Dr. J. Patrick Johnson on the Future of Surgery at Global Health Exhibition

Dr. J. Patrick Johnson, Director of Neurosurgery Spine and Professor of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, recently spoke at the Digital Health Forum during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His session, “The Digital Surgeon: How Technology is Transforming Surgery,” explored the impact of emerging tools such as AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) on surgical precision and training.

Dr. Johnson discussed how AI-assisted robotics and immersive simulation are reshaping surgical planning, reducing risk, and accelerating recovery times. The presentation also examined how real-time AR overlays can enhance visualization during complex procedures and how next-generation training programs will prepare surgeons for these new realities.

“Technology doesn’t replace experience or judgment—it enhances it,” Dr. Johnson said. “The key is integrating these tools thoughtfully so that they elevate both the surgeon and the outcome.”

The Global Health Exhibition’s Digital Health Forum brought together international leaders in medicine, research, and innovation to examine how digital systems are redefining patient care worldwide. Dr. Johnson’s participation reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing the science and practice of spine surgery on a global scale.

Event: Global Health Exhibition – Digital Health Forum
Session: The Digital Surgeon: How Technology is Transforming Surgery
Date: Held October 28, 2025
Location: Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Seattle Science Foundation’s 10th Annual “Everything Cool in Spine Surgery” Robotics Course will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Seattle, WA. This year’s program is uniquely guided by leadership from the Spine Institute Foundation. Course Co-Chairs Drs. J. Patrick Johnson, Terrence T. Kim, and Doniel Drazin are not only renowned educators and surgeons but also Directors of the Spine Institute Foundation. Their dual roles bring a unified vision: bridging SIF’s mission of advancing research, innovation, and physician education with SSF’s role as a global hub for surgical training. The result is a program shaped by leaders working across two of the most influential organizations in spine care.

Course Co-Chairs

• J. Patrick Johnson, MD — President & CEO, Spine Institute Foundation; Director, Neurosurgery Spine Fellowship Program, Cedars-Sinai
• Terrence T. Kim, MD — Director of Education, Spine Fellowship Training Program, Spine Institute Foundation; Director of Education and Fellowship, Cedars-Sinai
• Doniel Drazin, MD — Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Spine Institute Foundation; EvergreenHealth, Kirkland, WA
• Jens R. Chapman, MD — Complex Spine Surgeon, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA

With three of the four faculty also serving as Spine Institute Foundation leaders, the Robotics Course embodies a shared mission: bridging SIF’s commitment to advancing research, technology, and education with SSF’s global platform for hands-on surgical training.

What to Expect

• Live surgical demonstrations
• Hands-on robotics and navigation showcase
• Interactive Q&A with faculty
• Debates on guidelines and controversies in spine surgery
• 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available

Who Should Attend

Neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, fellows, residents, and allied healthcare professionals interested in the latest advancements in robotics, navigation, and minimally invasive spine techniques.

When & Where

📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025
📍 Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA
💻 Hybrid format — attend in person or virtually

Registration

Learn more and register here → https://ssf.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=1554

May 3rd marks World Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Day, promoted by the Spondylitis Association of America to raise awareness of this serious, often misunderstood condition.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae. It can also impact other joints, including the hips, knees, and shoulders, and can lead to inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Over time, the body’s response to this inflammation can cause new bone formation, which may eventually result in the fusion of the spine and loss of mobility.

AS typically begins in young adulthood, is more common in men than women, and often runs in families. Symptoms may include:

• Back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Pain and stiffness in other joints
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Eye inflammation

There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but a combination of medication, physical therapy, and—when necessary—surgical intervention can help manage symptoms and preserve quality of life. Early diagnosis is critical to slowing disease progression and maintaining mobility.

On Ankylosing Spondylitis Day, we recognize the individuals living with AS, the ongoing need for early diagnosis, and the advances in treatment that offer hope for a better quality of life.

If you are experiencing persistent back pain or stiffness that improves with activity, speak to your healthcare provider. Early intervention can make a lasting difference.

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J. Patrick Johnson, MD is a renowned neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders and has served as the Director of the Institute for Spinal Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center since 2001 and previously as the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center from 1993-2001.

Dr. Johnson coauthored Introduction. Ankylosing spondylitis, along with Doniel Drazin, MD, Tiffany Perry, MD, Michael Y. Wang, MD, Jens R. Chapman, MD, and Bernhard Meyer, MD. The article appeared in Neurosurgical Focus, published by the Journal of Neurosurgery, the official journal of the AANS.

This article is offered as informational only and not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

We’re proud to share that Dr. J. Patrick Johnson has once again been recognized on both Super Doctors and Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists for 2025.

Dr. Johnson has been selected for Super Doctors every year since 2008 and Top Doctors since 2006, making him one of the most consistently honored physicians in his field.

Each year, Super Doctors identifies top physicians through peer nominations and independent research conducted by MSP Communications. Inclusion is based on professional achievement and recognition within the medical community—doctors cannot pay to be listed.

Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Doctors” list highlights the most highly recommended physicians in the region. Based on peer surveys and thorough vetting, the list ensures that only the most qualified doctors are recognized.

Dr. Johnson’s continued presence on these prestigious lists reflects his dedication to spinal surgery, innovative techniques, and exceptional patient care. As a leading neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders, he has served as the Director of the Institute for Spinal Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center since 2001. He was previously the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center from 1993 to 2001.

His commitment to advancing minimally invasive spinal surgery and improving patient outcomes continues to make an impact. Congratulations, Dr. Johnson, on another well-earned recognition!

The season may be over—but player safety is a year-round priority in the NFL.

Dr. J. Patrick Johnson has been a key figure in these initiatives, serving as an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) on NFL sidelines. A UNC is a neutral doctor who helps identify and diagnose concussions for NFL players during games. They work with team physicians to ensure player safety. In this role, he collaborates with experts like Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer, to monitor and manage head injuries during games.

Dr. Sills has provided insights into the responsibilities of UNCs, emphasizing their critical role in real-time concussion assessment and management. Their work is essential in implementing the NFL’s concussion protocols, designed to prioritize player health and safety.

Dr. Johnson’s dedication to player welfare is evident through his active participation in these programs. His expertise contributes significantly to the NFL’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for its athletes.

For a deeper understanding of the role of UNCs and the NFL’s medical protocols, you can watch Dr. Allen Sills discuss these topics in detail on X:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1885387574522400885

Dr. J. Patrick Johnson delivered a keynote lecture at NYC-MISS 2024, held December 13-14 at Weill Cornell Medicine Neurosurgery in New York City. His presentation focused on cervical degenerative diseases treated with advanced 3- and 4-level cervical artificial disc replacement techniques, underscoring the latest innovations in spine surgery. This year’s program featured a comprehensive mix of didactic sessions, case-based discussions, and hands-on workshops. Participants practiced techniques using state-of-the-art simulation models and cadavers, with a focus on technologies such as augmented reality, robotics, and 3D navigation. The course highlighted the six “T’s” of minimally invasive spine surgery: Target, Technology, Technique, Training, Testing, and Talent, aimed at equipping surgeons with the skills necessary to integrate these advanced approaches into their practices.

Dr. Johnson was part of an esteemed faculty of international leaders in spine surgery, contributing his expertise to this influential event that advanced the future of MISS.

NYC-MISS, recognized as one of the leading annual courses on minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), brings together international experts, practicing neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, fellows, and residents. The course is directed by Dr. Roger Härtl, the Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, alongside co-director Dr. Luiz Pimenta, Clinical Director of the Instituto de Patologia da Coluna in Brazil and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of California San Diego.