By Alison Trinidad

USC has recruited renowned spine surgeon Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, to join its faculty as co-director of the USC Spine Center, a multidisciplinary program offering comprehensive services for spinal disorders.

An international leader in spine care with expertise in the surgical treatment of all neck and back disorders, Wang joined Keck Medicine of USC on Sept. 1 as chief of orthopaedic spine surgery at the Keck Medical Center and professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

“Jeff is an excellent clinician and a leading researcher in enhancing the biology of spinal fusion,” said Jay R. Lieberman, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Keck School. “He has the experience and expertise to take the USC Spine Center to the next level of excellence. We’re pleased he has become part of our team.”

Wang, formerly chief of the orthopaedic spine service, vice chairman of clinical operations, and professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery at UCLA, brings with him a basic science laboratory of 15 people researching new methods for treating spinal disorders such as gene therapy and tissue regeneration. Wang has published nearly 300 articles, book chapters and abstracts and given more than 700 presentations worldwide.

“USC’s faculty physicians are breaking new ground in medicine, both in the laboratory and at the patient’s bedside,” said Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, dean of the Keck School. “As a surgeon Dr. Wang helps patients in the here and now. As a scientist, he is helping patients of the future.”

Wang co-directs the USC Spine Center with John C. Liu, MD, professor of neurosurgery at the Keck School. Together, they focus on making care as seamless as possible for patients. The center provides diagnostic testing, pain management, psychological counseling, physical and occupational therapy, and a variety of surgical procedures such as microdiscectomy, cervical and lumbar spine fusion, and artificial disc replacement.

“Health-care costs are always a concern, but with innovators like Dr. Wang on board, Keck Medicine of USC is poised to achieve new heights as the country faces a historic shift in how health care is provided,” said Tom Jackiewicz, MPH, senior vice president and CEO of USC Health.

“The treatment of neck and back disorders — specifically spine — is an important and rapidly growing service line for our organization,” said Scott Evans, PharmD, MHA, CEO of Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. “We’ve seen a lot of growth in this area recently, but we can do so much more for our patents. I’m confident Dr. Wang’s expertise will allow us to take this program to a new level, ultimately benefitting our patients.”

Wang holds numerous leadership roles in national medical organizations including the North American Spine Society, Cervical Spine Research Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Wang received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University in 1987 and his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at UCLA and a fellowship in spine surgery at Case Western Reserve University. He is board certified in orthopaedic surgery.