Kern Singh, M.D.

11/07/2025

🔹 Empowering the Next Generation of Spine Surgeons 🔹
Proud to host Dr. Brian Handal, DO as part of the STEP Program – Spine Technology Educational Program.
Brian is training in biportal endoscopy and mastering extreme ASC efficiency — skills that will help him become a disruptive force in Iowa and beyond. I’m excited to support his journey and share the tools, mindset, and strategy that drive innovation in spine surgery.
At Spinal Strength, we’re not just talking about change — we’re building it.

10/29/2025

7,000 Surgeries Later… and a Lot More Gray Hair 🩻😅
Yesterday I performed my 7,000th spinal surgery — a cervical total disc replacement.
When I started 21 years ago, it was all tricortical iliac crest cervical fusions and open retractors. Then came the tubes… and now, the endoscope. I still remember calling it “minimally invasive” when I was putting open screws through a McCullough retractor — times have definitely changed!
Along the way, I’ve written 16 textbooks, launched a health podcast (“Spinal Strength”), and somehow managed to get into the best physical and mental shape of my life — even if the gray hairs tell a slightly different story.
Today, 90% of my practice is ASC-based with same-day discharge. The transition from big hospital surgeries to efficient, patient-centered outpatient care has been remarkable.
I’m deeply thankful for everyone who’s helped me get here:
My staff, PAs, admins, and research team — your honesty and data-driven feedback keep me grounded and improving.
The Rush Hospital leadership and nursing teams for continually supporting innovation.
The Rush anesthesia team, whose precision, attention to detail, and adaptability have made outpatient spine surgery not only possible but now the standard.
The outstanding ASC teams at Gold Coast, Munster S4, and Rush Oakbrook — your coordination makes complex surgery look effortless.
And of course, the countless spine reps who’ve been there since day one — through every retractor, screw system, and 430 a.m. start time. And to all the others i may not have listed... too many to thank.
It’s been a journey of growth — personally, professionally, and surgically. I’ve evolved, the field has evolved, and I’m still learning every single day.
Here’s to the next 7,000 surgeries, more innovation, and maybe a few less gray hairs and to constantly trying to be a better surgeon every single day for my patients. Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSHRush University Medical CenterRush Oak Brook

10/24/2025

Honored. Motivated. Never Satisfied.

Huge thanks to Dr. Nathan Ma**er, spine surgeon from Vermont, for calling our ORs “the most efficient he’s ever seen.” Means a lot coming from someone who understands the grind.

I’m Kern Singh, MD — and this is why I never stop pushing:

📊 7,000+ patient database — not opinion, data
🔹 First in our group to do outpatient spine surgery
🔹 Negotiated with payors before outpatient spine codes even existed
🔹 Worked with Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran 18 years ago to build a simple, reproducible outpatient anesthesia protocol
🔹 Built an incredible team — nurses, X-ray techs, anesthesia, OR staff — the real engine behind the efficiency

I’m tired of hearing: “I’ve done it this way for years and it works.”
Great — show me the data.

I believe spine surgeons are athletes — if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. I tell my trainees:
👉 If I’m doing the same thing next year, I’m declining.

Come watch us:
✅ Endoscopic cases
✅ Outpatient cervical laminoplasty
✅ Lumbar corpectomies — all done in the ASC
No gimmicks. No extra cost. Just reproducible outcomes.

Don’t say it can’t be done… until you’ve seen it done.

10/23/2025

Grateful to host Dr. Micah Smith and Dr. Nathan Ma**er this week through our STEP – Spine Training & Education Program.
During the am, they observed 11 spine cases, 8 of which were endoscopic including one bilateral C4-5 Laminectomy seamlessly executed thanks to the incredible teamwork of the Rush Oak Brook Anesthesia and Nursing Team. Their precision, efficiency, and professionalism make this kind of high-volume education possible.
We showcased our BEST (Biportal Endoscopic Spine Technology) non-disposable instrument trays – cost-effective, durable, and designed to improve access to endoscopic spine surgery without the waste and expense of disposables.
Proud to see STEP continuing to train the next generation of spine surgeons while pushing innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in spine care.
If you're interested in visiting, learning more, or bringing BEST to your ASC or hospital, feel free to reach out. Rush University Medical CenterMidwest Orthopaedics at Rush European Society of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (ESUBE)

09/22/2025

🙏 Honored & grateful!

I’m humbled to be recognized by my peers as a Top Doctor in the Chicagoland area. Every day, my mission is to advance minimally invasive and endoscopic outpatient spine surgery, train the next generation of surgeons, and provide world-class care to my patients.

This recognition is possible because of an amazing team, supportive colleagues, and the trust of patients who put their health in my hands.

Thank you all for being part of this journey. 💙

09/19/2025

🌍 Honored to continue shaping the future of spine surgery through Biportal Endoscopy training!

Today, I had the privilege of hosting 6 practicing spine surgeons who all paid their own way to learn from me and experience firsthand why Biportal is becoming the most talked-about minimally invasive technique worldwide.

🔥 What set this program apart:

– live and hands-on in REAL Operating Rooms with REAL Instruments

3 concurrent simulators + 1 Virtual Reality simulator for unmatched immersion

Surgeons observed 2 Biportal cases performed by me in our ASC right beforehand

Then stepped directly into the same OR for 2+ hours of hands-on training with the B.E.S.T. (Biportal Endoscopic Surgical TRAY) instruments

The momentum behind Biportal is undeniable, and it’s clear why: faster recovery, less tissue trauma, and precision that elevates patient outcomes.

It’s inspiring to see highly skilled surgeons investing their time and resources to master this technique—and I’m proud to be leading that movement.

The future is Biportal. 🚀 Contact me directly for the next lab and the NON-DISPOSABLE Endoscopic Trays!

Gideon BlumsteinSteven Fineberg, MD, FAAOSWylie LopezJon AhnMohammad ShukairyAlexander Butler, MD European Society of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (ESUBE)ISASS: The International Society for Advancement of Spine SurgeryAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

09/12/2025

On the latest episode of Spinal Strength, your hosts Kern Singh, MD and Alex Sroka dive into the ketogenic craze—exploring what’s science, what’s myth, and how it really affects your health.
We’ll break down:
⚡ What “getting into ketosis” means (and why it’s not as mystical as it sounds)
⚡ The pros, cons, and pitfalls of the keto lifestyle
⚡ How you can separate hype from helpful advice when making diet choices
It’s a blend of science, storytelling, and a dash of humor—because who doesn’t love talking about bacon and biochemistry in the same breath?
🎧 Listen here: https://shor.by/G78v
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag Rush University Medical Center Rush University Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Alexander Sroka

09/05/2025

Another great STEP (Surgeon Training Endoscopic Program) day!
It was a pleasure to host Eric Belin, MD from Wisconsin as part of the program. He was able to observe 5 complex biportal endoscopic spine cases in the morning and we had the chance to exchange ideas and experiences throughout the day.

STEP is all about collaboration, mentorship, and growing the endoscopic community. The biportal wave continues to build, and it’s exciting to see more surgeons joining in.

09/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVo6C34iT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

After severe cervical spinal stenosis, 65-year-old Todd found relief with Dr. Kern Singh’s endoscopic spine surgery.

09/04/2025

Ever wondered how intermittent fasting impacts your energy, focus, and long-term health?
In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the science and strategy behind intermittent fasting—what works, what’s hype, and how it can support spinal health, recovery, and performance.
Whether you’re a clinician, athlete, or just curious about optimizing your body and brain, this one’s for you.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xdr6BPCFcaaImjeTouF8w?si=9bDJKr5bReOghMnUFErHWg

💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear how fasting fits into your routine.