Dr. Peter Derman, a minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon at Texas Back Institute, graduated with honors from Stanford University after completing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Dr. Derman attended the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for his residency and completed his Fellowship in Spine Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Derman is actively involved with spine surgery research and exploring ways to better medicine for future generations. He has served in leadership roles in multiple national and international spine societies and was a founding member of both the Endoscopic Spine Research Group and the International Spinal Endoscopy Research Foundation.
SSN: What encouraged you to choose surgery as a career – and minimally invasive and endoscopic spinal surgery in particular?
PD: I have always been fascinated by science. Spine surgery in particular involves elements of biology, physics and chemistry. Every patient is a unique puzzle, and I get to combine elements of these scientific fields to diagnose their issues and develop treatment plans, whether they be surgical or not.
I have chosen a career completely dedicated to minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, as these approaches allow for rapid symptom relief without the prolonged recovery associated with more traditional spine surgeries. It is unbelievably gratifying to see patients who have struggled for months and even years wake up from surgery already with dramatic pain relief. They are often comfortably home within hours and rapidly back to the activities they enjoy.
SSN: You recently shared insight addressing the generational shift in spine care. Could you tell us more about what your practical experience and your research about the trend toward minimally invasive spine surgery?
PD: Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through small incisions, but this is actually not the most important differentiating factor. Instead, what happens under the skin is the key — and that is never cutting or damaging the muscles and other important soft tissue stabilizing structures around the spine. These tissues are extremely important for supporting the spine and promoting physical function. Regardless of patient age, minimally invasive techniques can be beneficial, allowing for a smaller surgery with more rapid recovery. Some of our research has focused on the impact of age on outcomes of endoscopic spine surgery, and we have found that young and old alike benefit from this technique with low complication rates.
SSN: What could your experience in the operating room and post-operative care mean to help support spinal surgery, and what will be the effect on patient experience and their long-lasting healing?
PD: Spine surgery is increasingly moving to the outpatient environment, which means patients get to go home the same day rather than having to stay in the hospital. I am particularly passionate about endoscopic techniques, which involves pl