Lee A. Tan

Lee A. Tan, MD, is Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, specializing in complex spinal disorders, deformities, and minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery. He holds dual neurosurgical and orthopedic spine training, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to patient care.

Education & Training

• MD, Indiana University School of Medicine, 2010
• Residency, Neurological Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 2016
• Fellowship, Adult & Pediatric Comprehensive Spine Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 2017
• B.S. Electrical Engineering, Purdue University

Research Focus

Dr. Tan’s research encompasses spinal biomechanics, motion-preservation techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, and clinical outcomes in spinal deformity. His work aims to refine surgical techniques, improve patient safety, and enhance postoperative quality of life through evidence-based innovation.

Publications Trend

Recent publications emphasize predictive modeling for cervical spine fusion outcomes, novel osteotomy techniques, and systematic reviews on complications such as C5 palsy and proximal junctional kyphosis. Operative videos illustrate cutting-edge minimally invasive approaches, while biomechanical studies validate instrumentation strategies.

Professional Memberships

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons
• North American Spine Society

Clinical Practice

He treats scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical and lumbar disc herniations, stenosis, and OPLL, employing both minimally invasive and open techniques. His practice locations include UCSF Parnassus and affiliated hospitals.

Laboratory & Teams

Dr. Tan collaborates within the UCSF Spine Center, integrating multidisciplinary teams of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and researchers to advance translational spine care.