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2026 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting Main banner

    Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD, FACS, FAANS

    Chief, Spine Division
    Duke University Medical Center
    Duke University Hospital

    Dr. Christopher Shaffrey is a distinguished neurosurgeon and orthopaedic surgeon, world-renowned for his expertise in spinal disorders. Since 2018, he has served as the Chief of the Spine Division at Duke University, a collaborative department that combines neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery.
    Dr. Shaffrey earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia in 1986. He completed his general surgical internship at Naval Hospital San Diego and pursued dual residencies in neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery at the University of Virginia. Following his training, he undertook a fellowship in pediatric and adult reconstructive spine surgery at the same institution.
    A prolific researcher and educator, Dr. Shaffrey has authored over 800 publications and delivered more than 1,250 presentations worldwide. He has served as a deputy editor for the journals Spine and Spine Deformity and edited several textbooks on spinal surgery. His active research focuses on spinal surgery, with a particular emphasis on multicenter studies addressing pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal cord injuries, trauma, and tumors affecting the spinal column.
    He has held significant leadership roles, including serving as president of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), president of the Scoliosis Research Society, and chair of the International Meeting of Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST), and president of the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS).
    In addition to his research and leadership, Dr. Shaffrey is committed to compassionate, patient-centered care, treating a wide range of spinal disorders, including scoliosis, spinal trauma, and degenerative diseases.
    In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, Dr. Shaffrey was awarded the Harvey Cushing Medal by the AANS in 2024, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

    Dr. Shaffrey received his medical degree from the University of Virginia in 1986 and completed his general surgical internship at Naval Hospital San Diego. He completed his neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery residencies, followed by a spine fellowship in pediatric and adult reconstructive spine surgery at the University of Virginia.


    Disclosure(s): Department of Defense: Research Grant (Ongoing); ISSG: Research Grant (Ongoing); Medtronic: Consultant (Ongoing), Royalty Recipient (Ongoing); Nuvasive: Consultant (Ongoing), Royalty Recipient (Ongoing), Stock Options (Ongoing); ProprioVision: Consultant (Ongoing), Stock Options (Ongoing); SI Bone: Consultant (Ongoing)

    Presentation(s):