Training Programs
The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery offers a variety of training programs designed to develop the next generation of spine care specialists and researchers. Our programs emphasize innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based approaches to spine health.
AO Spine Fellowship
Advanced Spine Surgery Training
- Comprehensive training in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery
- Faculty with dual orthopedic and neurological surgery training
- AO Spine accredited program
- Robust research opportunities and clinical volume
- Access to cutting-edge surgical technologies
Undergraduate Intern Program
Research Experience for Future Leaders
- Hands-on research experience with faculty mentors
- Exposure to clinical and computational research
- Focus on spine health and neurosurgical outcomes
- Weekly educational sessions and mentorship
- Opportunities for authorship and presentations
Neurological Surgery Residency
Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Seven-year ACGME-accredited program
- Nationally ranked top training program
- High-volume surgical experience (9,000+ annual procedures)
- Dedicated research time and mentorship
- Access to state-of-the-art technologies
Program Details
AO Spine Fellowship
The SCOLI AO Spine Fellowship program provides advanced training for neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons interested in spine surgery. As an AO Spine-accredited fellowship, the program offers comprehensive exposure to all aspects of spine pathology with special emphasis on complex deformity correction and minimally invasive techniques.
Program Highlights
- Training under faculty with AO Spine and dual orthopedic/neurosurgical expertise
- Experience with open and MIS deformity correction techniques
- Training in navigation, robotics, and augmented reality-assisted surgery
- Exposure to professional sports team affiliations and spine trauma
- Ample research opportunities with support for conference presentations
Program Structure
- Duration: 1 year
- Clinical exposure across multiple UPMC facilities
- Weekly spine case conferences and didactic lectures
- Regular research meetings and project development
- Opportunities to present at AO Spine, Spine Summit, and SRS meetings
Application Requirements
- Completion of an accredited neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery residency
- Eligibility for a Pennsylvania medical license
- Letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation
- Commitment to academic excellence and patient care
For more information and application details, please contact Melissa Lukehart at [email protected].
Undergraduate Internship Program
The SCOLI Undergraduate Internship Program provides a prestigious opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in impactful neurosurgical research while building skills in clinical analysis, collaboration, and communication. Working alongside leading researchers and clinicians, interns contribute to cutting-edge research in spine health and neurosurgical outcomes.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on research experience with faculty mentors
- Weekly research meetings and mentorship
- Opportunities for authorship and presentation
- Academic, clinical, and leadership growth
- Exposure to multidisciplinary approaches to spine care
Research Domains
- Neurotrauma and recovery outcomes
- Effectiveness of spine treatments
- Socioeconomic drivers of surgical care
- Patient education tools and outreach
- Health literacy initiatives and equity research
Eligibility & Application Process
- Undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Interest in medicine or neuroscience
- U.S. work authorization
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcript
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty
Program Details
- Duration: August 2025 – May 2026
- Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
- Interviews for top candidates
- Final selection by July 2025
For more information and application details, please contact Dr. Ayesha Akbar Waheed at [email protected].
Neurological Surgery Residency Program
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery offers a seven-year (PGY 1-7) residency program that is internationally renowned as a training ground for exceptional neurosurgeons. Accredited by the UPMC Graduate Medical Education Council and the ACGME, our program develops future leaders in neurological surgery through exceptional clinical and scientific education.
Program Highlights
- Consistently ranked among top programs in the country
- High-volume surgical experience (9,000+ major procedures annually)
- Dedicated research time with mentorship
- State-of-the-art technologies and techniques
- Comprehensive subspecialty exposure
Training Facilities
- UPMC Presbyterian
- UPMC Shadyside
- UPMC Mercy
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Application Process
- Applications through ERAS and NRMP
- Annual application deadline: October 21
- Virtual interviews for selected candidates
- Four residents selected each year
Program Leadership
- Program Director: D. Kojo Hamilton, MD
- Associate Program Directors: L. Dade Lunsford, MD and Nitin Agarwal, MD
- Resident Education Director: David T. Fernandes Cabral, MD
For more information about the residency program, please contact Melissa Lukehart, GME academic manager, at 412-647-6777 or [email protected].