The spine team is at the center of caring for patients with some of the most complex and often debilitating orthopaedic conditions. From acute injuries to chronic spine disorders, this group provides focused, specialized care for conditions affecting the neck and back.
“Across the spine team, there is a strong focus on making sure patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care every step of the way,” said Jessica Thompson, RN-BSN, Orthopaedic Surgery Clinical Care Coordinator.
Each day, surgeons, advanced practice providers, and clinic staff work side by side to guide patients through what can be an overwhelming process. From initial evaluation to recovery, the team is focused on helping patients understand their diagnosis, navigate their options, and move forward with a plan that fits their needs.
Over the past year, the spine service line has continued to grow, expanding access to care while strengthening coordination across clinic and surgical settings. That growth reflects both increasing demand and the team’s ability to support patients across multiple care settings.
Spine team highlights:
Advanced Practice Providers
Heather Wilson, CRNP; Kathryn Mahaffey, PA-C; and Sara Beth Brown, PA-C, play an integral role in spine patient care, particularly in the management of trauma and spinal fractures. Working alongside spine surgeons, they support both nonoperative and surgical treatment, contributing to patient evaluation, imaging review, and care planning.
From left: Heather Wilson, CRNP; Kathryn Mahaffey, PA-C; and Sara Beth Brown, PA-CThroughout the hospital stay and surgical process, they help coordinate care by assisting in the operating room, performing consultations, rounding on patients, and facilitating discharges. They also guide patients through preoperative preparation and follow-up, ensuring continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.
In addition to their clinical expertise, they serve as a consistent point of connection for patients and families—educating, answering questions, and helping navigate what can often be a complex and overwhelming experience.
Surgeons
Sakthivel Rajaram, M.D., Steven M. Theiss, M.D., and Luke A. Hiatt, M.D. make up the spine surgery team.
From left: Sakthivel Rajaram, M.D., Steven M. Theiss, M.D., and Luke A. Hiatt, M.D.Together, the group treats a wide range of spine conditions, including spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and spinal deformity.
In addition to their surgical practice, the team plays a significant role in the department’s leadership and educational mission. Rajaram serves as director of the spine fellowship, Hiatt is an assistant professor, and Theiss serves as professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, as well as section chief of spine.
The team’s commitment to education extends through the UAB Spine Fellowship Program, which has trained future spine surgeons since 2009. Funded by and affiliated with AO Spine North America, an international spine education and research organization and the largest supporter of spine fellowship training in North America, the program accepts two fellows each year. Fellows train at both UAB Hospital and Children’s of Alabama, gaining experience in adult and pediatric spine care across a broad spectrum of spinal disorders.
The fellowship combines clinical training and research opportunities, with fellows participating in patient care, surgery, resident education, and scholarly activities throughout the year. Fellows also take part in AO Spine educational and research programs as part of their training, graduating with valuable experience in both operative and nonoperative spine care.
In the clinic, their approach is direct and patient-focused. Time is spent walking through diagnoses, explaining options, and helping patients weigh next steps, whether that involves nonoperative care, injections, or surgery.
Nursing and care coordination
Emily Vincent, Karla Corbitt, RN-BSN, and Jessica Thompson, RN-BSN, serve as clinical care coordinators for the spine team, playing a critical role in connecting all aspects of patient care. They manage scheduling, imaging, communication, and follow-up while serving as a consistent point of contact for patients.
Jessica Thompson, RN-BSNTheir work helps ensure that care remains organized and responsive, allowing for timely communication between patients and providers and supporting a more seamless clinical experience.
Spine team updates
Over the past year, the spine program has focused on expanding access and strengthening its clinical footprint.
Key updates include:
- Expansion of surgical services at UAB St. Vincent’s
- Continued development of nonoperative services, including imaging, physical therapy, and injections
- Increased outreach to connect more patients with spine care
What’s ahead for spine
The spine program continues to grow, with ongoing efforts focused on strengthening operations and expanding access to care. Key priorities include enhancing patient education, improving clinic workflow and care coordination, and growing services across locations, including UAB St. Vincent’s.
As these efforts move forward, collaboration across the team remains central to maintaining a high standard of care and supporting a growing patient population.
Inside Orthopaedics is a quarterly staff and faculty spotlight series. Each edition highlights a different group within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery by celebrating the people, partnerships, and dedication that make exceptional patient care possible every day.