<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute Research News</title><description>Latest research updates and insights from the Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute at University of Pittsburgh</description><link>https://www.scoli.org/</link><language>en-us</language><managingEditor>research@scoli.org (Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute)</managingEditor><webMaster>research@scoli.org (Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute)</webMaster><lastBuildDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:10:11 GMT</lastBuildDate><category>Medical Research</category><category>Neurosurgery</category><category>Spine Surgery</category><item><title>A Fortunate Fall: How a Game-Day Accident Led to a Life-Saving Discovery</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/</guid><description>For 73-year-old Barbara from Verona, Pennsylvania, what began as a simple trip to watch her grandson&apos;s basketball game turned into an unexpected medical journey that likely saved her from paralysis.</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/barbara.DwjIYoYs.webp</url><title>Barbara&apos;s story of recovery after spinal tumor surgery</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/</link></image><category>patient-story</category><category>spinal-tumor</category><category>schwannoma</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>recovery</category><category>UPMC</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Agarwal Co-Edits Book on Building Neurosurgical Teams</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/</guid><description>Nitin Agarwal, MD, associate professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery and director of the department&apos;s Minimally Invasive Spine and Robotics Surgery program, is co-editor of the new book Neurosurgery Fundamentals for Advanced Practice Providers, published by Thieme.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/app_book.CdmJkVYi.avif</url><title>Neurosurgery Fundamentals for Advanced Practice Providers book cover</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/</link></image><category>publication</category><category>neurosurgery-fundamentals</category><category>advanced-practice-providers</category><category>team-building</category><category>education</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton Presents on Avoiding Iatrogenic Cervical Deformities at Seattle Science Foundation</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/</guid><description>SCOLI Co-Director Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton delivers an educational talk at the Seattle Science Foundation on preventing surgeon-created cervical deformities and understanding the complexities of cervical spine alignment.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/oct9_post-1.DT7x7BpY.png</url><title>Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton presenting at Seattle Science Foundation</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/</link></image><category>research</category><category>education</category><category>cervical spine</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Ayesha Waheed Presents VeRTIAL at the 11th Annual Safety in Spine Surgery Summit</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/ayesha-waheed-presents-vertial-at-the-safety-in-spine-surgery-summit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/ayesha-waheed-presents-vertial-at-the-safety-in-spine-surgery-summit/</guid><description>At the 11th Annual Safety in Spine Surgery Summit in New York City, SCOLI Principal Research Fellow Ayesha Waheed, MBBS, presented VeRTIAL (the Vertebral Artery Injury Assessment Lifeline), a perioperative algorithm to anticipate, rescue, and surveil for iatrogenic vertebral artery injury in cervical spine surgery.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/waheed-safety-spine-summit-podium.DMq-uBEg.jpg</url><title>Ayesha Waheed, MBBS, presenting at the podium of the 11th Annual Safety in Spine Surgery Summit</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/ayesha-waheed-presents-vertial-at-the-safety-in-spine-surgery-summit/</link></image><category>patient-safety</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>cervical-spine</category><category>research</category><category>conference</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Bike Crash to Remarkable Recovery: Bob Keeley&apos;s Journey</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/</guid><description>At 57, Bob Keeley doesn&apos;t do anything halfway. But when a mountain biking accident left him with a broken neck, he had to find a new kind of strength, and the right medical team to help him get back to his active lifestyle.</description><pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/bob-keeley.CRu3fvpG.png</url><title>Bob Keeley, patient who recovered from spinal injury after mountain biking accident</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/</link></image><category>patient-story</category><category>spinal-injury</category><category>surgery</category><category>recovery</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>anterior-cervical-discectomy-fusion</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>BioForce Wins Pitt Wells Competition</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/</guid><description>The neurosurgery team BioForce Spine won the first-place award at the University of Pittsburgh&apos;s 2025 Wells Student HealthTech Challenge for their project designed to immobilize bone morphogenetic protein directly onto interbody fusion devices.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/adida_wells_bioforce.jmCUT_nL.avif</url><title>BioForce Spine team at the 2025 Wells Student HealthTech Challenge</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>research</category><category>innovation</category><category>healthtech</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Brain and Blade Session 6: Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/</guid><description>The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine&apos;s Neurosurgery Interest Group hosted an educational session on posterior cervical spine surgery with hands-on laboratory experience.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/brain_blade.D8QHwT8g.png</url><title>Brain and Blade Session 6 educational session</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/</link></image><category>education</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Breakthrough in Spinal Fusion Monitoring: Pitt Researchers Receive NIH R21 Award for Metamaterial Technology</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/breakthrough-in-spinal-fusion-monitoring-university-of-pittsburgh-researchers-receive-nih-r21-award-for-revolutionary-metamaterial-technology/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/breakthrough-in-spinal-fusion-monitoring-university-of-pittsburgh-researchers-receive-nih-r21-award-for-revolutionary-metamaterial-technology/</guid><description>The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a prestigious NIH R21 exploratory/development grant totaling $414,000 over two years to develop groundbreaking wireless metamaterial technology for monitoring spinal fusion healing in real-time.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/r21-grant-spinal-fusion-monitoring.TJo9FZeb.avif</url><title>NIH R21 Grant Awarded for Breakthrough in Spinal Fusion Monitoring, featuring Nitin Agarwal, MD, D. Kojo Hamilton, MD, and Amir H. Alavi, PhD</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/breakthrough-in-spinal-fusion-monitoring-university-of-pittsburgh-researchers-receive-nih-r21-award-for-revolutionary-metamaterial-technology/</link></image><category>research</category><category>funding</category><category>metamaterials</category><category>spinal fusion</category><category>NIH</category><category>innovation</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Building Resilience: Three Pillars for Living Well with Scoliosis</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/building-resilience/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/building-resilience/</guid><description>Dr. Christopher Standaert shares strategies for managing scoliosis through balance, energy management, and adaptive living approaches at the Spine &amp; Scoliosis Support Group.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/christopher_standaert_md.CRZeg5fX.webp</url><title>Dr. Christopher Standaert, M.D.</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/building-resilience/</link></image><category>support-group</category><category>scoliosis</category><category>patient-care</category><category>wellness</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>CSNS Establishes Social Media Committee to Enhance Digital Engagement in Neurosurgery</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/csns-establishes-social-media-committee/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/csns-establishes-social-media-committee/</guid><description>The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies has officially established a Social Media Committee to enhance digital engagement and educational outreach in neurosurgery, representing a significant step in modernizing professional communication.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/csns-social-media-committee.D_pN6cPU.avif</url><title>CSNS resolution announcement for the creation of a Social Media Committee, with headshots of Armani Manov, D. Kojo Hamilton, MD, and Nitin Agarwal, MD</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/csns-establishes-social-media-committee/</link></image><category>CSNS</category><category>social-media</category><category>education</category><category>professional-development</category><category>neurosurgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Characterization of Neurological Injuries from Roller Coaster Rides Among Minors</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/</guid><description>A comprehensive study of 20 years of data finds roller coaster injuries in children are rare, though pediatric anatomy makes minors more susceptible to neurological injury than adults.</description><pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/newpub_rollercoaster.Pozuwy36.png</url><title>New publication on pediatric neurological injuries from roller coasters</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/</link></image><category>research</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Derrick Allen: A Story of Resilience and Recovery</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/derrick-allen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/derrick-allen/</guid><description>After a traumatic spinal injury from a motor vehicle accident, Derrick Allen&apos;s life was saved through spinal decompression and reconstruction surgery performed by Dr. Nitin Agarwal. Over a year post-surgery, Derrick is back serving his community as a Pittsburgh Police officer.</description><pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/derrick-allen.DAFpAfFL.png</url><title>Derrick Allen, Pittsburgh Police officer, in uniform</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/derrick-allen/</link></image><category>patient-story</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>recovery</category><category>trauma</category><category>patient-care</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Ben Carnovale Awarded NREF Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/carnovale-awarded-nref-medical-student-research-fellowship/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/carnovale-awarded-nref-medical-student-research-fellowship/</guid><description>Ben Carnovale, a Junior Research Fellow at SCOLI and medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has received a Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship from the Neurosurgery Research &amp; Education Foundation for his work on a self-powered spinal fusion cage.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/ben-carnovale-nref-fellowship.Bsm-LN57.jpg</url><title>Ben Carnovale, medical student and Junior Research Fellow at SCOLI</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/carnovale-awarded-nref-medical-student-research-fellowship/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>recognition</category><category>spine-research</category><category>medical-device-innovation</category><category>medical-training</category><category>PITT-Neurosurgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Dr. Hamilton on How Predictive Analytics Is Changing Spine Surgery Decision-Making</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-hamilton-on-predictive-analytics-in-spine-surgery-decision-making/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-hamilton-on-predictive-analytics-in-spine-surgery-decision-making/</guid><description>SCOLI Co-Director Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton spoke with Geek Insider about how AI and predictive analytics are reshaping clinical decision-making in spine surgery, from preoperative simulation to personalized risk profiles and more honest conversations with patients.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/hamilton-predictive-analytics-geek-insider.7WaevXG1.avif</url><title>Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton speaking at a podium</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/dr-hamilton-on-predictive-analytics-in-spine-surgery-decision-making/</link></image><category>ai</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>innovation</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>patient-care</category><category>media</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Dr. Nitin Agarwal Recognized Among Nation&apos;s Top Neurosurgery Researchers</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-nitin-agarwal-recognized-among-nations-top-neurosurgery-researchers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-nitin-agarwal-recognized-among-nations-top-neurosurgery-researchers/</guid><description>Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Co-Director of the Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI), has been recognized as one of the nation&apos;s top &apos;neurosurgery and spine research all-stars&apos; for 2025 by healthcare analytics company Avant-garde Health.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/nitin-agarwal-headshot.d5IS6gjN.avif</url><title>Nitin Agarwal, MD, MBA, FACS</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/dr-nitin-agarwal-recognized-among-nations-top-neurosurgery-researchers/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>recognition</category><category>neurosurgery-research</category><category>avant-garde-health</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton Honored with Faculty Teaching Award</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-hamilton-receives-faculty-teaching-award/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-hamilton-receives-faculty-teaching-award/</guid><description>D. Kojo Hamilton, MD, MBA, has been named the recipient of the Department of Neurological Surgery Faculty Teaching Award at the University of Pittsburgh, his second time receiving the honor.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/hamilton-faculty-teaching-award-2026.lHX3m8yb.jpg</url><title>Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton holding the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery Faculty Teaching Award certificate</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/dr-hamilton-receives-faculty-teaching-award/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>recognition</category><category>neurosurgery-education</category><category>medical-training</category><category>PITT-Neurosurgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Expert Insights on Spine Imaging and Interventional Treatments</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/</guid><description>A comprehensive educational evening featuring Dr. Vikas Agarwal discussing spine imaging and percutaneous interventions for spine-related pain, providing patients and families with valuable insights into the latest advances in spine care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/august support group.BkoQ4tKp.webp</url><title>Spine and Scoliosis Support Group Meeting featuring Dr. Vikas Agarwal and attendees</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/</link></image><category>support-group</category><category>spine-imaging</category><category>interventional-treatments</category><category>radiology</category><category>pain-management</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>From Pain to Recovery: Marisette&apos;s Journey with Spinal Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/</guid><description>After experiencing severe spinal stenosis and undergoing life-changing surgery, 65-year-old Marisette V. from Verona, Pennsylvania, shares her inspiring story of recovery and renewed hope for the future.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/Marisette.teyYKl9A.webp</url><title>Marisette V., patient who recovered from spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/</link></image><category>patient-story</category><category>spinal-stenosis</category><category>spondylolisthesis</category><category>recovery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Neurosurgery Infographics, Coming to Print</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-coming-to-print/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-coming-to-print/</guid><description>Neurosurgery Infographics, the Thieme visual reference edited by Dr. Nitin Agarwal and Dr. David J. Fernandes Cabral, is coming to print. The book distills the most common conditions of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerve into 100 peer-reviewed visual abstracts with embedded operative video, and is now available for pre-order with earliest delivery beginning July 30, 2026.</description><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/nsgy_infographics.D4RJzZKX.avif</url><title>Neurosurgery Infographics: book cover</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-coming-to-print/</link></image><category>books</category><category>education</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>publications</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Neurosurgery Infographics: A Visual Guide to the Field</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-released/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-released/</guid><description>Neurosurgery Infographics, a Thieme visual reference edited by Dr. Nitin Agarwal and Dr. David J. Fernandes Cabral, distills the most common conditions of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerve into 100 peer-reviewed visual abstracts with embedded operative video.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/nsgy_infographics.D4RJzZKX.avif</url><title>Neurosurgery Infographics: book cover</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/neurosurgery-infographics-released/</link></image><category>books</category><category>education</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>publications</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Operative Fundamentals in Neurological Surgery, Coming Soon</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/operative-fundamentals-in-neurological-surgery-coming-soon/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/operative-fundamentals-in-neurological-surgery-coming-soon/</guid><description>Operative Fundamentals in Neurological Surgery, a new case-based Thieme reference edited by Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Dr. Hanna N. Algattas, Dr. Edward Andrews, Dr. Kamil W. Nowicki, and Dr. Xiaoran Zhang, walks residents through core neurosurgical procedures step by step, paired with narrated operative videos on Thieme MedOne.</description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/operative_fundamentals.CWpjEvRT.png</url><title>Operative Fundamentals in Neurological Surgery: book cover</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/operative-fundamentals-in-neurological-surgery-coming-soon/</link></image><category>books</category><category>education</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>publications</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>PITT Neurosurgery Launches Longitudinal Mentorship Initiative</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/</guid><description>The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has launched a groundbreaking mentorship program designed to connect students, residents, and faculty across the educational spectrum.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/img1lami.CA1aZmE_.webp</url><title>LAMI logo display on screen LAMI event with attendees</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/</link></image><category>mentorship</category><category>neurosurgery-education</category><category>medical-training</category><category>career-development</category><category>PITT-Neurosurgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Pioneering Modern Spine Endoscopy in Western PA</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/</guid><description>UPMC Neurological Surgery introduces modern spine endoscopy to Western Pennsylvania with Dr. Nitin Agarwal conducting the first teaching laboratory, bringing cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques that utilize 3mm incisions and allow patients to return to work the next day.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/agarwal_endoscopy.CPk24K9F.webp</url><title>Dr. Nitin Agarwal demonstrating spine endoscopy techniques at UPMC&apos;s teaching laboratory</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/</link></image><category>spine-endoscopy</category><category>minimally-invasive-surgery</category><category>innovation</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>UPMC</category><category>patient-care</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>SCOLI Awarded VA CCDF Grant for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Research</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/</guid><description>The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) has been awarded the 2026 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Competitive Career Development Fund (CCDF) grant. This $50,000 award, with Co-Investigator Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton, will support the development of a blood-based diagnostic test for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy to improve early detection and care for veterans.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/CCDF_grant.xrlRZOk-.jpg</url><title>CCDF grant team members: Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton, Dr. Ayesha Akbar Waheed, and Janam Patel</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/</link></image><category>research</category><category>grant</category><category>funding</category><category>cervical-spondylotic-myelopathy</category><category>veterans</category><category>diagnostics</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>SCOLI Awarded UPMC Presbyterian Grant for Spine and Scoliosis Support Group</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/</guid><description>Our team has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the UPMC Presbyterian Medical Executive Committee to fund our Spine and Scoliosis Support group, advancing education, wellbeing, and collaborative learning initiatives.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/IMG_0491.Cry95IQl.JPG</url><title>Spine and Scoliosis Support Group team members at UPMC Presbyterian</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/</link></image><category>grant</category><category>funding</category><category>support-group</category><category>education</category><category>collaboration</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>SCOLI Celebrates 40+ Abstract Acceptances at CNS 2025</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-celebrates-40-abstract-acceptances-at-cns-2025/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-celebrates-40-abstract-acceptances-at-cns-2025/</guid><description>SCOLI celebrates over 40 abstract acceptances at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2025 in Los Angeles, demonstrating leadership in computational spine research and outcomes analysis.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/cns-2025-los-angeles.m2stMJ0x.avif</url><title>CNS Connects banner for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2025 annual meeting, October 11 to 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-celebrates-40-abstract-acceptances-at-cns-2025/</link></image><category>research</category><category>recognition</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>CNS</category><category>abstracts</category><category>spine-research</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>SCOLI Research Meeting Highlights</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/</guid><description>Highlights from our successful #ResearchFriday meeting featuring innovative breakout sessions that fostered deeper discussions on ongoing studies and collaborations.</description><pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/research_fridays_meeting.DNcK_Shv.png</url><title>SCOLI Research Meeting with breakout sessions</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/</link></image><category>research</category><category>collaboration</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Spinal and Paraspinal Injuries from Weightlifting in Minors: A 20-Year National Analysis</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/spinal-and-paraspinal-injuries-from-weightlifting-in-minors/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/spinal-and-paraspinal-injuries-from-weightlifting-in-minors/</guid><description>A comprehensive national study analyzing 20 years of emergency department data reveals that while resistance training remains generally safe for adolescents, spinal and paraspinal injuries continue to occur, most commonly from squats and deadlifts, highlighting the importance of supervision, proper technique, and structured training programs.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/ben-nitin-may28.BXBXTnT7.png</url><title>Original article: Spinal and Paraspinal Injuries from Weightlifting in Minors, featuring authors Benjamin Carnovale and Nitin Agarwal</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/spinal-and-paraspinal-injuries-from-weightlifting-in-minors/</link></image><category>research</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Surgical Site Infection After Cervical Fusion</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/surgical-site-infection-after-cervical-fusion/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/surgical-site-infection-after-cervical-fusion/</guid><description>A 10-year review of infection rates, microbiology, and antibiotic use after posterior cervical decompression and fusion.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/ssi-posterior-cervical-fusion.CJpsF9Yg.png</url><title>First page of the Global Spine Journal article on surgical site infection, microbiology, and antibiotic utilization after posterior cervical spinal decompression and fusion</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/surgical-site-infection-after-cervical-fusion/</link></image><category>research</category><category>publication</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>neurosurgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Neurosurgery Team Wins Runner-Up Award at Pitt Sustainability Challenge</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/</guid><description>The neurosurgery team was one of three teams selected for runner-up awards at the University of Pittsburgh&apos;s Sustainability in Healthcare Challenge for their innovative project addressing anesthetic gas waste.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/pitt-sustainability-award.BOLZ23Eg.webp</url><title>2025 Pitt Sustainability Challenge Award - Team photo with Anne Gohn, Ph.D., Ayesha Akbar Waheed, M.B.B.S., Janam Patel, B.S., Shaunak Patil, Ben Carnovale, B.S., Samuel Wakelin, B.S., John Maier, M.D., Ph.D.</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/</link></image><category>sustainability</category><category>awards</category><category>research</category><category>innovation</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Surviving Neurosurgery, Second Edition Released</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/surviving-neurosurgery-second-edition-released/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/surviving-neurosurgery-second-edition-released/</guid><description>The second edition of &apos;Surviving Neurosurgery: Vignettes of Resilience,&apos; edited by Nitin Agarwal, MD, MBA, FACS, is now available from Springer, expanding the original collection with new voices and reflections.</description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/surviving-neurosurgery-2e.HC_1fioL.jpg</url><title>Cover of Surviving Neurosurgery, Second Edition, edited by Nitin Agarwal and published by Springer</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/surviving-neurosurgery-second-edition-released/</link></image><category>surviving-neurosurgery</category><category>book-release</category><category>second-edition</category><category>publication</category><category>resilience</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Team Publishes Innovative &quot;Catcher&apos;s Mitt&quot; Technique for Complex Spine Surgery</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/team-publishes-innovative-catchers-mitt-technique-for-complex-spine-surgery/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/team-publishes-innovative-catchers-mitt-technique-for-complex-spine-surgery/</guid><description>SCOLI researchers have published a groundbreaking case report introducing the innovative &quot;Catcher&apos;s Mitt&quot; technique for occipitocervical surgery rescue procedures, representing a significant advancement in addressing complex cervical instability.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/catchers-mitt-technique.DlmK46Xh.avif</url><title>Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine case report on the Catcher&apos;s Mitt technique, with illustrations of the four-rod occipitocervical construct</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/team-publishes-innovative-catchers-mitt-technique-for-complex-spine-surgery/</link></image><category>publication</category><category>research</category><category>innovation</category><category>spine-surgery</category><category>neurosurgery</category><category>occipitocervical</category><category>case-report</category><category>surgical-technique</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Swimming With The Sharks: Thriving in the Neurosurgery Match and Residency</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/</guid><description>An 8-hour course to build resilience and strategies for neurosurgery training and the residency match.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/20250912.C4q19U9B.png</url><title>Course on thriving in neurosurgery match and residency.</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/</link></image><category>education</category><category>residency</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>Thank You to the Contributors of the New Edition of Neurosurgery Fundamentals</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/thank-you-to-the-contributors-of-the-new-edition-of-neurosurgery-fundamentals/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/thank-you-to-the-contributors-of-the-new-edition-of-neurosurgery-fundamentals/</guid><description>Dr. Nitin Agarwal extends his heartfelt appreciation to all contributors who made &apos;Neurosurgery Fundamentals, Second Edition&apos; possible through their dedication and expertise.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/agarwal-book-signing-cns.BpuaQFAS.jpg</url><title>Dr. Nitin Agarwal at a book signing during the Congress of Neurological Surgeons annual meeting</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/thank-you-to-the-contributors-of-the-new-edition-of-neurosurgery-fundamentals/</link></image><category>neurosurgery-fundamentals</category><category>publication</category><category>education</category><category>contributors</category><category>second-edition</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>The Evolution of Health Literacy – 2nd Edition Released</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/the-evolution-of-health-literacy--2nd-edition-released/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/the-evolution-of-health-literacy--2nd-edition-released/</guid><description>We are excited to announce the release of the second edition of &apos;The Evolution of Health Literacy: Empowering Patients Through Improved Education,&apos; coauthored by esteemed physicians Nitin Agarwal, MD, David R. Hansberry, MD, PhD, and Arpan V. Prabhu, MD.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/health-literacy-2e.Cno71EBF.avif</url><title>Cover of The Evolution of Health Literacy: Empowering Patients Through Improved Education, 2nd Edition</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/the-evolution-of-health-literacy--2nd-edition-released/</link></image><category>health-literacy</category><category>patient-education</category><category>book-release</category><category>medical-ethics</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>The New Era of Spine Care</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/</guid><description>Artificial intelligence has reached a critical inflection point in spine surgery with measurable gains in surgical precision and patient outcomes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/SpineCare_NewEra.DKYE-Scy.png</url><title>The New Era of Spine Care</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/</link></image><category>ai</category><category>robotics</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>UPMC Physician Excellence Awards 2025: Drs. Agarwal and Fernandes Cabral Honored</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-physician-excellence-awards-2025/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-physician-excellence-awards-2025/</guid><description>Drs. Nitin Agarwal and David Fernandes Cabral have been selected as winners of 2025 UPMC Physician Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding performance in clinical work and patient care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/2025-upmc-physician-excellence-awards.Z3TeEXcc.avif</url><title>Nitin Agarwal, MD, and David Fernandes Cabral, MD, winners of 2025 UPMC Physician Excellence Awards</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/upmc-physician-excellence-awards-2025/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>recognition</category><category>patient-care</category><category>clinical-excellence</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>UPMC Research Advances Smart Spinal Implant Technology</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-research-advances-smart-spinal-implant-technology/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-research-advances-smart-spinal-implant-technology/</guid><description>The UPMC Physician Journal features groundbreaking research on novel spinal fusion implants with real-time monitoring capabilities, developed through interdisciplinary collaboration between neurosurgeons and engineers at the University of Pittsburgh.</description><pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/upmc-physician-journal-smart-implant.B3QqpYgN.avif</url><title>Researchers handling a spinal model with an interbody implant, from the UPMC Physician Journal feature</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/upmc-research-advances-smart-spinal-implant-technology/</link></image><category>research</category><category>innovation</category><category>spinal fusion</category><category>implants</category><category>monitoring</category><category>UPMC Physician Journal</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item><item><title>inFiniteSpine Selected for Pitt Un-Challenge Award</title><link>https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.scoli.org/blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/</guid><description>The project &apos;inFiniteSpine: Preoperative Finite Element Spine Surgery Planning Tool&apos; has been selected as one of 19 Phase 1 awardees for the University of Pittsburgh Un-Challenge (PUnCh), an initiative funding unconventional research to solve tough health problems.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><image><url>https://www.scoli.org//_astro/agarwal-wakelin.CodcmUn9.jpeg</url><title>Dr. Nitin Agarwal and Samuel Wakelin, principal investigators of the inFiniteSpine project</title><link>https://www.scoli.org//blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/</link></image><category>awards</category><category>research</category><category>innovation</category><category>funding</category><category>spine-surgery</category><author>Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute</author></item></channel></rss>