Based at Harborview Medical Center, Dr. Chesnut is a UW professor with appointments in both the Department of Neurological Surgery and the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He has particular expertise in surgery and critical care for traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, failed back surgery, and adult spondylolisthesis, as well as sports-related spine and brain injuries.
He is conducting research to improve care for people with traumatic brain and spine injuries, and currently has funding from the National Institutes of Health for outcome studies in brain injury and trauma care systems in Latin America. He is also a leader in writing evidence-based practice guidelines for traumatic brain injury and spine surgery.
- Spine and musculoskeletal neurosurgery
- Surgical and critical care management of acute traumatic brain injury
- Surgical and critical care management of acute spinal cord and spinal column injuries
- Sports-related spinal cord and spinal column injuries, with interest toward early return to play
- Failed spinal surgery
- Adult spinal deformity
- Brain injury and trauma care systems in developing countries
- Prospective investigations of outcome from acute brain injury in adults and children in developing countries (Cuba and Argentina)
- Early mobilization from acute spinal column injuries
- Targeted therapy in the management of traumatic brain injury
- Evidence-based medicine in traumatic brain injury management and spine surgery
Spending time with family, skiing, hiking, mountain biking and rugby.
Medical Education
University of Washington
Internship
University of California, San Diego
Residency
University of California, San Diego
Fellowship
University of Washington