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Spine Neurosurgeon | Professor & Vice-Chair for International Outreach | Director of Technology, Innovation, and Fellowship Programs | Northwestern University
Ali A. Baaj
Spine Neurosurgeon | Professor & Vice-Chair for International Outreach | Director of Spine Technology, Innovation & Fellowship Programs
Board-certified neurosurgeon with expertise in spinal tumors, degenerative disease, and scoliosis. Currently serving as Professor, Vice-Chair for International Outreach, and Director of Spine Technology, Innovation, and Fellowship Programs at Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine. Passionate about spine surgery education, global healthcare collaborations, and advancing surgical training through technology and innovation.
20+
Years in Medicine
38K+
LinkedIn Followers
5
Books Published
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About My Practice
About Me
Board-certified neurosurgeon with deep expertise in spinal tumors, degenerative spine disease, and scoliosis. With over 20 years in academic medicine, I have built a career at the intersection of surgical excellence, education, and global outreach. Currently serving at Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine as Professor, Vice-Chair for International Outreach, and Director of Spine Technology, Innovation, and Fellowship Programs. Author of 5 published books with two more in progress, and a passionate advocate for advancing spine surgery training through technology, robotics, and international collaboration.
Surgical Excellence
Delivering world-class neurosurgical care in spinal tumors, degenerative disease, and complex scoliosis cases
Education & Training
Shaping the next generation of spine surgeons through fellowship programs, symposia, and hands-on mentorship
Global Outreach
Championing international healthcare collaboration and treating patients who travel from across the world
Technology & Innovation
Blending robotic surgery, AI, and minimally invasive techniques to advance spine care and surgical outcomes
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine - MD - Boston University School of Medicine (2000 - 2004)
- Neurological Surgery Residency - University of South Florida (2005 - 2011)
- Complex Spine Fellowship - Johns Hopkins Medicine (2011 - 2012)
Professional Memberships
American Board of Neurological Surgery - Board Certified (2015)
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
Cervical Spine Research Society - Europe
Interurban Neurosurgical Society
Northwestern Department of Neurological Surgery
Client Feedback
Reviews & Testimonials
See what our clients have to say about their experience
5.0
Based on 6 reviews
5
6
4
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3
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2
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1
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Sarah Johnson
✓ Verified2 weeks ago
Service Quality
Excellent service! The staff was very professional and attentive. The overall experience exceeded my expectations.
Michael Chen
✓ Verified1 month ago
Staff Professionalism
Outstanding experience from start to finish. The team was knowledgeable, friendly, and made me feel comfortable throughout.
Emily Rodriguez
✓ Verified3 weeks ago
Service Quality
Highly recommend! The service was prompt, efficient, and the attention to detail was remarkable. Very satisfied!
David Thompson
✓ Verified2 months ago
Overall Experience
Professional, courteous, and efficient. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.
Lisa Anderson
✓ Verified1 week ago
Staff Professionalism
Amazing service! The team was responsive, professional, and truly cared about providing the best experience possible.
James Wilson
✓ Verified3 months ago
Service Quality
Top-notch service quality. Everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Would definitely recommend to others.
Sarah Johnson
✓ Verified2 weeks ago
Service Quality
Excellent service! The staff was very professional and attentive. The overall experience exceeded my expectations.
Michael Chen
✓ Verified1 month ago
Staff Professionalism
Outstanding experience from start to finish. The team was knowledgeable, friendly, and made me feel comfortable throughout.
Emily Rodriguez
✓ Verified3 weeks ago
Service Quality
Highly recommend! The service was prompt, efficient, and the attention to detail was remarkable. Very satisfied!
David Thompson
✓ Verified2 months ago
Overall Experience
Professional, courteous, and efficient. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.
Lisa Anderson
✓ Verified1 week ago
Staff Professionalism
Amazing service! The team was responsive, professional, and truly cared about providing the best experience possible.
James Wilson
✓ Verified3 months ago
Service Quality
Top-notch service quality. Everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Would definitely recommend to others.
Sarah Johnson
✓ Verified2 weeks ago
Service Quality
Excellent service! The staff was very professional and attentive. The overall experience exceeded my expectations.
Michael Chen
✓ Verified1 month ago
Staff Professionalism
Outstanding experience from start to finish. The team was knowledgeable, friendly, and made me feel comfortable throughout.
Emily Rodriguez
✓ Verified3 weeks ago
Service Quality
Highly recommend! The service was prompt, efficient, and the attention to detail was remarkable. Very satisfied!
David Thompson
✓ Verified2 months ago
Overall Experience
Professional, courteous, and efficient. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.
Lisa Anderson
✓ Verified1 week ago
Staff Professionalism
Amazing service! The team was responsive, professional, and truly cared about providing the best experience possible.
James Wilson
✓ Verified3 months ago
Service Quality
Top-notch service quality. Everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Would definitely recommend to others.
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Professional Experience
Career journey and professional roles
Director, Spine Technology, Innovation, and Fellowship Programs
Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jun 2025 - Present
Full-time
Directing spine technology, innovation, and fellowship programs at one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions. Overseeing domestic and international neurosurgical and orthopedic spine fellowship training.
10 mos
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jun 2025 - Present
Full-time
Full professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery, contributing to academic medicine, research, and surgical education at Northwestern University.
10 mos
Vice-Chair, International Outreach
Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jun 2025 - Present
Full-time
Championing Northwestern's world-class academic and clinical expertise globally, fostering international partnerships and providing neurosurgical care to patients traveling from around the world.
10 mos
Spine Neurosurgeon
Northwestern Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jun 2025 - Present
Full-time
Providing expert spine neurosurgical care including complex spinal tumor resection, degenerative spine surgery, scoliosis correction, and robotic-assisted procedures at Northwestern Medicine.
10 mos
Professor of Neurological Surgery
University of Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Jun 2023 - May 2025
Full-time
Served as full professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery, leading academic initiatives, surgical training, and clinical research in spine neurosurgery.
2 yrs
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
University of Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Oct 2020 - May 2023
Full-time
Served as associate professor contributing to academic neurosurgery, resident education, and clinical spine surgery program development.
2 yrs 8 mos
Chief of Spine Surgery
Banner Health
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Oct 2020 - May 2025
Full-time
Led the spine surgery division at Banner Health, overseeing clinical operations, quality outcomes, surgical program development, and multidisciplinary spine care delivery.
4 yrs 8 mos
Associate Professor
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, USA
Aug 2015 - Aug 2020
Full-time
Contributed to academic neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, engaging in clinical spine surgery, resident and fellow education, and research initiatives.
5 yrs 1 mo
Assistant Professor
University of Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Jul 2012 - May 2015
Full-time
Joined the University of Arizona faculty as assistant professor in neurological surgery, building the spine surgery program and contributing to academic and clinical missions.
2 yrs 11 mos
Complex Spine Fellow
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Jul 2011 - Jun 2012
Full-time
Completed advanced subspecialty fellowship training in complex spine surgery at one of the world's most prestigious academic medical institutions.
1 yr
Resident Physician - Neurological Surgery
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, USA
Jul 2005 - Jun 2011
Full-time
Completed neurological surgery residency training with comprehensive exposure to neurosurgical subspecialties including spine, trauma, tumor, and vascular neurosurgery.
6 yrs
Professional Certifications
Continuing education and specialized training certifications
Certification in Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Nov 2015 - Present
Core Competencies
Expertise and specialized skills in occupational therapy
Surgical Expertise
Spine SurgerySpinal Tumor ResectionDegenerative Spine DiseaseScoliosis CorrectionRobotic Spine SurgeryMinimally Invasive SurgerySpinal Cord Injury ManagementComplex Spine Reconstruction
Academic & Education
Medical EducationFellowship Program DirectionSurgical TrainingResearchClinical ResearchAcademic PublishingCurriculum Development
Leadership & Management
Healthcare ManagementSpine Service Line DevelopmentClinical OperationsHealthcare LeadershipStartupsAdvisory Boards
Global & Clinical
International OutreachGlobal Healthcare CollaborationPatient SafetyPublic HealthHospitalsHealthcare Information Technology (HIT)
Awards & Honors
Recognition for academic excellence and professional achievements
5 Published Medical Books
Various Academic Publishers
2012 - Present
Authored five medical books in neurosurgery and spine surgery, with two additional books currently in progress.
Invited Speaker - Cervical Spine Research Society Europe
Cervical Spine Research Society - Europe
2026
Honored with an invitation to speak at the prestigious annual meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society in London.
Invited Speaker - Interurban Neurosurgical Society
Interurban Neurosurgical Society
2026
Selected to present at the annual Interurban Neurosurgical Society meeting in Chicago alongside distinguished colleagues from Barrow, Mayo Clinic, and Veterans Administration.
Invited Speaker - MENA Spine Congress
MENA Spine Congress
2025
Invited to speak at the MENA Spine Congress in Dubai, representing Northwestern Medicine's international academic presence.
Board Certification in Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgery
2015
Achieved board certification in neurological surgery, recognizing advanced competency and excellence in the field.
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