Neel P. Shah, M.D., is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive surgery of the back and neck. Although qualified to perform the most complex spine surgeries, Dr. Shah’s philosophy may be summed up in three words: “Less is more.” His goal is to use the least-invasive treatment possible for the maximum benefit.

In 2020, Dr. Shah was chosen to join the DISC team of elite physicians following his post-fellowship work at the renowned Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine orthopedic surgery program, in New York. There, he held concurrent positions as attending physician and assistant professor at the university hospital and medical college, respectively. His research focused on comparing the efficacy of various non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques for treating spine disorders.

In 2017, Dr. Shah received the Doctor’s Choice Award. His work has been published in professional journals and presented at international medical meetings. He has also authored chapters about isthmic spondylolisthesis and sub-laminar surgery techniques for spine surgery textbooks.

Dr. Shah’s career began with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois. This strong foundation in engineering principles, practices and technology has given him an exceptionally deep understanding of the devices used in spine surgery. During his senior year, he received the Margaret and Muir Frey Memorial Prize for innovation and creativity.

After college, Dr. Shah’s focus shifted to the possible applications of that technology for better patient care. At the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, in Brooklyn, he found his niche in orthopedic surgery. At graduation, he was awarded the Christopher Pavlides, MD Memorial Award in recognition of being the top fourth-year medical student entering orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Shah continued his orthopedic surgery training with a residency at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School, in Newark. There, medical students nominated him for a Golden Apple, an award given to residents who exhibit excellent teaching and mentoring.

Immediately following his residency, Dr. Shah was selected for the coveted spine surgery fellowship offered at New England Baptist Hospital, in Boston. This highly competitive program provides advanced combined training in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and physical medicine disciplines.

Dr. Shah comes from a family devoted to the healing arts. His mother is a physician and his wife, Puja Shah, M.D., is board certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. She, too, is a valued member of the DISC physician team.

Though born and raised on the East Coast, Dr. Shah fully appreciates the year-round, active Southern California lifestyle. When he isn’t busy returning his patients to top shape, Dr. Shah makes time for a variety of outdoor fitness activities. He especially likes skiing double black-diamond runs and riding the waves at our local beaches. Dr. Shah and his wife enjoy traveling together and walking along the beach with their Australian Shepherd, Bodhi.

Advanced Specialty Training

• Cervical Disk Replacement Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) Surgery

Professional Affiliations

• Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Fellow, North American Spine Society

Undergraduate
Northwestern University

Medical
SUNY Downstate, College of Medicine

Residency
Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School

Spine Surgery Fellowship
New England Baptist Hospital