Rajiv Saigal, MD

Rajiv Saigal, MD, PhD, FAANS, joined the neurosurgery team at Washington Township Medical Foundation and the Bell Neuroscience Institute in July 2021. He is also an Associate Professor and neurosurgeon-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Saigal’s education and training include Georgia Tech, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Miami, and the Scripps/San Diego Spine Foundation. Before joining Washington Township Medical Foundation, he was an Assistant Professor and neurosurgeon-scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Saigal specializes in minimally invasive treatments for spinal deformities, spinal tumors, spinal cord injuries, and other complex neurological and spinal conditions. His research has been widely published in national and international medical journals, with a focus on advances in neurosurgery and patient care. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his research, teaching, and scholarship.

Dr. Saigal believes in working closely with patients to develop treatment plans that reflect their individual needs and goals. He emphasizes that every patient is different and that treatment should take into account each person’s values, beliefs, preferences, and goals.

He also emphasizes the importance of quality of life, with a focus on restoring function and helping patients maintain their overall well-being, whether they are being treated for a curable or serious illness. His approach to patient care is also shaped by personal experiences with family members who have undergone cancer treatment.

A New Orleans native and father of three, Dr. Saigal enjoys spending time with his family. He is proud to be part of the Bell Neuroscience Institute team and its commitment to providing high-quality neurological and neurosurgical care.

Your Back Pain: Is Surgery Necessary? Dr. Rajiv Saigal, Neurosurgeon, Spine

Most people have back pain sometime in their life but relatively few need surgery. Dr. Saigal explains when surgery is needed when it isn’t and why.

Work Experience

University of Washington (8/2016-6/2021)

• Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
• Adjunct Assistant Professor of Bioengineering

Post-graduate training

University of Miami (1/2016-6/2016)

• Neurosurgery Spine Fellowship

Scripps, San Diego Spine Foundation (7/2015-1/2016)

• Orthopedic Spine Deformity Fellowship

University of California San Francisco (6/2009-6/2015)

• Neurosurgery Internship & Residency

Residency

• 2015 Rosegay Resident Teaching Award
• 2014 Best Research Presentation, Neurosurgery Resident Research Day
• 2014 Invited Keynote Speaker, Georgia Tech President Scholars Weekend
• 2013 Boldrey Young Investigator Award, San Francisco Neurological Society
• 2012 Best Clinical Research Presentation, Neurosurgery Resident Research Day