Zachary J. Tempel, MD, graduated summa cum laude from Miami University in 2006 with degrees in zoology and french. In 2010, he received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. During medical school, Dr. Tempel was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha as a junior. Additionally, he was awarded the inaugural Julius M. Goodman scholarship for excellence in neurological surgery.

As a senior medical student, Dr. Tempel was selected as a Pittman Surgical Scholar for academic achievement in surgery.

During his PGY-5 and PGY-6 years, Dr. Tempel will complete an enfolded spine fellowship focusing on minimally invasive techniques and complex spinal deformity under the direction of Adam Kanter, MD, and David Okonkwo, MD, PhD.

Dr. Tempel—born and raised in Indianapolis, Ind.—is married to Claire Tempel, an audiologist at UPMC and enjoys traveling, scuba diving, soccer and other outdoor activities.

Dr. Tempel's publications can be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.

Specialized Areas of Interest

Minimally invasive spine surgery; scoliosis and complex spinal deformity; outcome measures and cost-effectiveness in spine surgery; traumatic brain injury and concussions.

Professional Organization Membership

Alpha Omega Alpha
American Association of Neurological Surgeons 
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Society of Lateral Access Surgery

Honors and Awards

Runner-up Presentation Award, Stuart Rowe Research Day, 2014 
Inaugural Julius M. Goodman Award in Neurosurgery 2010
Pittmann Surgical Scholarship 2010
BT Maxam Scholarship, 2009
Class of 1961 William K. Nasser Scholarship, 2008
Joseph, Samuel and Donald Ferrara Scholarship, 2007
ED Johns Fellowship, 2007
Summa Cum Laude, Miami University, 2005
W.R. Krickenberger Memorial Scholarship
William Marion Miller French Scholarship
L.H. Skinner Memorial French Award
Culler Physics Award