Dr. Alexander Vaccaro | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award
President, Rothman Orthopaedics, United States
Dr. Alexander Richard Vaccaro, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., is a globally renowned orthopaedic spine surgeon and a pioneer in spinal cord injury research. He serves as the Chairman of Orthopaedics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and the President of the Rothman Institute. With decades of expertise in orthopaedic and neurosurgical advancements, he has played a pivotal role in developing innovative treatments for spinal disorders. His dedication to clinical research, surgical education, and leadership has earned him prestigious awards and global recognition.
Publication Profile
Education
Dr. Vaccaro’s academic journey reflects excellence in medicine, surgery, and business leadership. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biology from Boston College (1983), followed by an M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine (1987). His surgical internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (1988) and orthopaedic residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (1992) laid the foundation for his career. Further specializing in spine surgery, he completed a Spine Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego (1993). He also earned a Ph.D. from the University of Utrecht, Netherlands (2007) and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business (2015), receiving the Dean’s Certificate of Excellence.
Experience
Dr. Vaccaro has over three decades of experience in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, and spinal cord injury treatment. Since 2014, he has been the Chairman of Orthopaedics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Endowed Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. His long-standing association with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital includes roles as Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery (since 2000) and Professor of Neurosurgery (since 2005). He is also the Co-Director of the Spine Fellowship Program, the Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of Delaware Valley, and the Reconstructive Spine Service at Rothman Institute. His leadership in spine surgery innovation, education, and research has significantly impacted the field.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Vaccaro has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to spinal surgery and clinical research. Notably, he was the President and Founder of the Association for Collaborative Spine Research (2013). His research excellence has been recognized with the Best Paper Award (2012), the Outstanding Clinical Research Paper (2011), and the Louis A. Goldstein Award for Best Clinical Poster Presentation (2011). His North American Spine Society Top 10 Best Abstracts Award (2011) and multiple international accolades highlight his significant contributions to the field.
Research Focus
Dr. Vaccaro’s research centers on spinal cord injuries, cervical and lumbar spine disorders, surgical advancements, and spinal biomechanics. His groundbreaking studies have influenced clinical decision-making, surgical techniques, and patient outcomes in orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine treatment. He has led multicenter studies on cervical spondylotic myelopathy, spinal cord trauma, and adjacent segment disease, shaping modern spine surgery practices worldwide.
Conclusion
Dr. Alexander R. Vaccaro is a visionary leader in spine surgery and orthopaedic research. His exceptional academic background, extensive clinical experience, groundbreaking research, and prestigious accolades make him a trailblazer in spinal cord injury treatment. Through his innovations in spine surgery, mentorship of future surgeons, and relentless pursuit of medical advancements, he continues to transform global spine care and orthopaedic research. 
Publications
Stingers—A Review of Current Understanding and Management – Applied Sciences, 2025 
DOI: 10.3390/app15073510
Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury and Associated Mortality, Past and Present. Is There a Difference? – World Neurosurgery, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.10.009
Cellular Bone Matrix Leading to Disseminated Tuberculosis After Spinal Fusion – JBJS Case Connector, 2023 DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00047
The Role of Exercise in the Alleviation of Neuropathic Pain Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis – Neurospine, 2023 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2346588.294
Complete Versus Incomplete Surgical Resection in Intramedullary Astrocytoma: Systematic Review with Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis – Global Spine Journal, 2023 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221094766
Mariana Sánchez Ramos is an accomplished biotechnologist and researcher at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico. With expertise in plant tissue culture and natural product synthesis, she has significantly contributed to biotechnological innovations. Her research focuses on producing bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, emphasizing their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties. 
Mariana has served as a Full-time Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa (2022–2024), where she has led research projects on tissue culture and secondary metabolite production. She also worked in R&D at Biokab S.A. de C.V., contributing to the nutraceutical application of arabinoxylans. Her postdoctoral research at UAM Iztapalapa focused on elicited suspension cell cultures of Ageratina pichinchensis. 
Mariana has received recognition for her innovative research in biotechnology, including her contributions to natural product development and plant tissue culture. Her work bridges scientific discovery with practical applications in pharmacology and industrial biotechnology. 
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