Dr. Adam Kanter received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, graduating with Cum Laude honors. He obtained his master’s degree from Boston University in 1997 and medical degree from the University of Vermont in 2001. Dr. Kanter completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Virginia in 2007. He completed subspecialty fellowship training in minimally invasive spine surgery at the University of California, San Francisco and Auckland City Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Kanter joined the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2008 as Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Program.
Dr. Kanter is board certified in neurological surgery and was promoted to tenured Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He was named Chief of spine services in 2014. He launched and directed UPMC’s complex Spine fellowship in 2012, which quickly became one of the most sought after spine fellowships in the country. Dr. Kanter is principal investigator in several research studies evaluating the use of stem cell derived biologics to induce spinal fusion. His primary research focuses on patient derived clinical outcome measures, specifically appraising the utility of minimally invasive and lateral access surgical corridors.
Dr. Kanter has published >140 papers in refereed journals in addition to authoring numerous book chapters. He has given more than 200 talks at national and international meetings across the globe, including visiting Professorships and keynote addresses at Harvard, Cornell, and Washington University. He provides editorial service to several peer reviewed journals and is a key member of several major neurosurgical societies, including current Chair of the AANS/CNS Spine Section and President of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons. Dr. Kanter has also received numerous accolades for his clinical expertise, including top doctor, most compassionate doctor, patient’s choice awards, as well as UPMC Aces Award for exceptional service and care.
After 15 years in Pittsburgh, in July 2022, Dr. Kanter relocated his family and practice to southern California where he joined Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach as Chief of Neurosurgery for the Hoag Specialty Clinic. He is actively obtaining his executive MBA from UCLA following which he will assume the Executive Directorship of the Hoag Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute.