Karin Swartz

Karin Swartz, MD, FAAN is a Professor and Assistant Dean at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), specializing in neurosurgery with fellowship training in spinal disorders. She completed her MD at Loyola University (1996), neurosurgery residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1996-2003), and spinal surgery fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2003-2004). Dr. Swartz focuses on spinal cord injury research and has held leadership roles in organizations like the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and North American Spine Society (NASS). Her teaching awards reflect her dedication to medical education. Recent research explores workforce sustainability in neurosurgery, pandemic impacts on clinical practice, and spinal injury mechanisms.

Research Interests: Spinal surgery innovations, spinal cord injury pathophysiology, healthcare workforce dynamics, neurosurgical education, and diversity in medical training. She actively investigates cytokine roles in spinal trauma and policy implications affecting neurosurgical practice.

Practice Affiliations: Froedtert Hospital and Zablocki VA Medical Center. Specializes in treating cervical/lumbar spine disorders, spinal tumors, and degenerative conditions with surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Grants & Awards: Multiple teaching awards (unspecified), involvement in national neurosurgical committees addressing workforce and policy issues.