If you ask most people to describe a neurosurgeon, you might hear words like “intimidating,” “busy,” or “aloof.” The stereotype of the brilliant but distant surgeon is a trope for a reason—in the high-stakes world of spinal health, technical precision often takes precedence over bedside manner. But if you walk into Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio, you quickly realize that Dr. Kamal Woods is rewriting that script entirely.
Dr. Woods isn’t just a board-certified neurosurgeon; he is a visionary who looked at the healthcare system and decided it needed a major upgrade. With a resume that reads like a medical wishlist—training at Loma Linda, a dual fellowship at Cedars-Sinai, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins—he has the credentials of an academic elite. Yet, his approach is disarmingly human. He treats patients like “guests,” prioritizes motion over fusion, and believes that the best surgery is often the one you don’t have to have.
We sat down with the founder of Vertrae® to peel back the layers of his unique background, his “MotionFirst” philosophy, and why a surgeon at the top of his game decided to go back to school for business.
The “Unicorn” Training: Why Orthopedics AND Neurosurgery?
Q: You have a very rare background in that you are trained in both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. Why did you pursue both?
Dr. Woods: In the world of spinal care, there has traditionally been a divide. Neurosurgeons were the masters of the nerves and the spinal cord, while orthopedic surgeons were the masters of the bone and mechanics. But the spine doesn’t work in isolation; it is a complex interplay of nerves, bones, and ligaments.
I realized early on that to be a truly complete spine surgeon, I couldn’t just pick a side. I needed to master both languages. That drove me to complete a fellowship at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles that combined both disciplines. It allows me to look at an MRI and see the full picture—protecting the delicate nervous system while also reconstructing the structural integrity of the column. It’s about having a bigger toolbox so that I can offer the exact right tool for the patient’s specific problem, rather than forcing a square peg into a round hole.
The MBA Twist: Why a Surgeon Went to Business School
Q: Most surgeons are busy enough without adding graduate school to the mix. Why did you decide to earn an MBA from Johns Hopkins?
Dr. Woods: I love surgery, but I began to realize that many of the frustrations my patients faced weren’t medical—they were systemic. Long wait times, confusing billing, disjointed communication—these are business problems, not medical ones.
I went to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School because I wanted to learn how to fix the delivery of healthcare, not just the pathology. I wanted to build a practice that ran with the efficiency of a tech company and the hospitality of a luxury hotel. That education gave me the framework to launch Vertrae® as a model that respects the patient’s time and dignity. We leverage technology to reduce friction, so when you walk in, you aren’t fighting a bureaucracy; you are just getting care.
What Does “Vertrae” Actually Mean?
Q: It’s a unique name. Is there a story behind it?
Dr. Woods: Absolutely. The name Vertrae is actually a fusion of two words: “Virtual” and “Vertebrae.”
It represents the two pillars of our practice. “Vertebrae” obviously nods to our core focus on the spine. “Virtual” speaks to our commitment to accessibility and modern technology. We were early adopters of telemedicine because we believe expert care shouldn’t be limited by geography. Whether you are consulting with us from your living room via video or meeting us in our Miamisburg office, the quality of care remains the same. The name is a daily reminder of our mission to bridge the gap between human anatomy and modern innovation.
MotionFirst™: The Philosophy That’s Changing Lives
Q: You talk a lot about “MotionFirst.” What does that mean for a patient in pain?
Dr. Woods: For decades, the default answer for many spine problems was fusion—locking two vertebrae together to stop the pain. While fusion is sometimes necessary and can be very effective, it comes at a cost: you lose movement.
My philosophy is “MotionFirst.” Whenever possible, I want to preserve the natural movement of the spine. We utilize advanced technologies like artificial disc replacement that mimic the spine’s natural mechanics. If we can replace a worn-out part while keeping the spine flexible, the patient recovers faster and maintains a higher quality of life. It is about getting you back to the golf course, the yoga mat, or playing with your grandkids without limitation. We view fusion as a last resort, not a starting line.
Robots in the OR: Science Fiction or Standard of Care?
Q: You are a leader in robotic-assisted spine surgery. Is that the future?
Dr. Woods: It’s not just the future; it is the present, and it is a game-changer. I liken it to the difference between driving with a paper map versus driving with GPS and lane-assist.
Robotic technology, like the systems we use at our surgery center, allows for a level of precision that the human hand alone simply cannot match. It allows us to plan the surgery on a computer before we even make an incision. During the procedure, the robot guides our instruments to the exact millimeter we planned. This means smaller incisions, less disruption to the muscles, less pain, and faster recovery times. It’s about taking the guesswork out of surgery.
The Patient Experience: From “Number” to “Guest”
Q: Finally, what is the one thing you want a new patient to know before they walk through your doors?
Dr. Woods: I want them to know that they are safe here. We have a rule at Vertrae: we don’t treat “patients”; we treat “guests.”
When you are in pain, you are vulnerable. The last thing you need is to feel rushed or dismissed. We have designed every aspect of our practice—from the calming aesthetics of the waiting room to the way we explain complex MRIs—to lower your anxiety. We listen first. We operate last. And we walk the entire journey with you.
A New Standard for Ohio
Dr. Woods is more than a surgeon; he is a pioneer working to ensure that the people of Dayton and beyond have access to world-class spinal healthcare. By combining the precision of a neurosurgeon, the structural expertise of an orthopedist, and the strategic mind of a business leader, he has built something truly special.
If you are ready to experience a different kind of back and neck care, we invite you to start a conversation with us. At Vertrae®: Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, we are ready to help you get your life back in motion.
