Dr. Vitale’s Bio

Dr. Michael G. Vitale is a New York Pediatric Spine Surgeon specializing in spine surgery as well as non-operative treatment of complex pediatric scoliosis and other spinal disorders.  Dr. Vitale has a special interest in the treatment of patients with Early Onset Scoliosis.

Michael Vitale MD MPH is the Ana Lucia Professor of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery at Columbia University Medical Center. He is also the Director of the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and the Chief of the Pediatric Spine and Scoliosis Service at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City. He is also the Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics for the NYP Enterprise.

His dedication to safety in the spine surgery field prompted him to found the Safety in Spine Surgery Project (S3P). This organization’s main goal is to identify ways to enhance the safety and sustainability of spine surgery and work with stakeholders in spine surgery to prevent harm.

In addition, as a leader in spine surgery, he has pioneered numerous innovative surgical techniques, has directed national spine societies and has developed spinal instrumentation systems to improve the care of children with scoliosis. 

After finishing his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Columbia University, Dr. Vitale did a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles where he gained significant exposure to pediatric spine surgery. Returning to Columbia, Dr. Vitale was quickly promoted to Herbert Irving Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and consequently was named the Ana Lucia Professor Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Michael Vitale currently leads the Pediatric Spine program, co-directs the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics and is Vice Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, serving as the Chief Quality Officer.

A world’s leader pediatric spine surgeon in New York City, founder of the Safety in Spine Surgery Project (S3P), Dr. Michael G. Vitale is a world-renowned specialist in the non-operative and operative treatment of complex pediatric scoliosis and spinal disorders, performing approximately 200 scoliosis procedures every year—half of which are in children less than 10 years of age. Dr. Vitale’s surgical practice leverages specialized multidisciplinary teams to optimize care of adolescents with scoliosis, and uses innovative treatments for younger children with scoliosis, including magnetic spine lengthening rods (“MAGEC”), and non-fusion procedures such as anterior vertebral tethering (AVBT) for juvenile scoliosis.

He also has a special interest in the conservative management of scoliosis and leads a best-in-class team of Schroth scoliosis therapists, Rigo-Chêneau style bracing experts, and cast technicians with extensive experience at Mehta casting. Dr. Vitale is consistently recognized as one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly, and has been the named among the top 50 physicians providing scoliosis care in the United States by Becker’s Spine Review.

Dr. Vitale received his undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from Trinity College, and attended medical school at Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons, where he also completed a Master’s degree in Public Health. He remained at Columbia for his residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Dr. Vitale is the Ana Lucia Professor of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery within the Department of Orthopaedics at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Dr. Vitale is also Vice Chair for Quality and Strategy in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, leading efforts to improve outcomes, ensure patient safety, and develop new advances in patient care. He is also Chief of Pediatric Spine and Scoliosis Service for the NewYork-Presbyterian health system, where he has focused on improving the care of children with spinal asymmetry since joining the staff of the Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian in 2001.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Vitale is a prolific researcher, having published approximately 200 articles focused on pediatric spine surgery and patient safety, and is the author of several books, including digital resources, on these topics. He has created and written more than 700 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts. Recognized as a leader in the academic orthopedic community, Dr. Vitale is the recipient of numerous national awards, and has held various national leadership positions, including Chairman of the Safety in Spine Surgery Summit, Founder of Safety in Spine Surgery Project (S3P), Chairman of the International Pediatric Orthopaedic Symposium, President of the Children’s Spine Foundation and Pediatric Spine Study Group.

In 2020, Dr. Vitale assumed the role of President of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Please check out this podcast from 2019 to learn more.

In 2025, Dr. Vitale started writing a blog during his sabbatical to recover from shoulder surgery. Browse his blog about family, legacy, and more.

Dr. Vitale serves on the Board of Crutches for Kids and Alexandras Playground, which he co-founded with his wife, Andrea. A leader pediatric spine surgeon in New York City, an avid skier, marathon runner, and recreational tri-athlete, Dr. Vitale’s biggest pleasure is spending his free time with his wife and four sons.