Michael S. Virk, M.D., Ph.D.

Neurological Surgery

Locations and Appointments

Insurances Accepted

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*Indicates this doctor is no longer accepting new patients with this insurance plan.

  • HMO
  • Medicare
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  • Blue Connection
  • EPO
  • HMO
  • Mediblue (Senior)
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Personal Statement

My patient treatment philosophy is focused on integrative care, of which surgery is but one component. I am committed to a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to spinal disorders that might include deformity, tumor, trauma, spinal cord injury, and degenerative disease. After diagnosing the problem, I develop treatment plans tailored to individual patients to optimize their outcome. When a patient requires surgical treatment, I employ cutting-edge technology and techniques that are research proven and outcomes driven. Among my research interests are long-term outcomes following spinal surgery, and to that end I continue to follow my patients long after they leave the OR, utilizing a team-based approach during the post-operative period. 

Biographical Info

Dr. Virk is a board-certified neurosurgeon with specialty training in minimally invasive and complex surgery for a wide variety of spine conditions. He practices at NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine at the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care. Dr. Virk’s specialties include advanced, state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques using intraoperative, computer-assisted navigation as well as spinal endoscopy, and in open surgical strategies for patients who will benefit most from these. 

Dr. Virk earned his MD and PhD degrees at Oregon Health Sciences University College of Medicine. He completed his residency in neurological surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Rockefeller University laboratory of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard. Dr. Virk then completed a Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Fellowship at the University of California at San Francisco.

Dr. Virk's ultimate treatment goal is to help patients regain function to the greatest extent possible, with minimal pain and short hospital stays, so that they can return to enjoying their lives. 

Honors and Awards

American Association of South Asian Neurosurgeons Scholar 9/16

Distinguished Housestaff Award, Weill-Cornell Medical Center 2015

NRSA – NIH / NIDA, (Kirschtein National Research Service Award) 4/07 – 4/11

N.L. Tartar Research Fellow 4/04

Clinical Expertise
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Image Guided Neurosurgery
Scoliosis
Endoscopic Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Spinal Tumors
Spinal Cord Injury
Radiculopathy
Myelopathy
Herniated Disc
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Fusion
Laminectomy
Spinal Arthrodesis and Decompression
Compression Fracture of Spine
Endoscopic Discectomy of Spine
Endoscopic Laminoforaminotomy of Lumbar Spine
Foraminotomy
Spinal Cord Neoplasm
Microdiscectomy
Cervical Spine Tumor
Spine Tumors
Spine
Spine Degeneration
Spine Disorder
Spine Injury
Spine Pain
Back Pain
Kyphosis
Neck Pain
Spine Deformity
Acute Herniated Disc
Bulging Disc
Degenerative Disc Disease
Languages
English
Education 
  • M.D., Ph.D.
    Oregon Health Sciences University, College of Medicine
    2009
  • B.A.
    Cornell University
    1997
Appointments 
  • Assistant Attending Neurological Surgeon
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
  • Alvina and Willis Murphy Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.

Consultant: 
Depuy Spine, Inc.
Ownership: 
OnPoint Surgical, Inc.