surgery
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Spine

Fellowships

Spine Fellowship

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (UW SMPH) are pleased to announce openings for a one-year Spine Fellowship beginning in July 2025 and thereafter. This fellowship presents a unique opportunity to join one of the most established and advanced CAST-accredited centers in the Midwest.

At UW SMPH we train world class spine surgeons.  We seek to refine your training in “traditional” spine techniques and indications as well as elevate your skills with hands on involvement in complex open and minimally invasive spine surgery.  During your fellowship you will be trained to effectively use enabling technologies such as spine stereotactic navigation, pre-operative planning technology, and robotics.  The multidisciplinary environment of UW teaches you to work synergistically with orthopedics, rehabilitation, pain, oncology, and radiation oncology services.

The mission of this fellowship is to teach you when and how to select and perform cutting edge surgeries, teach the next generation of spine surgeons and become a leader.

Highlighted Techniques

Minimally Invasive

  • Tubular laminectomies
  • Transforaminal Interbody fusions
  • Cortical screw trajectory
  • Retropleural thoracotomy
  • Lateral interbody fusions
  • Percutaneous screws

Endoscopic

  • Interlaminar and Transforaminal Discectomy (Thoracic and Lumbar)
  • Posterior cervical foraminotomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Fusion

Pathology

  • Degenerative, deformity, trauma, infection, oncology

Didactics

  • Fundamentals of Spine Lecture Series
  • Spine Case Conference 
  • UW Spine Symposium

Hands on Lab Training Opportunities

  • Lincoln Ramirez Surgical Skills Lab (Onsite)
  • UW Spine Surgical Skills Lab

Networking

Research

  • Clinical Research
  • Anatomical/Surgical Technique Research
  • Trauma database
  • NSQIP database
  • Wisconsin Institutes of Medical Research

UW Health continues to drive innovation and spearhead advancements in the treatment of spine surgeries. Our institution is recognized as the #1 hospital 12 years running in Wisconsin, ranked by US News and World Report. With our accomplished faculty and clinical staff, we provide exceptional patient care and contribute to groundbreaking research.

During this fellowship, you will have access to state-of-the-art clinical and research equipment, augmented by innovative imaging protocols in high technologically advanced procedures. You will collaborate closely with faculty members and clinical staff, including Program Director – Nathaniel Brooks, MD who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program.

Qualifications:

  • MD or DO with board eligibility/board certification in Neurosurgery
  • Eligible to obtain a Wisconsin medical license and be credentialed at UW Health and affiliated locations
  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited Neurosurgery residency
  • This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate must be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and then every two years. 

These hospitals are integral parts of UW Health: 

  • American Family Children’s Hospital – 111-bed comprehensive pediatric medical and surgical center with pediatric and neonatal surgical intensive care units
  • UW Health East Madison Hospital – 55-bed, community-based health and wellness facility
  • University Hospital – A 505-bed regional referral center that is home to a Level I adult and pediatric trauma center, American College of Surgeons-verified Burn Center, one of the nation’s largest organ transplant programs, one of the nation’s first certified comprehensive stroke centers and the UW Carbone Cancer Center, one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive centers in the country.
  • UnityPoint Meriter – 448-bed community-based hospital provides a complete range of medical and surgical services. UnityPoint Health-Meriter joined UW Health in 2017
  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (VA) – 87-bed acute care facility

Contact Information