Justin Scheer, MD

Education

Neurological Surgery Residency, University of California, San Francisco, PGY-5, Expected graduation 2023

Medical Doctorate (M.D.), University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2009

 

Biography

Justin received his undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley. During his time there he worked in the UCSF Biomechanical Testing Facility as the Spine Division Project Manager conducting multiple spine biomechanical studies investigating new and current spinal devices, surgical techniques, and new testing methods. Justin then went on to receive his Medical Doctorate from UC San Diego where he continued his interest in spine research by joining the International Spine Study Group (ISSG) as a research associate and statistician. The group consists of 13 high-volume adult spinal deformity centers that pool their data for complex outcomes research. With the ISSG, Justin built advanced predictive models for multiple outcomes following adult spinal deformity surgery including success of surgery, complications, and costs. He learned the process of model building, designed, and built these predictive models for the ISSG, which was one of the first groups to explore and use advanced predictive analytics in the field of spinal surgery. Justin continued his clinical research and modeling with the ISSG as he then started Neurological Surgery residency in 2016 and is currently in his 5th year at UCSF.

 

Justin joined the Field’s lab in 2020 at the beginning of his research year funded by the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Research Education Program (R25 grant) for the 2020-2021 academic year. Justin’s research in the lab involves investigating biotransport of the human cartilage endplate (CEP), specifically determining how enzymatic treatment of the CEP impacts the filtration function of the CEP matrix and the biologic activity of the adjacent chondrocytes and nucleus pulposus cells. The primary focus is to determine an optimal enzyme dose that maximizes enhanced permeability of the CEP but also limits both potential structural compromise and a potential inflammatory response.

 

Research Interests

  • Cartilage endplate biotransport and permeability
  • Spine biomechanics
  • Adult spinal deformity
  • Advanced predictive analytics for spine surgery outcomes