Tampa General Hospital Earns World’s First Recognition as a Neuro Spine Surgery Center of Excellence

TGH sets the global standard for quality, safety and outcomes in spine care. 

Tampa, FL (October 6, 2026) — Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH), Neuro Spine Program has earned the Surgical Review Corporation’s (SRC) first-in-the-world designation as a Center of Excellence in Neuro Spine Surgery.

In addition to the award, Dr. Puya Alikhani is also recognized as the first surgeon in the world to earn SRC’s Master Surgeon designation in Neuro Spine Surgery. This distinction honors years of dedication and the highest level of surgical skill, clinical outcomes and patient care. Drs. Patrick Kim, Erik Hayman and Alexander Haas were also each recognized as SRC Surgeons of Excellence, reflecting their commitment to delivering high-quality spine care to every patient they serve.

“These achievements reflect the dedication of the entire TGH spine team and a shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to every patient,” said Alikhani, director of the division of spine surgery, chief of neurosurgery at Tampa General Hospital and professor with the USF Morsani College of Medicine. “Leading with excellence and advancing spine surgery has always been at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to set that standard for the world.”

The SRC accreditation process includes a rigorous, outcomes-focused review that evaluates health care organizations and surgical teams against nationally and internationally recognized benchmarks. Tampa General excels in critical areas such as surgical case volume, facility resources, evidence-based clinical protocols, patient education and ongoing quality improvement initiatives. The on-site assessment also offered valuable insights and best-practice recommendations, further supporting the academic health system’s commitment to enhancing patient care and advancing clinical excellence. TGH has also been recognized as a center of excellence for minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, continence care, complex endometriosis care, women’s surgery, minimally invasive gynecology and gynecologic surgical oncology.

“This designation provides patients and families with added confidence that they are choosing a spine program that meets the highest standards of quality, safety and outcomes,” said Luke Straus, vice president of the TGH Neurosciences and Orthopedic Institutes. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, advancing spine care and ensuring every patient has access to the very best treatments, expertise and support throughout their care journey.”

Learn more about TGH’s Neuro Spine Program.