2021-Present - Director, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Spine Surgery Department of Neurosurgery Marcus Neuroscience Institute Boca Raton Regional Hospital Bethesda Hospital East & West Baptist Health South Florida
In his free time, he volunteered with the local fire rescue team and joined the Jacksonville Beach Police SWAT team to provide medical assistance during high risk missions. After graduating from the SWAT Team Operations Course, he returned to Camp Blanding to help train officers in tactical combat casualty care. He was an instructor for programs in the private sector that provided medical training to law enforcement, military personnel, and the US Department of Homeland Security.
At his medical school graduation, he was presented with the C. Craig Tisher Faculty Award for his academic and research achievements, and received the Excellence in Neurosurgery Award at the UF College Of Medicine Awards banquet. Dr. O’Connor completed his Chief Year of Neurosurgery residency at the University at Buffalo, and completed his CAST accredited complex spine fellowship in 2019. During his spine fellowship, he was awarded the AO Discovery and Innovation Young Investigator grant by the AO Spine Foundation for his biomechanical research in junctional tethers. He was invited to join the AO Knowledge Forum, and presented his work at multiple national and international conferences.
During residency, he received the Resident of the Year award and Highest Neurosurgery Board Score award at University of Buffalo Neurosurgery. Dr. O’Connor has written peer-reviewed technical manuscripts on robotic spine systems and minimally invasive approaches. He has been invited to present at multiple national and international conferences, including the Global Spine Congress, the International Spinal Deformity Symposium and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Dr. O’Connor’s approach to patient care is to focus on each individual and provide care that reflects the patient’s own personal goals and values. He emphasizes communication with patients, families, referring physicians and the entire treatment team. He believes that after conservative treatment options are no longer effective, surgery combined with technology and a minimally invasive approach can help achieve the best outcome for each patient. He focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery, robotic surgery, treatment of brain tumors using computer navigation with microsurgical techniques, and gamma knife radiosurgery.
He was elected President of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Bethesda Hospital Spine Surgery Councils in 2022. When he is not treating patients, Dr. O’Connor enjoys flying as a private pilot, hiking, scuba diving and fishing around South Florida.
2021-Present - Affiliate Clinical Faculty, Department of Surgery Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Boca Raton, FL
Education & training
2021 - Neurological Surgery Residency University at Buffalo Neurosurgery Buffalo, NY
2020 - CAST Accredited Complex Spine Surgery Fellowship University at Buffalo Neurosurgery Buffalo, NY Completed under Dr. John Pollina, Dr. Jeffrey Mullin, and Dr. Elad Levy Training site of Mazor X Stealth Edition Robot Center for excellence for minimally invasive, robotic, and complex deformity spine surgery
2014 - Medical Degree, Honors in Research, Honors in Academic Excellence
University of Florida, College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL
2010 - Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Major: IDS - Neurobiological Sciences Cumulative GPA: 3.95
2009 - Emergency Medical Technician - Tactical (EMT-T) Florida State Fire College, Ocala, FL Rescue Training Inc. and Ocala Police Department
2007 - Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) Broward College, Ft. Lauderdale, FL EMT Number 519035
Honors and Awards
2023 - President, Bethesda Hospital Spine Council
2022 - President, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Spine Council
2021 - Inducted into the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Data Science and Technology Committee
2020 - Nominated by the Scoliosis Research Society taskforce to present at the Early Surgeon Program, Scoliosis Research Society International Meeting
2019 - AO Discovery and Innovation Young Investigator Award, AO Spine Foundation. One of two winners in North America to receive the AO DIA Young Investigator Grant
2019 - Associate Member, AO Spine Knowledge Forum Deformity
2018 - Resident of the Year Award, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery
2018 - Highest Board Score, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery
2014 - Excellence in Neurosurgery Award, UF College of Medicine Senior Awards Banquet
2014 - C. Craig Tisher Faculty Award, UF College of Medicine
2014 - Graduated Medical School with Honors in Academic Excellence
2014 - Graduated Medical School with Honors in Research
2013- Elected into Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society
2013 - Member, Medical Student Admissions Committee, University of Florida College of Medicine
2012 - Abstract awarded the Sam Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award
2012 - Co-President, Clinical Neuroscience Pathways
2011 - NIH T35 Training Grant, Medical Student Research Program Scholarship
2011 - President, Junior Honors Medical Program Ambassadors
2010 - Founder, Junior Honors Medical Program Ambassadors
2009 - University Scholars Program Scholarship Recipient, College of Medicine
2009 - Charles Vincent & Heidi Cole McLaughlin Scholar Recipient, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2009 - First Place Undergraduate Presenter, South East Biomechanics Conference
2008 - Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Scholarship Recipient, Science for Life Program
Neurosurgical Publications and Scholarly Activity
- O’Connor, T., et al., Accuracy of an Augmented Reality Spine Surgery Guidance System with Stereoscopic Targeting Head Mounted Display Compared to Standard Computer Navigation, Robotic Systems, and Existing AR Systems. Oral Presentation. Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023, Washington DC
- O’Connor, T., et al., Augmented Reality Guidance System for Spine Surgery: Comparison of Screw Placement Accuracy using Preoperative CT vs Intraoperative 3D Spin. Digital Poster. Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023, Washington DC
- O'Connor, T., et al., (2021, May 7). Novel Biomechanical Model for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis. Oral Presentation. Global Spine Congress 2021, Paris, France
- Soliman MA, Khan A, O'Connor TE, Foley K, Pollina J. Accuracy and Efficiency of Fusion Robotics™ Versus Mazor-X™ in Single-Level Lumbar Pedicle Screw Placement. Cureus. 2021;13(6):e15939. Published 2021 Jun 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.15939
- Hess RM, OConnor TE, et al., Minimally Invasive Approach to Subdural Hematoma Treatment Using IRRAflow Catheter and Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization. Cureus. 2021;13(3):e13979. Published 2021 Mar 18. doi:10.7759/cureus.13979
- Rajjoub K, Hess RM, O'Connor TE, Khan A, Siddiqui AH, Levy EI. Drainage, Irrigation, and Fibrinolytic Therapy (DRIFT) for Adult Intraventricular Hemorrhage Using IRRAflow® Self-Irrigating Catheter. Cureus. 2021 May 22;13(5):e15167. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15167. PMID: 34168930; PMCID: PMC8216022.
- O'Connor, T., et al., (2021, May 7). Changes in Segmental Lordosis at L5-S1 Following Placement of anterior TLIF Cages. Eposter. Global Spine Congress 2021, Paris, France
- O’Connor T., et al., (2021 March). Lateral Temporal Approach for Image- Guided Stereotactic Biopsy of Pineal Region Tumors. World Neurosurgery 147, 144-149
- O’Connor TE, et al, Mazor X Stealth Robotic Technology: A Technical Note. World Neurosurg. 2020 Oct 12;145:435-442. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33059080.
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020). Mazor X Stealth Robotic MIDLIF Operative Video. VuMedi Specialties.
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Novel Biomechanical Model for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis. Accepted Global Spine Congress Annual Meeting, Rio de Jenairo, Brazil. Oral Presentation.
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Machine Navigation Technology for Insertion of Cervical Pedicle Screws. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Changes in Segmental Lordosis at L5-S1 Following Placement of Anterior TLIF Cages. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Single Position Prone Transpsoas Interbody Fusion with Posterior Instrumentation. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Simulation Modalities and Outcome Measures in Neurosurgical Training. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Comparing Pull Out Force of Cervical Pedicle Screws and Lateral Mass Screws. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- Mao J, Pezzino E, Khan A, O’Connor TE, Agyei J, Mullin J, Pollina J. (2020). Influence of approach on Segmental Lordosis and Spinopelvic Correction with Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Spine Summit, AANS/CNS section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves. Las Vegas, Nevada. Oral Presentation
- Mao J, O’Connor TE, et al., (2020) Rational for Surgical intervention as Untreated Adolescents become Adult idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: An International Survey of the Experts. Spine Summit, AANS/CNS section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves. Las Vegas, Nevada. Oral Presentation
- Mao J, O’Connor TE, et al., (2020). Adjunctive HBO Therapy in Spine Management: An Update and Review of Utility and Treatment Protocol. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- Mao J, O’Connor TE, et al., (2020). Rational for Surgical intervention as Untreated Adolescents become Adult idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: An International Survey of the Experts. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- Mao J, Hollenberg A, Laird P, Hess R, Pezzino E, Khan A, O’Connor TE, Agyei J, Pollina J, Vaccaro A, Mullin J. (2020). Current Landscape of Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Characterization, Management, and Outcomes. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- Mao J, Fritz A, O’Connor TE, et al., (2020). Comparison of Rod Types Used in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. E-Poster. American Academy of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, USA
- O’Connor T., et al., (2019) Maximum Spinous Process Tensions for Junctional Tethers. International Spinal Deformity Symposium, New York City, New York. Oral Presentation.
- O’Connor T., et al., (2019). Effect of Supplemental Fixation on Fusion Rates at One Year Following Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Global Spine Congress, Toronto, Canada. Oral Presentation
- O’Connor T., et al., (2019). Intermittent Retraction of Great Vessels during Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. AANS/CNS Joint Spine Section. Miami, FL. Oral Presentation
- Agyei J, Khan A, Jowdy PK, O’Connor TE, Meyers JE, Mullin JP, Pollina J: Robot-assisted Cortical Bone Trajectory Insertion of Pedicle Screws: 2-Dimensional Operative Video. Accepted Oper Neurosurg on May 10, 2019.
- Khan A, Meyers JE, Yavorek S, O’Connor TE, Siasios I, Mullin JP, Pollina J: Comparing Next-Generation Robotic Technology with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Navigation Technology for the Insertion of Posterior Pedicle Screws. World Neurosurg 123:e474-e481, March 2019 (epub November 27, 2018 DOI10.1016/j.wneu.2018.11.190). PMID 30500593
- Fargen KM, O’Connor T, Rivera-Zengotita ML, Murad GJ. (2016) A radiographic analysis following the proximal irrigation of occluded external ventricular drains: a cautionary note. Acta neurochirurgica
- Hoh B, Fargen K, O’Connor T. (2016). Textbook Chapter- Acute Ischemic Stroke Management: Hemicraniectomy. P 45-52. Springer Science.
- O’Connor T, Carpenter H, Bidari S, Waters M, Hedna VS. (2014) Role of Inflammatory Markers in Takayasu Arteritis Disease Monitoring. BMC Neurology 2014, 14:62
- O'Connor, T., & Friedman, W. (2013) Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations after Stereotactic Radiosurgery. Neurosurgery. PMID: 23863762
- O'Connor, T., Fargen, K., & Mocco, J. (2013) Normal Perfusion Pressure Breakthrough following AVM resection: a convincing case report and review of the literature. Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery.
- O’Connor T., Carpenter H., Hedna V. (2013) Role of Inflammatory Markers in Takayasu Arteritis Disease Monitoring. The Florida Society of Neurology Annual Meeting - 8th Annual Resident’s & Fellow’s Research Day, Orlando, FL. Poster Presentation
- O'Connor, T., & Friedman, W. (2012) MR Imaging Assessment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations after Stereotactic Radiosurgery. Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Chicago, IL. Poster Presentation
- Fargen, K., O'Connor, T., Raymond, S., Sporrer, J., & Friedman, W. (2012) An Observational Study of Hospital Paging Practices and Workflow Interruption Among On-Call Junior Neurological Surgery Residents. Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Chicago, IL. Oral Presentation
- O'Connor, T., & Friedman, W. (2012) MR Imaging Assessment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations after Stereotactic Radiosurgery. Medical Student Research Day, Gainesville, FL. Poster Presentation
- Fargen, K., O'Connor, T., Raymond, S., Sporrer, J., & Friedman, W. (2012) An Observational Study of Hospital Paging Practices and Workflow Interruption Among On-Call Junior Neurological Surgery Residents. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 4(4), 467-471.
- Mecca, A., Regenhardt, R., O’Connor, T., Joseph, J., Raizada, M., Katovich, M., & Sumners, C. (2011) Cerebroprotection by angiotensin-(1-7) in endothelin-1-induced ischemic stroke. Experimental Physiology. 96(10), 1084-96. PMID: 21685445
- O’Connor T., Xanthopoulos P., Heilman K., Drago V., Pardalos P., Foster P., Skidmore F. (2009) An Ambulatory Persistence Power Curve: Motor Planning Affects Ambulatory Persistence in Healthy Older Adults and Parkinson’s Disease. Poster Presentation American Academy of Neurology Conference, Seattle, WA.
- O’Connor T., Mecca A., Katovich M., Sumners C. (2009) Central Administration of Angiotensin 1-7 is Cerebroprotective in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke. South East Biomechanics Conference, Gainesville, FL. Oral Presentation
- Mecca A., O’Connor T., Dooies K., Sumners C. (2009) Cerebroprotective action of angiotensin 1-7 in a rat model of ischemic stroke Poster Presentation. FASEB J. 23:947.1.
- Mecca AP, O’ Connor TE, Katovich MJ, Sumners C. (2009) Candesartan pretreatment is cerebroprotective in a rat model of endothelin-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion. Experimental Physiology. Aug;94(8):937-46. PMID: 19429641
Timothy O'Connor, MD