We are pleased to announce that Dr. Joon Y. Lee has been appointed Chief of the Division of Spinal Surgery for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr. Joon Y. Lee completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology in 1993. He went on to receive his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine in 1998. Following medical school, Dr. Lee completed a General Surgery internship at the University of Pittsburgh, an Orthopaedic Research Fellowship, and an Orthopaedic Surgery residency under Dr. Freddie Fu. He then pursued advanced subspecialty training in spine surgery through a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University’s Rothman Institute.
Currently, Dr. Lee holds the inaugural Orland Bethel Endowed Professorship in Spine Surgery. He also serves as the Executive Director of both the BMRC (Bethel MKS Research Center) and the BMRC BioBank, and as Medical Director for the Ferguson Orthopaedic Laboratory, underscoring his significant contributions to research infrastructure and scientific innovation across the department.
Dr. Lee holds multiple teaching appointments, including the Orland Bethel Endowed Professorship, and serves as an instructor for the Orthopaedic Surgery Spine Surgery Fellowship Program, providing direct education to medical students, residents, and fellows through conferences, surgical labs, clinical teaching, and operative training. His dedication to training the next generation of spine surgeons is to be commended and is foundational to our department’s mission.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. William F. Donaldson, who has served as Chief of the Spine Division for many years. His steady leadership guided the division through a significant era of growth and change, helping to shape a strong, dynamic, and nationally recognized spine service. The department is grateful for his mentorship and strategic vision throughout his tenure.
Dr. Donaldson will continue to play an important role within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and UPMC Orthopaedic Service Line as Senior Executive Vice Chair of the Division of Spinal Surgery and Director of the Spine Fellowship, ensuring continuity and ongoing excellence in education and clinical leadership.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lee on his new appointment and in thanking Dr. Donaldson for his exceptional service and continued contributions to UPMC - PittOrtho.
