Dr. Nitin Agarwal Recognized Among Nation’s Top Neurosurgery Researchers
Nitin Agarwal, M.D.
Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery
Director, Minimally Invasive Spine and Robotics Surgery
Associate Program Director, Neurological Surgery Residency
Co-Director, Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Deformity Fellowship
Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Co-Director of the Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI), has been recognized as one of the nation’s top “neurosurgery and spine research all-stars” for 2025 by healthcare analytics company Avant-garde Health. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the exceptional quality and quantity of his published research contributions to the field.
Dr. Agarwal was among thirteen distinguished neurosurgeons from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to receive this honor, highlighting the institution’s commitment to advancing neurological and spine care through innovative research and clinical excellence.
Research Focus Areas
- Minimally invasive spine surgery techniques
- Computational outcomes research in spine care
- Health disparities and socioeconomic factors in neurosurgery
- Spine trauma and emergency neurosurgical care
- Medical education and training innovation
As Co-Director of SCOLI alongside Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton, Dr. Agarwal leads multidisciplinary efforts to improve spine health through innovative research approaches. Notably, Dr. Hamilton was recently recognized with a Castle Connolly Top Doctor award, further demonstrating SCOLI’s leadership in neurosurgical excellence.
The Avant-garde Health recognition program evaluates physicians based on their research productivity, publication impact, and contributions to advancing medical knowledge. Dr. Agarwal’s selection underscores his significant impact on neurosurgical research and his commitment to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.
All thirteen PITT Neurosurgery faculty recognized as 2025 Avant-garde Health Top Researchers, including Dr. Agarwal
About SCOLI
The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery leads multidisciplinary efforts to improve spine health through research in degenerative spine disease, spinal cord injury, spinal deformities, and socioeconomic barriers to spine care.
Under the co-leadership of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Hamilton, SCOLI unites neurosurgery, engineering, physiatry, and pain management to address complex spinal disorders through innovation and evidence-based approaches.
Recent SCOLI Achievements
Research Excellence
Dr. Agarwal recognized among top neurosurgery researchers nationally by Avant-garde Health for 2025
Clinical Excellence
Dr. Hamilton honored with Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition for outstanding patient care
Program Leadership
SCOLI continues to expand training programs and research initiatives in computational spine outcomes