Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is starting 2026 with a homecoming.
Spine surgeon Daniel K. Park, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic spine physician with a deep focus on minimally invasive techniques, officially joins the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush spine surgery team on January 2, 2026.
Minimally Invasive, Maximally Experienced
Dr. Park’s clinical and research interests span the full spectrum of spinal disorders, with particular emphasis on minimally invasive spine surgery, biportal endoscopic spine procedures, and cervical spine pathology. For surgeons who enjoy smaller incisions and faster recoveries, this is very much his wheelhouse.
“We’re excited to welcome Dan Park to the team,” says Kern Singh, M.D., Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush spine surgeon and director of Spine Surgery at Rush University Medical Center.
“He brings more than 15 years of experience managing complex spine patients, along with a mastery of the most cutting-edge surgical techniques.”
From Emory to Duke to Rush – and Back Again
Dr. Park’s training reads like a tour of elite academic institutions. He completed his undergraduate studies at Emory University, earned his medical degree at Duke University, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Rush University. He then returned to Emory for fellowship training in spine surgery.
After residency, Dr. Park spent 15 years at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he served as Professor of Orthopedic Spine Surgery and Director of Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Spine Surgery.
Now, he’s coming full circle — returning to Rush, where his residency journey began.
A Pioneer of Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Dr. Park is among the first surgeons in the United States to adopt the biportal endoscopic spine procedure, performing the ultra-minimally invasive technique since 2017.
Beyond the OR, he has trained numerous surgeons, published extensively, and collaborated with industry partners to improve the reproducibility and effectiveness of the procedure.
He is also a co-founder of the World Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic-America Society, helping formalize education and innovation in this rapidly evolving surgical space.
Research That’s Earned Its Applause
Dr. Park’s commitment to research has earned him multiple accolades, including the Talmage Peele Award at Duke University and recognition as best resident researcher for three consecutive years at Rush University. His work has been presented at numerous national meetings.
With a strong academic background, a pioneering surgical approach, and a return to familiar halls, Dr. Park’s arrival at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is both a reunion and an upgrade. Spine surgeons in the Midwest — and their patients — will be seeing a lot more of him in 2026.