Kola Jegede, MD, a Brooklyn native, has joined NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn with the hope of giving back to his home borough as an orthopedic spine surgeon who can relieve pain and improve his patients’ quality of life.

As a spine surgeon, Dr. Jegede treats patients of all ages on the spectrum of spine disease, ranging from cervical (neck) spine fractures, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis (curvature of the spine) to herniated discs. He also works closely with the orthopedic team, including specialists who operate on the hand, foot, ankle, and spine; treats sports- and trauma-related injuries; and performs reconstructive joint replacement.

Dr. Jegede has been named director of quality and safety for NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn’s spine service. “In this role, Dr. Jegede will oversee our initiative to emphasize value-based medical care and to ensure the best possible outcome for patients treated for spine disorders at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn,” says John A. Bendo, MD, chief of the spine service at NYU Langone Health and co-director of its Spine Center.

About Dr. Jegede

Dr. Jegede grew up in Flatbush and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. He attended the University at Albany, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He attributes his interest in medicine and orthopedics in particular, to a personal experience with sickle cell disease.

“A family member developed hip arthritis at a young age as an offshoot of sickle cell anemia, which had a negative impact on all aspects of her life. After she had hip replacement surgery, her pain, appearance, and functionality improved immediately,” says Dr. Jegede. “I was impressed by the significant change in her quality of life.”

He went on to Yale University School of Medicine and earned his medical degree and a master’s degree in clinical research as a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation International Clinical Research fellow. In 2011, Yale awarded Dr. Jegede the Farr Scholar Award for Excellence in Research and the Calvin Martin Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

Dr. Jegede completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at NewYork Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. He also was a fellow in spine surgery at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and completed some of his training at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn.

Dr. Jegede’s research interests focus on the evaluation of the standing balance of the spine and the effect of small spinal fusions on standing balance and ways to help patients avoid surgery.

In addition to performing spine surgery, Dr. Jegede gives back to the Brooklyn community through outreach at a school in Brownsville. “I talk to students about opportunities that are within their grasp if they are willing to work hard,” he says. “I want to inspire young people to dream big and consider a career in medicine.”

Media Inquiries

Colin DeVries
Phone: 718-630-7414
colin.devries@nyulangone.org