We are proud to announce that Dr. Nam Vo has been appointed the Ruby and James Kang, MD Chair in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, effective September 1, 2025.
Dr. Vo’s appointment reflects his outstanding achievements as a scientist, educator, and leader in the field of spine surgery and research. His work has earned deep and widespread respect across the orthopaedic community and has advanced both clinical care and scientific discovery. This recognition also affirms our confidence in Dr. Vo’s continued contributions to the discipline, the University, and society at large.
The named chair honors the legacy of Dr. James D. Kang, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon internationally recognized for his leadership and pioneering work in intervertebral disc degeneration research. Dr. Kang completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1992 and began his academic career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he rose to become Professor and the UPMC Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2007. He currently serves as Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
A surgeon–clinician–scientist, Dr. Kang has made transformative contributions to understanding the biology and molecular mechanisms of disc degeneration, as well as developing novel therapeutic interventions using stem cells and gene therapy.
“This appointment is a testament to Dr. Vo’s extraordinary career as a scientist and innovator in spine research,” said Dr. MaCalus V. Hogan, David Silver Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief of the UPMC Orthopaedic Surgery Service Line. “We are confident that he will continue to shape the future of spine research while honoring the legacy of Dr. James Kang. We are tremendously proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nam Vo on this exceptional honor.
