Spine (Neck and Back)

Jack Chen, M.D.
Adult and Pediatric Spine Surgery

Dr Jack Chen is a subspecialty trained orthopaedic spine surgeon. His clinical practice is devoted to treating both adult and pediatric patients with spinal disorders. His interests include degenerative conditions of both the cervical and lumbar spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. He also has extensive knowledge of spinal deformity, including kyphosis and scoliosis. Furthermore, he has unique experience in treating spinal tumors and trauma, and has won basic science research awards in spine infection and spine biomechanics.

Born in Taiwan, Dr Chen immigrated with his family to California in his early childhood. He grew up in Orange County and attended Savanna High School in Anaheim. He graduated with honors in biology from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a two-sport athlete. He played forward on the national championship winning rugby team and was also a rower on the NCAA crew squad. He then attended medical school at the University of Southern California. After earning Alpha Omega Alpha honors at graduation, he went on to continue training at the Los Angeles County – USC Medical Center, where he completed his internship and residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. During his residency, he was voted by his peers and teachers as the resident of the year three years in a row and was the chief resident during his senior year. He then finished his training with a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Miami.

Dr Chen has numerous academic interests. During his residency, his laboratory work in biomechanics garnered state and national awards. He has also presented clinical research at the meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. During his spine fellowship, his laboratory work in spine infections was honored as the best basic science presentation at the International Meeting of Advanced Spine Technologies. Additionally, his work in spine trauma has been nominated for the prestigious Hibbs Award by the Scoliosis Research Society. He has published book chapters and journal articles. He enjoys teaching and holds faculty positions at the Long Beach VA Hospital and the University of California, Irvine.

Dr Chen is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, California Medical Association, Western Orthopaedic Association, and the Orange County Medical Association. He is also affiliated with the Cervical Spine Research Society, North American Spine Society, and the Scoliosis Reseach Society.

Dr Chen is trilingual, fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. He continues to be an active athlete. He has completed many marathons and competes regularly in triathalons.