Meet Michael Safaee, MD 

Dr. Safaee is a neurosurgeon specializing in treating spinal disorders at Keck Medicine of USC. 

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. 

Challenging cases inspire him. 

“I chose to become a surgeon because I wanted to help people in their time of need. The most rewarding part of my job is using my training to help high-risk patients with complex conditions and have a positive effect on their lives.” 

He values strong communication with his patients. 

“I would describe my bedside manner as honest and open-minded. My job is to provide patients with a firm understanding of their condition and help them select the best treatment option that aligns with their needs and goals.” 

He’s excited about the progress made in spinal surgery. 

“When it comes to the most influential or impactful advancements in my field, it’s a very long list. I am fortunate to practice in an era where spine surgery is the safest it has ever been.  

Intraoperative neuromonitoring allows us to ensure the spinal cord is safe during complex deformity corrections. Intraoperative imaging allows us to place implants in very abnormal spines, and contemporary implant technologies allow us to plan our realignment strategies ahead of time. You would never build a house without blueprints, so I believe in planning high-risk deformity surgeries ahead of time just like an architect designing a home.  

But to be clear, there is no substitute for the fundamentals of medicine: listening to your patients and using traditional surgical techniques that have stood the test of time.”  

The innovation he still hopes to see: 

“The medical breakthrough I hope to see become a reality in my lifetime would be motion preservation for patients with complex spinal deformities.” 

In addition to his patient care, he’s also a researcher. 

“My team and I are studying biological age, which is different than chronological age, and its effect on spinal aging and surgical outcomes. We are also looking at the paraspinal muscles as an unrecognized part of the equation in the treatment of spinal disorders.”  

He’s passionate about academic medicine. 

“I chose to work at an academic medical center because of the opportunity to treat complex patients and contribute to the education of future surgeons.” 

His advice for medical students: 

“Spine surgery is incredible rewarding, but I would tell aspiring medical professionals that this field isn’t for everyone. It requires absolute ownership and commitment to your craft and, most importantly, your patients.”  

What sets Keck Medicine apart? 

“I enjoy working with outstanding colleagues who are always willing to collaborate on complex cases. I appreciate that, as an institution, we are always willing to take on the most challenging cases, particularly patients who have undergone multiple surgeries and still need help that frequently involves multidisciplinary care. I am fortunate to work with the best surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical technicians and staff in the region. I am very fortunate to work with such a passionate and dedicated team.” 

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