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The Rigorous Steps toward Completing Spine Surgery Fellowship Training

Based in Abilene, Texas, Paul W. McDonough, MD, has focused exclusively on spine procedures and performed more than 5,000 surgeries over the past 16 years. Dr. Paul McDonough stands out as the only spine surgeon in the Big Country area with fellowship training. 

Coming after the residency work that follows medical school graduation, a spine surgery fellowship represents the highest level of training in the field nationwide. It is undertaken by a select number of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons as a way of supplementing their standard medical training with work entirely focused on the spine. Completed under the leadership of recognized specialists in the field, it includes participation in surgeries involving complex issues, as well as leading-edge spine research.

Dr. McDonough completed his one-year spine surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Center under Thomas Zdeblick, MD, a specialist who has significantly improved spine surgery through the development and refinement of innovative instruments and techniques. The program provides clinical experience spanning a wide range of spine disorders and includes biomechanics research.