Although spine surgery remains an area where women are underrepresented, there are several who are serving as mentors and leaders for their peers.
Here are five female spine surgeons to know in alphabetical order:
Editor’s note: This is not a list of top surgeons but a list highlighting professional accomplishments. Becker’s does not endorse surgeons featured on this list. To nominate a surgeon for future lists, please contact Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com.
Rachel Bratescu, MD: Dr. Bratescu is a spine surgeon with GW Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, D.C. She was also the first female spine surgeon at New York City-based Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian. During her time at Och Spine she did research with Roger Härtl, MD, that found women comprised 4% of orthopedic spine surgeons and 9% of neurosurgeons in the academic setting.
Serena Hu, MD: Dr. Hu is a spine surgeon at Stanford (Calif.) University. She serves as vice chair of the orthopedic surgery division and chief of the division of spine surgery. She has more than 145 peer-reviewed articles and has been awarded multiple research grants.
Lauren Matteini, MD: Dr. Matteini is a spine surgeon with Elgin, Ill.-based Fox Valley Orthopedics. In 2020 she developed the Boss Lady Docs community which connects female physicians across all specialties. She specializes in all aspects of spine care including nerve impingement, disc herniation and stenosis.
Karin Swartz, MD: Dr. Swartz is a neurosurgeon at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She has specialty training in spine surgery and has been involved in spinal cord injury research. Dr. Swartz is involved with the North American Spine Society as Health Policy & Advocacy Council Director.
Xiaofei (Sophie) Zhou, MD: Dr. Zhou is a spinal neurosurgeon at University Hospitals in Cleveland. She has dual training in spine and neurocritical care, allowing her to see patients both in the ICU and operating room. Dr. Zhou performed University Hospital’s first endoscopic spine surgery in 2025, and she’s the associate program director of the neurosurgical residency at UH.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
