Hi my name is Christopher Mikhail.

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with the sole focus on treating disorders of the spine. My clinical focus and expertise is based on optimizing spinal alignment, with a preference for motion preservation in appropriate cases. I currently focus on performing surgeries for complex deformity from chin-on-chest (drophead) to scoliosis and kyphosis, while also performing disc replacement and minimally invasive decompressions. I am also focused on optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing blood loss. I use the most advanced technology for preoperative surgical planning with artificial intelligence, to execute surgical plans with the highest accuracy. And I always prefer minimally invasive techniques in the appropriate setting to decrease tissue trauma, post operative pain and optimize quicker recoveries

In addition to clinical practice, I currently serves as the director of spine education for the orthopedic residency and a clinical instructor for the spine fellowship here at Cedars, I have a passion for research and actively publish ongoing research in peer reviewed journals of both Orthopedic and Neurosurgery. I also serve on the Grant proposal committee for the Scoliosis Research Society (the premier spinal deformity organization). I have also written a number of textbook chapters, including techniques in spine surgery and operating room design and efficiency to enhance use of robotics and navigation. My current research focus is alignment, biomechanics and long-term outcomes with current disc replacement designs (specifically the diagnosis and treatment of infections). I also am working on improving communication with patients peri-operatively via automated text messaging systems to enhance patient access to, understanding, and compliance with post operative instructions.

Prior to coming to Cedars Sinai, I earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. I went to medical school at Rush University Medical College, where I received numerous merit-based scholarships, and a nomination to the prestigious medical honor society AOA, and received the Arthur Dean Beven award for excellence in Surgery. During this time I began my clinical research journey at the UC San Francisco Orthopedics Department. I then completed residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. And finally, I did my spine fellowship at the world- renowned combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgical spine fellowship under the tutelage of Lawrence Lenke and Daniel K Riew at the Och Spine Hospital at New York Presbyterian at Columbia University, and Weill Cornell Medical Center. While there, I served as Assistant Attending Physician of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University and Assistant Attending Physician of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine.

On my free time I love to cook for my family and friends, oil painting, road cycling, and spend time traveling with my wife and baby daughter.