Advanced Spine Surgery Research Training

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

A prestigious two-year paid fellowship in spine surgery research, led by Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton. This immersive program provides advanced training in groundbreaking research focusing on spinal procedures, designed for individuals pursuing neurological surgery residency.

Latest Information

For the most current and comprehensive information about the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program, please contact our team directly.

Program Email: scoli@upmc.edu

Program Overview

SCOLI is delighted to introduce a research fellowship in spine surgery, meticulously led by Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton. This prestigious fellowship offers advanced training in groundbreaking research focusing on spinal procedures. This paid two-year fellowship is designed as an immersive, full-time program for individuals interested in pursuing a residency in neurological surgery.

As a fellow within this program, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to contribute to and help shape the leading research publications under the guidance of the University of Pittsburgh’s esteemed faculty. Fellows will actively present their research findings at professional conferences, author publications, and engage in the myriad of other enriching activities we offer.

This fellowship serves as an excellent pathway preparation for neurological surgery residency, providing the research experience and mentorship necessary for competitive applications to top-tier programs.

Program Highlights

Our research fellowship offers comprehensive training and development opportunities in spine surgery research:

Program Structure

Two-year paid fellowship program
Full-time immersive research experience
Mentorship by renowned faculty Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton
Pathway preparation for neurological surgery residency

Research Focus

Focus on cutting-edge spine surgery research
Minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery
Novel diagnostic testing for spinal pathologies
Spinal procedure outcomes and effectiveness

Academic Opportunities

Opportunities to contribute to leading research publications
Active participation in professional conferences and presentations
Research publication authorship opportunities
Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovation

Professional Development

Exposure to minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques
Advanced surgical technologies and innovation training
Career guidance and mentorship for residency applications
Professional networking opportunities

Research Focus Areas

Our research fellowship encompasses several cutting-edge areas of spine surgery research, providing fellows with exposure to the latest developments in the field:

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques
Outcomes research and technique refinement
Patient selection criteria optimization
Comparative effectiveness studies

Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic spine surgery applications and outcomes
Technology integration and workflow optimization
Safety and efficacy studies
Future directions in robotic surgery

Diagnostic Testing

Novel diagnostic testing for spinal pathologies
Advanced imaging techniques and applications
Biomarker development and validation
Diagnostic algorithm optimization

Clinical Outcomes

Spinal procedure outcomes and effectiveness
Patient-reported outcome measures
Long-term follow-up studies
Quality improvement initiatives

Application Requirements

We seek highly motivated individuals with strong academic backgrounds and research interests in spine surgery. The ideal candidate will demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and have the potential to contribute meaningfully to our research programs.

Program Requirements

Step 1 and Step 2 completed
Prior research experience
Minimum two-year commitment
Two faculty letters of recommendation (neurosurgical faculty preferred)
Strong academic record and research background
Interest in pursuing neurological surgery residency

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage interested candidates to apply early to ensure consideration for the next available position.

Step 1: Prepare Application Gather curriculum vitae, personal statement, and two faculty letters of recommendation

Step 2: Submit Application Email complete application package to scoli@upmc.edu with subject line “Research Fellowship Application”

Step 3: Review Process Faculty review of application materials and assessment of research fit and potential

Step 4: Interview & Selection Selected candidates will be invited for interviews with faculty and program leadership

Ready to Apply?

Join our prestigious research fellowship program and advance your career in spine surgery research.

Contact Information

For additional information about the Research Fellowship program and application process, please contact our team.

Program Email

scoli@upmc.edu

Principal Research Fellow

Ayesha Akbar Waheed, MBBS

On This Page

Program Overview
Program Highlights
Research Focus Areas
Application Requirements
Application Process

Program Mission

Provide exceptional research training and mentorship to outstanding candidates interested in spine surgery research, preparing them for competitive neurological surgery residency applications while contributing to cutting-edge research publications.

Program Areas

Research Excellence

Contribute to leading research publications under the guidance of University of Pittsburgh's esteemed faculty while developing expertise in spine surgery research.

Residency Preparation

Excellent pathway preparation for neurological surgery residency, providing the research experience and mentorship necessary for competitive applications to top-tier programs.

Comprehensive Training

Full-time immersive research experience with mentorship by renowned faculty Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton in cutting-edge spine surgery research.

Professional Development

Active participation in professional conferences, research publication authorship, and exposure to advanced surgical technologies and innovation.

Program Structure

Two-year paid fellowship program providing full-time immersive research experience. Fellows work under the mentorship of Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton, focusing on groundbreaking spine surgery research while preparing for neurological surgery residency applications.

Program Activities

Research Publications

Year-round

Contribute to and help shape leading research publications under faculty guidance, with opportunities for authorship and publication.

Conference Presentations

Throughout fellowship

Active presentation of research findings at professional conferences and academic meetings.

Cutting-Edge Research

Full-time

Focus on minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery, novel diagnostic testing, and spinal procedure outcomes research.

Technology Training

Continuous

Exposure to advanced surgical technologies, innovation training, and cutting-edge research methodologies.

Program Staff

Nitin Agarwal, MD

Fellowship Director

Program Leadership

D. Kojo Hamilton, MD

Fellowship Director

Program Leadership

Ayesha Akbar Waheed, MBBS

Principal Research Fellow

Research Leadership

Faculty Mentors

Research Faculty

University of Pittsburgh Faculty

Spine Surgery Research, Minimally Invasive Techniques, Robotic Surgery, Diagnostic Testing, Clinical Outcomes

Research mentorship and career guidance

Eligibility & Participation

Applicants must have completed Step 1 and Step 2, demonstrate prior research experience, commit to a minimum two-year program, provide two faculty letters of recommendation (neurosurgical faculty preferred), maintain a strong academic record, and show interest in pursuing neurological surgery residency.

Program Benefits

Two-year paid fellowship, full-time research experience, mentorship by renowned faculty, pathway preparation for residency, opportunities for publication and conference presentation, access to cutting-edge technologies, and professional networking opportunities.