Rajiv Saigal

Rajiv Saigal, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). A neurosurgeon-scientist, he specializes in complex spine surgery for spinal cord injury, deformity, tumors, and neurotrauma. His research focuses on bioengineering approaches like polymer-based drug delivery, electrical stimulation, and spinal cord perfusion optimization. He chairs the North American Spine Society Section on Spinal Cord Injury and previously led the Neurosurgical Biomaterials and Engineering Lab at the University of Washington.

• Education:
  • Georgia Tech: B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering
  • Aalborg University: M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering
  • Tufts University: MD in Medicine
  • Harvard-MIT: PhD in Medical Engineering
  • UCSF: Neurosurgery Residency
  • Scripps/San Diego Spine Foundation: Spinal Deformity Fellowship
  • University of Miami: Minimally Invasive Spine Fellowship

Dr. Saigal’s research spans spinal cord injury, biomedical engineering, and minimally invasive spine surgery. His work includes 3D-printed microneedles for drug delivery, transcutaneous spinal stimulation for mobility recovery, and hemodynamic management in acute SCI. Key themes from his publications include neuroprotection, radiation therapy optimization, and biomaterials.

He has received awards like the Global Spine Congress Best Papers, Boldrey Young Investigator Award, and AOA. Research funding comes from the National Science Foundation, Washington Research Foundation, ITHS, and Whitaker Foundation. His clinical trials and collaborations address spinal oncology, trauma, and rehabilitation technologies.