Nationally recognized leader in complex spine surgery driving innovation and high-quality patient care
Congratulations to Camilo Molina, MD, on being selected for the 2026 WashU Medicine Dean’s Impact Award, which recognizes faculty who demonstrate focused excellence through sustained commitment to patient care, innovation, and advancing the missions of WashU Medicine.
Dr. Molina provides advanced surgical care for patients with some of the most complex spinal conditions, many of whom travel from across the country and around the world to seek his expertise. As Director of Spinal Deformity & Spinal Oncology and Co-Director of the Complex Spine Fellowship, he is known for combining expert technique with deep compassion, offering hope to patients who often have nowhere else to turn. His work restores function and quality of life while upholding the highest standards of care.
A nationally recognized leader in complex spine surgery, Dr. Molina also serves as Deputy Director of Spine Innovation at the Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology (CINT) and Co-Director of Patient Safety & Quality Improvement, where he drives advancements in surgical precision and safety. He played a pivotal role in developing and implementing robotic and augmented reality–assisted spine surgery and helped lead the team that performed the first FDA-approved augmented reality spine procedures in the United States.
In addition, Dr. Molina helped secure WashU/BJC’s designation as a Chordoma Center of Excellence, placing the institution among a select group nationally recognized for excellence in the care of this rare and challenging tumor. His highly specialized operative techniques and surgical judgment enable treatments that are not widely available elsewhere, drawing patients from across the nation and around the world who seek his unique expertise. This ability to deliver one-of-a-kind care exemplifies the WashU Medicine mission and reflects the profound, real-world impact of his work.
Congratulations again to Dr. Molina on receiving the 2026 WashU Medicine Dean’s Impact Award. This honor reflects his sustained excellence, innovative contributions, and unwavering dedication to patient care and the advancement of complex spine surgery, and the lasting impact of his work on patients, colleagues, and the broader medical community.