Dr. Michael Rothbaum 

2025-2026 SMERF Scholar

​

Michael Rothbaum completed his undergraduate education at Cornell University, where he majored in Comparative Literature and Spanish, before earning his medical degree from New York Medical College. A native New Yorker, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest to pursue neurosurgical training at Oregon Health & Science University. As a PGY-5 resident, he is currently engaged in a dedicated research year during which he is completing a master’s degree in medical education at the University of Pennsylvania and an enfolded fellowship in pediatric spinal deformity at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.
 

In addition to his clinical training, Michael is deeply engaged in advancing neurosurgical education. He holds leadership roles with the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Resident Committee and the Brain and Spine Group, where he contributes to national initiatives in neurosurgical education and professional development. He also serves as an advisor to premedical students, providing mentorship in academic and career planning.

Michael’s scholarly interests focus on competency-based medical education, particularly the design of neurosurgical curricula, the development of innovative assessment strategies, and the integration of educational technology to enhance learner and, ultimately, patient outcomes. He plans to continue this work alongside a clinical career in pediatric and global neurosurgery.
 

Outside of the hospital, Michael can usually be spotted at the PSU Farmers Market or cycling around Portland on his gravel bike.