BOARD CERTIFIED NEUROSURGEON
QUALIFIED MEDICAL EXAMINER

Dr. Kevin Yoo received his bachelor’s degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he double majored in English and Chemistry. He went onto Emory University School of Medicine where he became a doctor in medicine; Dr. Yoo also did one year of graduate schooling at Emory. He moved onto the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he completed graduate school, his internship, and did two years of research. Dr. Yoo then moved to Illinois to attend Loyola University Medical Center for his first half of his Residency and completed it at University of California at San Diego.

Beginning early on one could recognize Dr. Yoo’s continual strive for excellence, he graduated high schoolsumma cum laude, which only proceeded into his college career at UNC where he was on the Dean’s Honor List; a member of the UNC Honors Program and the North Carolina Fellows Program. As Dr. Yoo went onto medical school, he continued to excel and was awarded the Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship 1989 at Emory University.

Throughout Dr. Yoo’s medical career there has always been a passion for research which has led to numerous publications and presentations. He has extensive training that has resulted in his intricate and meticulous expertise. Dr. Yoo has been relied upon as a spinal and neurosurgical expert throughout much of his career. He has been featured on FOX News and other media outlets for his extreme knowledge in spinal and neurosurgical treatments and research.

Dr. Kevin Yoo is dedicated to the intricate care of each and every patient he treats. He is the Director of Palomar Neurosurgery Center and joined the OC Medical Group in Anaheim in 2010 where he helps lead a superior team of spine and neurological experts.

Download Printable CV

Business Addresses

Poway:
Palomar Neurosurgery Center
15706 Pomerado Road STE S-206
Poway, CA 92064

La Jolla:
HM-Poole Bldg.
9834 Genesee Ave. Ste 411
La Jolla, CA 92037

Temecula Valley Spine & Neurosurgery Center:
27720 Jefferson Ave Suite 100B
Temecula, CA 92590
Business Phone: 858-485-8022
Business Fax: 858-815-6820

Current Position

• Palomar Neurosurgery Center, Director
• Solo / Private Practice: June 2004-Current

Medical Facility Affiliations

• Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center
• Inland Valley Medical Center
• Orthopaedic Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla
• Outpatient Surgery of Del Mar
• Palomar Medical Center
• Pomerado Hospital
• Rancho Springs Medical Center
• Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA
• Tricity Medical Center, Vista

Approved Provider Status

• Tricare
• Medicare
• PPO
• WorkComp
• Personal Injury

Education

High School: The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
Summa Cum Laude June (1984)

College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dual Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English and Chemistry (1988)

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Doctor of Medicine (1993)

Graduate School: Emory University Graduate School
Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (1990-1991)

Graduate School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
Department of Anatomy
Passed Candidacy Oral and Written Exams (1994-1996)

Post Doctoral Training

1993 – 1994: Surgical Internship

• Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery and Affiliated Hospitals, Atlanta, GA (404-727-0093)

1994 – 1996: Neurosurgical Research Associate

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Little Rock, AR (501-296-1463)

1997 – 2002: Neurosurgical Residency

• Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Maywood, IL (708-216-3208)

Chief Resident, Neurosurgical Residency

• University of California, San Diego, Division of Neurosurgery, San Diego, CA (619-543-5545)

Continuing Medical Education

• Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Spine, University of California, San Diego (2005)
• Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Spine, University of California, San Diego (2006)

Licenses/Certification

• The American Board of Neurological Surgery Certified (Expires 12/31/2019)
• California Medical License G86513
  • Issued: May 17, 2002
  • Expires: January 31, 2012

Awards and Honors

• The Westminster Schools (1984): graduated summa cum laude and with distinctions.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1988):
  • John Motley Morehead Scholar
  • Dean’s Honor List
  • UNC Honors Program, Member
  • North Carolina Fellows Program, Member
• Emory University School of Medicine (1989): Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship

Memberships

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons (2004 - current)
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons (2004 - current)
• North American Spine Society (2006 - current)

Teaching Experience

• Faculty Member, Synthes Spine Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgeon Courses (2008 – 2009)
  • Oracle Spacer System Training Forum, San Diego, CA (August 8, 2009)
  • Synthes Spine, Introduction to the Lateral Lumbar Approach Forum, Dallas, TX (August 1, 2009)
  • Synthes Spine, Lateral Lumbar Approach with Oracle Spacer System, San Francisco, CA (May 15, 2010)
• Course Instructor, American Association of Neurological Surgeons – Goodman Oral Board Preparation: Neurosurgery Review by Case Management, Houston, TX (May 16-18, 2010)

Consulting Experience

• Lumbar Degnerative Spine Executive Surgeon Panel for Alphatec Spine (2008)
• Minimally Invasive Spine Executive Surgeon Panel for Alphatec Spine (2009)

Publications and Papers

Poster Presentations:

1. Tominaga GT, Schaffer KB, Dandan IS, Kraus JF, Sedwitz MM, Yoo K, Weitzel, NJ, Eastman AB: “Is there a difference in operative versus nonoperative treatment of cervical spine injuries in the elderly?” American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Annual Meeting; Boston, MA; 2010.
2. Tominaga GT, Dandan IS, Coufal F, Yoo K, Schaffer K, Simon, Jr, FJ, Eastman, AB “Decompressive Craniectomy for Severe Brain Injury: Lessons, Learned.” Annual American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, 2008, Maui, HA.
3. Ozgur BM, Aryan HE, Yoo K, Taylor WR. “Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Repair via an Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Technique (XLIF).”American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2005.
4. Yoo K, Shownkeen H, Origitano T.C. “Pediatric Congenital Vertebral Artery\ Fistula treated successfully with Endovascular Techniques.” 12th Annual Meeting of North American Skull Base Society, Mar. 2001, Orlando, FL.
5. Yoo K, Shownkeen H, Origitano T.C. “Successful treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis with Shape-Memory-Alloy-Recoverable-Technology Stents.” Cardiovascular Section, 2001, Hawaii.
6. Yoo K, Shownkeen H, Origitano T.C. “Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: Multiple Routes in Endovascular Treatment.” Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2000, San Antonio, TX and Cardiovascular Section, 2001, Hawaii.
7. Yoo K, Shownkeen H, Origitano T.C. “Endovascular Treatment of Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus Dural AVMs presenting as Pulsatile Tinnitus.” Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2000, San Antonio, TX and Cardiovascular Section, 2001, Hawaii.
8. Nockels R, Yoo K, Leppla D, Rauzzino M. “Rigid Stabilization of the Cervicothoracic Region with Combined Lateral Mass and Hook Rod Implants.” Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2000, San Antonio, TX.
9. Shownkeen H, Yoo K, Origitano T.C. Three topics presented on Balloon, Embolization, and Coil Treatment. Interventional Neuroradiology Peer Review Conference, 2000, Jackson Hole, WY.
10. Yoo K, Jellish WS, Murdoch, J, Leonetti J, Fluder E, Corsino A, “Peripheral Nerve Injury associated with Skull Base Surgery.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2000, San Francisco, CA.
11. Yoo K, Jellish WS, Brody M, Shea J, Slogoff M, Origitano TC. “The Effect Epidural Clonidine and/or SQ Bupivicaine have on Postoperative Outcomesafter Lower Back Surgery using Spinal Anesthesia.” American Association ofNeurological Surgeons, 2000, San Francisco, CA.
12. Yoo K, Jellish WS, Leonetti J, Fluder E, Corsino A, Origitano TC. “Perioperative Comparisons of the Lateral vs. Classic Approach to the Skull Base.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2000, San Francisco,CA.
13. Krisht AF, Yoo K, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O. "Canine Cavernous Sinus Tumor Model." American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1996, Minneapolis, MN.
14. Yoo K, Krisht AF, Wallace B, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O. “The Use of Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy with [111Indium-labeled DTPA-DPhe1]- Octreotide for Preoperative Diagnosis of Brain Tumors.” Student Research Day, 1995, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College ofMedicine, Little Rock, AR.
15. Yoo K, Krisht AF, Wallace B, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O. “The Use of Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy with [111Indium-labeled DTPA-DPhe1]- Octreotide for Postoperative follow-up of Meningiomas.” Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 1995, San Francisco, CA.
16. Yoo K, Krisht AF, Wallace B, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O. “The Use of Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy with [111Indium-labeled DTPA-DPhe1]- Octreotide for Preoperative Diagnosis of Brain Tumors.” Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 1995, San Francisco, CA.
17. Arnautovic KI, Borba L, Pait TG, Al-Mefty O, Krisht AF, Yoo K. “The Vertebral Artery; Microsurgical Anatomy of Occipito-C1/C2 Segment.” 4th International Workshop on Cerebrovascular Surgery, 1995.
18. Krisht AF, Bulent C, Arnautovic KI, Yoo K. Al-Mefty O. “Giant Invasive Pituitary Adenomas.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1995.=
19. Krisht AF, Barrow D, Al-Mefty O, Yoo K. “The Microanatomic Features of the Clinoidal Cone.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1995.
20. Krisht AF, Barrow D, Al-Mefty O, Shengalaia G, Yoo K. “The Microsurgical Anatomy of a Basilar Artery Perforator Free Zone.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1995.

Oral Presentations

1. Yoo K: “Stand-Alone Single Level Trans-Psoas Lumbar Interbody Fusion.” 1st Triennial World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Techniques, June 2008, Honolulu, HW.
2. Yoo K, Coufal F, Leary S: “Cervical Disc Arthroplasty In Conjunction With Cervical Fusion.” 1st Triennial World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Techniques, June 2008, Honolulu, HW.
3. Yoo K, Shownkeen H, Chenelle AG, Origitano TC: “Stenting of Carotid Artery Stenosis using Shape-Memory-Alloy-Recoverable-Technology Stents.” 12th Annual Meeting of North American Skull Base Society, Mar. 2001, Orlando, FL. Kevin Yoo, M.D.
4. Shownkeen H, Yoo K, Hopkins LN, Anderson D, Origitano TC: “Stenting of Parent Vessels and in Failed Balloon Assisted (Remodeling) Technique in Patients with Aneurysm Regrowth.” 12th Annual Meeting of North American Skull Base Society, Mar. 2001, Orlando, FL.
5. Yoo K, Davies DL, Krisht AF, Al-Mefty O: “Inhibition of Proliferation of Meningiomas with a Somatostatin Analog.” 3rd International Skull Base Congress, Mar. 1997, Little Rock, AR.
6. Yoo K, Davies DL, Krisht AF, Al-Mefty O: “Successful Subcutaneous Nude Mice Implantation of Cultured Meningioma Cells.” 3rd International Skull Base Congress, Mar. 1997, Little Rock, AR.
7. Krisht AF, Yoo K Al-Mefty O, Davies DL: “Use of OctreoScan for Pre- and Postoperative Detection of Skull Base Meningiomas.” 3rd International Skull\ Base Congress, Mar. 1997, Little Rock, AR.
8. Yoo K, Davies DL, Krisht AF, Al-Mefty O: “Inhibition of Proliferation of Meningiomas with a Somatostatin Analog.” 2nd International Skull Base Congress, Jun. 1996, San Diego, CA.
9. Yoo K, Davies DL, Krisht AF, Al-Mefty O: “Successful Subcutaneous Nude Mice Implantation of Cultured Meningioma Cells.” 2nd International Skull Base Congress, Jun. 1996, San Diego, CA.
10. Yoo K, Krisht AF, Al-Mefty O, Davies DL: “Use of OctreoScan for Pre- and Postoperative Detection of Skull Base Meningiomas.” 2nd International Skull Base Congress, Jun. 1996, San Diego, CA.
11. Krisht AF, Yoo K, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O: “Canine Cavernous Sinus Tumor Model.” 2nd International Skull Base Congress, Jun. 1996, San Diego, CA.
12. Yoo K, Krisht AF, Wallace B, Arnautovic KI, Al-Mefty O: “Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with [111Indium-labeled DTPA-D-Phe1]-octreotide: diagnosing, localizing, and determining the extent of resection of meningiomas.” Southern Neurosurgical Meeting, Mar. 1996, Miami, FL.

Publications:

1. Huang M, Theilmann RJ, Robb A, Angeles A, Nichols S, Drake A, D’Andrea J, Levy M, Holland M, Tao S, Ge S, Hwang E, Yoo K, Cui L, Baker DG, Trauner D, Coimbra R, Lee RR. Integrated imaging approach with MEG and DTI to Detect Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Military and Civilian Patients Journal of Neurotrauma. 26:1213-1226, 2009 Aug.
2. Ozgur BM, Yoo K, Rodriguez G, Taylor WR. Minimally Invasive Technique inTransforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) European Spine J. 2005 Sept.
3. Levy ML, Meltzer HS, Hughes S, Aryan HE, Yoo K, Amar AP. Hydrocephalus in Children with Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cysts, Submitted to Journal of
   Neurosurgery 2004 Feb.
4. Levy ML, Wang M, Aryan HE, Yoo K, Meltzer HS. Microsurgical Keyhole Approach for Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cyst Fenestration. Neurosurgery. 53(5): 1138-45, 2003 Nov.
5. Shownkeen H, Yoo K, Leonetti J, Origitano TC. Endovascular Treatment of Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Malformations Presenting as Pulsatile Tinnitus. Skull Base Journal. 2001.
6. Yoo K, Origitano TC. Familial cervical spondylosis. Case report. Journal of Neurosurgery. 89(1): 139-41, 1998 Jul. Kevin Yoo, M.D.
7. Alleyne CH Jr. Krisht A, Yoo K, Silverstein A, Colohan AR. Bilateral persistent trigeminal arteries associated with cerebral aneurysms and aortic arch vessel anomaly. Southern Medical Journal. 90(4): 434-8, 1997 Apr.
8. Krisht AF, Yoo K: Neurosurgery - The Year in Review (1995) Contemporary Neurosurgery Vol. 17, No. 27, 1995.

Book Chapters:

1. Krisht AF, Yoo K. “Etiology and Classification of Cavernous-CarotidFistulas.” The Cavernous Sinus. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999.

Research Experience

• The RESCUEicp Study: Randomizedhttp://palomar-neurosurgery.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_content&sectionid=1&task=edit&cid[]=218 Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for Uncontrollable Elevation of Intra-Cranial Pressure
  • Principal Investigator, Scripps Memorial Hospital (La Jolla): international study based in Oxford, England
  • Undergoing and enrolling patients until end of 2009
  • Sub-Investigators: Frank Coufal, M.D., Gail Tominaga, M.D., Fred Simon, M.D.

• The Use of OctreoScan as a Diagnostic Tool for Intracranial Neoplasms
  • Co-Principal Investigator: evaluating the role of OctreoScan, a nuclear scan based on a somatostatin analog, in preoperative diagnosis and localization and postoperative follow-up of patients with meningiomas and other intracranial neoplasms
  • Location: Department of Neurosurgery, University or Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital; John L. McClellan Veterans Administration Hospital; Arkansas Children's Hospital
  • Other Investigators: Ali Krisht, M.D. (P.I.), Oassama Al-Mefty, M.D., F.A.C.S., W. Bruce Cherny, M.D.

• Hormonal and Radiotherapeutic Treatment of Meningiomas
  • Co-Principal Investigator: growing meningioma cell cultures, establishing nude mouse meningioma animal model, and determining therapeutic potential of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs for meningiomas
  • Location: Laboratory of Skull Base Center, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Other Investigators: Ali Krisht, M.D. (P.I.), David L. Davies, Ph.D. (Departmentof Anatomy), Ossama Al-Mefty, M.D., F.A.C.S., Mingzhong Zheng, M.D.

• A Skull Base Tumor Model in the Canine
  • Co-Principal Investigator: establishing a skull base brain tumor model in dogs by implanting tumor cells in the roof of the cavernous sinus and to study the effect of immunosuppression on the rate of tumor growth.
  • Location: Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurosurgery Studies, Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine and Division Laboratory; Animal Medicine & Laboratory of Skull Base Center, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Other Investigators: Ali F. Krisht, M.D. (P.I.), Kenan Arnautovic, M.D., Ossama Al-Mefty, M.D., F.AC.S.

• MagnaSafe Multicenter Registry and Study
  • Co-Investigator: determining the safety of non-thoracic 1.5T MRI scanning for patients with implanted cardiac devices
  • Location: Over 35 sites, including Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla
  • Other Investigators: Brian Carlos, M.D. (P.I.), Gail T. Tominaga, MD.

• ANS Occipital Nerve Stimulation Study
  • Principal Investigator: testing the feasibility and efficacy of C2-C3 dermatomal Peripheral Nerve Stimulation on symptoms due to traumatic brain injury. This will be a single-center study at Scripps La Jolla for 6 months, studying between ten-to-twelve patients suffering from moderate TBI.
  • Location: Scripps La Jolla and one other possible site TBD

• A Prospective, Multi-Center, Nonrandomized Study to Assess Lumbar Fusion Using Interbody Cages with Autograft in Conjunction with Instrumented Posterolateral Gutter Fusions Using NanossTM Bioactive
  • Post Market Study Protocol #: 2010-01 dated July 10, 2010
  • Sponsor: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc., Marquette, MI
  • 10 sites participating with a total of 100 subjects