New Chief Named to Lead Division of Spinal Surgery for Pitt and UPMC

Joon Y. Lee, MD, has been appointed as the new chief of the spinal surgery division for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Lee is an accomplished orthopaedic surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine surgery. He performs spinal surgery using advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies, including minimally invasive spine surgery, disc replacement, and microsurgical decompression.

Currently, Dr. Lee serves as the executive director of both the the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC) and the BMRC BioBank, and as medical director of the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research – underscoring his significant contributions to research infrastructure and scientific innovation at UPMC.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cell biology in 1993, Dr. Lee received his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine in 1998. Following medical school, he completed a general surgery internship at the University of Pittsburgh, an orthopaedic research fellowship, and an orthopaedic surgery residency under the late Freddie Fu, MD. He then pursued advanced subspecialty training in spine surgery through a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University’s Rothman Institute.

Dr. Lee is dedicated to training the next generation of spine surgeons. He holds multiple teaching appointments, including the Orland Bethel Endowed Professorship, and serves as an instructor for the Orthopaedic Surgery Spine Surgery Fellowship Program, providing direct education to medical students, residents, and fellows through conferences, surgical labs, clinical teaching, and operative training.

Dr. Lee will replace William F. Donaldson, MD, who previously served as chief of the spinal surgery division. Dr. Donaldson will serve as Senior Executive Vice Chair of the Division of Spinal Surgery and Director of the Spine Fellowship, ensuring continuity and ongoing excellence in education and clinical leadership.