Dr. K. Samer Shamieh
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained
Northshore spine surgeon, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, MD, grew up in Louisiana. Dr. Shamieh played tennis for the nationally top-ranked LSU Tigers. He received his medical degree and completed his Orthopaedic residency from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.
“Fellowship Trained” means Dr. Shamieh completed a Neurosurgical/Orthopaedic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery training program at The Spine Institute of Arizona under the guidance of Edward J. Dohring, MD.
Dr. Shamieh applies a comprehensive evaluation and treatment process designed to help his patients achieve active, pain-free lifestyles. Patients seeking back surgery are strongly encouraged to ask questions, discuss treatment options and to take an active role in the entire process. Dr. Shamieh believes that spine surgery should be considered only when all conservative treatments fail. Dr. Shamieh’s patients are fully educated about the nature of their illness, planning the surgery, post-operative events and the time frame for return to normal activities.
Dr. Shamieh breaks the typical mold of a New Orleans spine surgeon by exhibiting compassionate care and a down-to-earth personality. By combining the very latest techniques with proven traditional methods, Dr. Shamieh is able to offer patients the best care possible. Learn more about Dr. Shamieh’s patients and their results in DISC of Louisiana’s testimonials.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Dr. Shamieh’s area of expertise is in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. This approach provides smaller incisions, reduces the risk of infection, minimizes postoperative discomfort, and results in shorter recovery times.
Dr. Shamieh specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery for sciatica, herniated discs, neck or back pain, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, vertebral compression fractures, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis.Unlike traditional, “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.
Dr. Shamieh sees patients across south Louisiana and has regular clinic hours for patients in New Orleans, Metairie, Baton Rouge, Houma, Hammond, Covington and Slidell.
Precision Assisted by Robots
Northshore spine surgeon, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh is among a handful of doctors around the world trained to use robotics during minimally invasive spine procedures.
DISC of Louisiana uses the Globus ExcelsiusGPS to plan each patient’s surgery based on the specific anatomy of each person. Medical images are imported into ExcelsiusGPS and the surgeon uses them to determine the size and placement of each implant. ExcelsiusGPS will also guide the surgeon to the specific region of your spine to help place implants accurately. A screen will display the surgical instruments and implants through the entire procedure for your doctor to monitor. Click here to learn more.
Certifications
Dr. Shamieh completed medical school at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana before opening his practice on the Northshore. He went through a rigorous training program in Orthopaedic surgery for the next five years, focusing on traumatic and degenerative Spine and Orthopaedic disease. Dr. Shamieh’s multidisciplinary approach began here, as he was mentored by Dr. Anil Nanda (Neurosurgery), Dr. Pierce Nunley and Dr. Richard McCall (Orthopaedic Surgeons). He then completed a Neurosurgical/Orthopaedic Minimally Invasive Spine fellowship at the Spine Institute of Arizona. Dr. Edward J. Dohring, founder and medical director, has been a leading innovator of spinal devices and minimally invasive techniques that have been adopted all around the world.
Dr. Shamieh is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and fellowship trained in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. He has been trained and licensed in Total Disc Replacements of the cervical spine. He is a member of the North American Spine Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is on the Board of Louisiana Orthopaedic Association. He is currently the Medical Director and Chairman of the Board at AVALA Hospital.
Education and Training
- Undergraduate – Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
- Medical – Louisiana State University Medical School, Shreveport, LA
- Orthopaedic Residency – LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
- Spine Fellowship – Spine Institute of Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ