Michael J. Lee, MD

UChicago Faculty Physicians

Michael J. Lee, MD

Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine

UChicago Faculty Physicians who provide services at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial are not employees or agents of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial.

An expert spine surgeon, Michael Lee, MD, treats spinal injuries, degenerative conditions and spinal deformity as well as complex tumors of the spinal cord. He is dedicated to improving safety and quality measures for spine surgery.

As the principal investigator for several research studies, Dr. Lee has worked to identify risk factors for post-operative lumbar spondylolisthesis and to enhance lumbar spine surgical techniques. He recently has focused efforts on creating models to predict the likelihood of complication after spine surgery. In addition to his research, Dr. Lee teaches medical students, residents, fellows and practicing spine surgeons. Past courses have focused on the surgical treatment of complex spinal tumors and minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Lee has published more than 150 journal articles, book chapters and abstracts on spinal conditions and surgical treatments. He has chaired several spinal surgery teaching courses and has edited two textbooks. He also serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals, and has received numerous grants to support his research. Dr. Lee has been invited to present his work at national and international conferences. In 2013, he was named to the list of Best Doctors in America by Best Doctors, Inc.

Areas of Expertise

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery

Memberships & Medical Societies

  • Washington State Orthopaedic Association
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • North American Spine Society
  • AO North America
  • Washington State Medical Association
  • Lumbar Spine Research Society

Practicing Since

  • 2006

Languages Spoken

  • English

Medical Education

  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Internship

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Residency

  • University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center

Fellowship

  • Case Western Reserve University; Rush University Medical Center

News & Research

View Published Papers
  • Aetna HMO (specialists only)
  • Aetna POS
  • Aetna PPO
  • BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
  • BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
  • BCBS PPO
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • CountyCare *see insurance page
  • Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan PPO
  • PHCS PPO
  • United Choice Plus POS/PPO
  • United Options (PPO)
  • United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
  • United W500 Emergent Wrap
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
  • United Choice HMO (specialists only)
  • University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)

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