Nathan J. Lee, MD

Dr. Nathan J. Lee is an Attending Spine Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery specializing in cervical, lumbar, and complex spinal deformity surgery. He treats patients with a wide array of spinal disorders, including scoliosis, age-related degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, fractures, spinal cord injuries, infections, and those requiring revision spinal surgeries. Dr. Lee believes in a multi-disciplinary approach to spinal care and collaborates with world-class colleagues at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush to deliver personalized treatment aimed at optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life. 

Dr. Lee earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science, graduating magna cum laude and being inducted into the esteemed Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. He received his MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, graduating with a Distinction in Research. His orthopedic surgery residency at Columbia University was marked by outstanding achievements, culminating in the prestigious Lawrence G. Lenke Award for Excellence in Spine Surgery. Following his residency, he completed a Comprehensive Adult & Pediatric Spinal Deformity Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Och Spine Hospital, where he trained under renowned surgeons, including Dr. Lawrence G. Lenke, Dr. Ronald A. Lehman, and Dr. K. Daniel Riew. His specialized training encompassed complex spinal deformities as well as intricate cervical spine procedures, with significant experience in pediatric and adolescent spinal surgery at the New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. 

Deeply committed to advancing the field of spine surgery, Dr. Lee integrates cutting-edge technology into patient-specific preoperative planning. His expertise includes spinal navigation, robot-assisted technology, minimally invasive techniques, and machine learning applications to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care. Over the last decade, Dr. Lee has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific articles and delivered over 250 national and international presentations. His pioneering contributions have garnered recognition, including Best Paper at the 39th North American Spine Society and finalist status for prestigious awards at leading orthopedic meetings.