Rajiv Saigal, MD,PhD,FAANS

About Dr. Saigal

Rajiv Saigal, M.D., PhD, FAANS, joined the neurosurgery team at Washington Township Medical Foundation and the Bell Neuroscience Institute in July, 2021. In addition, he is an associate professor and neurosurgeon-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco. He is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

His extraordinary experience includes training at Georgia Tech, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Miami, Scripps/San Diego Spine Foundation and more. He was previously an assistant professor and neurosurgeon-scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle. His work has been widely published in a variety of national and international publications, each focused on the latest in neurosurgery advancements and research.

The highly respected surgeon specializes in minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of spinal deformities, spinal tumors, spinal cord injuries, neurotraumas and more. He has received several awards and recognition for research, teaching, and scholarship, and has a wonderful reputation for patient-centric care.

“It’s my philosophy to create an active partnership with patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes,” Dr. Saigal said. “No two patients are alike, and each deserves a personalized treatment plan. Everyone on our team has an approach that respects each person’s culture, belief system and ideas about what they want to undergo — or not undergo — once they’ve received a diagnosis.”

Dr. Saigal emphasized the importance of quality of life over quantity. “Whether we’re dealing with a curable or terminal illness, it’s important to focus on ways to restore function and maximize well-being for the patient.” The care is very personal to him. He has witnessed beloved family members undergo cancer treatments, and this brings extra meaning to the work he loves.

“I really look forward to serving the Washington Hospital and Washington Township Medical Foundation community,” said Dr. Saigal, a New Orleans native and father of three who loves to spend time with his family. “The Bell Neuroscience Institute is home to an extremely talented team of neurologists and neurosurgeons, and all of us are dedicated to the highest quality of care.”

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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