Advancing Neurosurgical Care in Charlotte: Dr. Paul Kim, MD Appointed Chair
02.24.2026
Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kim, MD has been appointed Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery for the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Advocate Health. This appointment reflects both his national reputation as a leader in neurosurgery and his long-standing commitment to advancing care, education, and innovation through his work at CNSA.
Dr. Kim has been a member of CNSA since 2008, where he has built a nationally recognized practice focused on complex and reconstructive spine surgery, spinal deformity, minimally invasive and robotic techniques, motion preservation, tumors, trauma, and outcomes-driven research. His career has been defined by a patient-centered approach paired with a deep commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
In addition to his clinical practice at CNSA, Dr. Kim serves as Executive Medical Director of SpineFirst with AtriumHealth and holds multiple leadership and academic roles across national and international organizations. His work includes advanced surgical education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and translational research aimed at improving outcomes and shaping the future of neurosurgery.
“Moments like this remind us that we are building something extraordinary together,” said Troy Bouzakis, CEO of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates. “When one of our own rises to national leadership, it elevates all of us, and most importantly, it enhances the care we provide to our patients and community.”
As Chair, Dr. Kim will lead the Department of Neurosurgery’s clinical, research, and educational missions in Charlotte. He will work in close partnership with Shaun O’Leary, MD, PhD, President of the Neurosciences National Service Line, and Courtney Bogan, Senior Vice President, to ensure alignment between academic priorities and enterprise strategy across Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Advocate Health.
His leadership will focus on strengthening extramurally funded research, advancing surgical education and training, enhancing quality and operating room efficiency, and supporting the continued growth of neurosurgical services across the region.
Dr. Kim earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School and completed his neurosurgery residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, followed by a Complex Spine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has served as principal investigator on numerous multicenter clinical trials and pivotal studies focused on spinal innovation and advanced implant technologies.
His contributions to the field include peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Neurosurgery, Spine, and World Neurosurgery. Dr. Kim’s clinical excellence has been recognized nationally, including selection to Newsweek’s America’s Top Spine Surgeons and repeated Castle Connolly Top Doctors honors.
This appointment reflects the strength of collaboration between Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Advocate Health. Together, these partnerships continue to advance an academic learning health system rooted in innovation, education, and exceptional patient care.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Paul Kim, MD on this well-deserved achievement and in celebrating the continued advancement of neurosurgical excellence in Charlotte and beyond.
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