Professor at Duke University, United States
Dr. Peter G. Passias is a leading academic spine surgeon and clinical researcher specializing in adult spinal deformity and cervical spine disorders. Based at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, he has developed an international reputation for advancing surgical strategies that improve patient outcomes while reducing risks and healthcare costs. His career is marked by over 400 peer-reviewed publications, extensive participation in multicenter collaborative studies, and pioneering efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence and algorithmic frameworks into surgical planning. He serves on the editorial boards of top-tier journals including The Spine Journal and Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, shaping the direction of global spine research. Beyond his clinical and research impact, Dr. Passias has contributed significantly to training the next generation of spine surgeons and researchers worldwide. His combination of leadership, innovation, and translational research places him at the forefront of adult spinal deformity care and scientific advancement.
Professional Profile
ORCID | Scopus
Education
Dr. Passias’ educational background reflects a rigorous combination of clinical training and academic development that underpins his research excellence. He completed his medical education and advanced residency in orthopedic surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine, followed by fellowship training in complex spinal surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School program. His education was augmented by continued scholarly training in biomechanics, surgical innovation, and translational science, equipping him with the expertise to approach spinal deformity from multiple perspectives. Over time, he has further enhanced his academic profile with advanced research engagements, including NIH-supported projects that integrate computational models, biomechanics, and biologics into spinal reconstruction. This combination of strong surgical foundation, research acumen, and exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration during his formative years laid the groundwork for his leadership role at NYU Langone and his international recognition as one of the foremost researchers in adult spinal deformity surgery.
Experience
Dr. Passias currently serves as Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. His professional experience includes leading complex adult spinal deformity surgeries, overseeing NIH- and industry-funded clinical trials, and mentoring research fellows and residents. Previously, he trained and practiced at premier institutions including Tufts Medical Center and Harvard-affiliated hospitals, gaining expertise in complex spine care. He has also held visiting professorships and delivered invited lectures internationally, reinforcing his global reputation. Beyond direct clinical practice, he has spearheaded multicenter research collaborations across North America and Europe, tackling challenges such as revision risk, perioperative complications, alignment optimization, and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Passias has combined academic leadership with clinical innovation, driving advancements in surgical planning, biologic therapies, and AI integration. His career reflects a balanced contribution across patient care, translational science, academic publishing, and mentorship, making him a leading authority in adult spinal deformity research.
Research Focus
Dr. Passias’ research focuses on advancing surgical strategies and improving patient outcomes in adult spinal deformity and cervical deformity surgery. His work integrates biomechanics, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and biologics to address key challenges such as surgical alignment, cost-effectiveness, and revision risk. A core aspect of his research involves quantifying spinal parameters to develop patient-specific surgical planning models, including AI-driven decision support systems. He has pioneered multicenter studies evaluating outcomes, complications, and realignment goals across diverse populations, providing evidence that directly informs surgical guidelines. Recently, he has explored the role of biologics and regenerative strategies in enhancing fusion and recovery. His work also emphasizes healthcare value, using cost-utility frameworks to ensure that surgical innovations translate to sustainable clinical practice. Overall, his research trajectory is both innovative and translational, bridging the gap between advanced science and practical solutions that improve long-term outcomes for patients with complex spinal deformities.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Passias’ distinguished career has been recognized through numerous national and international awards. He has received multiple nominations for the prestigious Whitecloud Award, honoring excellence in spinal deformity research, and the Hibbs Award from the Scoliosis Research Society for his innovative contributions. The North American Spine Society (NASS) has acknowledged his work with Value Awards for studies linking surgical strategies with improved cost-effectiveness. His role as principal investigator on NIH-funded research further underscores his standing as a leading academic surgeon-scientist. Beyond research accolades, he has been invited as a keynote speaker and visiting professor at international conferences, reflecting global recognition of his expertise. His editorial leadership on journals such as The Spine Journal and Artificial Intelligence Surgery highlights his influence in shaping the future of spine research. Collectively, these awards and honors demonstrate not only his personal achievement but also his enduring impact on advancing the field of adult spinal deformity.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ASD Treatment
Journal: North American Spine Society Journal (NASSJ).
Contributors: Kyriakos D. Chatzis; Peter Tretiakov; Peter G. Passias
Summary: Showcases AI-driven predictive tools in adult spinal deformity treatment, supporting better alignment planning and lowering risks of complications.
Title: Proximal Junctional Kyphosis and Failure Prophylaxis Improves Cost Efficacy, While Maintaining Optimal Alignment, in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Journal: Neurosurgery.
Contributors: Peter G. Passias; Oscar Krol; Tyler K. Williamson; Claudia Bennett-Caso; Justin S. Smith; Bassel Diebo; Virginie Lafage; Renaud Lafage; Breton Line; Alan H. Daniels et al.
Summary: Demonstrates that targeted prophylaxis reduces failure rates in adult spinal deformity surgery, achieving cost savings while preserving spinal alignment.
Title: Are we Getting Better at Achieving Optimal Lumbar Segmental Sagittal Alignment in Complex Adult Spine Deformity Surgery?
Journal: Spine.
Contributors: Peter G. Passias; Oluwatobi O. Onafowokan; Renaud Lafage; Justin Smith; Kojo D. Hamilton; Andrew J. Schoenfeld; Anthony Yung; Max R. Fisher; Bassel Diebo; Alan H. Daniels et al.
Summary: Evaluates progress in lumbar segmental alignment, highlighting improved surgical precision but ongoing challenges in complex cases.
Title: Cause and Effect of Revisions in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Multicenter Study on Outcomes Based on Etiology
Journal: The Spine Journal.
Contributors: Peter G. Passias; Pooja Dave; Justin S. Smith; Renaud Lafage; Oluwatobi O. Onafowokan; Peter Tretiakov; Jamshaid Mir; Breton Line; Bassel Diebo; Alan H. Daniels et al.
Summary: Multicenter study identifies underlying causes of revision surgeries and links them to outcome variability, guiding prevention strategies.
Title: Spinal Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Features, Clinical Management, and Surgical Outcomes
Journal: World Neurosurgery.
Contributors: Kishore Balasubramanian; Abdurrahman F. Kharbat; Francisco Call-Orellana; Sruthi Ranganathan; Romulo A. A. de Almeida; Kiran Sankarappan; Nitin Agrawal; Steven Hwang; Peter Passias; Angela Downes et al.
Summary: Reviews clinical and surgical management of this rare spinal condition, standardizing diagnostic markers and outcomes.
Title: Optimizing TLIF Approach Selection: An Algorithmic Framework with Illustrative Cases
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Contributors: Alyssa M. Bartlett; Summer Shabana; Caroline C. Folz; Mounica Paturu; Christopher I. Shaffrey; Parastou Quist; Olumide Danisa; Khoi D. Than; Peter Passias; Muhammad M. Abd-El-Barr
Summary: Proposes an algorithmic framework for TLIF approach selection, improving decision-making in patient-specific spine surgery.
Title: Quantifying the Importance of Upper Cervical Extension Reserve in Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery and Its Impact on Baseline Presentation and Outcomes
Journal: Neurosurgery.
Contributors: Peter G. Passias; Jamshaid M. Mir; Andrew J. Schoenfeld; Anthony Yung; Justin S. Smith; Virginie Lafage; Renaud Lafage; Bassel Diebo; Alan H. Daniels; Breton G. Line et al.
Summary: Highlights the predictive value of cervical extension reserve for surgical outcomes, informing preoperative assessment.
Title: Have We Made Advancements in Optimizing Surgical Outcomes and Enhancing Recovery for Patients With High-Risk Adult Spinal Deformity Over Time?
Journal: Operative Neurosurgery.
Contributors: Peter G. Passias; Lara Passfall; Peter S. Tretiakov; Ankita Das; Oluwatobi O. Onafowokan; Justin S. Smith; Virginie Lafage; Renaud Lafage; Breton Line; Jeffrey Gum et al.
Summary: Longitudinal study showing improved recovery trends in high-risk deformity patients through refined surgical protocols.
Conclusion
Dr. Peter G. Passias is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional research record, leadership in both clinical and academic settings, and pioneering integration of biomechanics, biologics, and AI into spinal deformity surgery underscore his position at the forefront of the field. Continued emphasis on investigator-driven trials, interdisciplinary applications, and policy engagement could further amplify his impact. Nonetheless, his sustained excellence and global recognition make him a strong and deserving nominee for this award.
