Engineering graduate and world leading spine surgeon Dr. Ashish Sahai, M.D. (BSE 1997 biomedical engineering, MD 2001) will receive the UI College of Engineering Dean's Award for Early Career Achievement April 26. He a is founder, spine specialist and biomedical engineer at the Spine and Orthopedic Center (SOC), Boca Raton, FL.  He also will deliver a seminar to biomedical engineering students on "How Engineering made me a better doctor" from 3:30-4:20 p.m. in the Stanley Auditorium, 1505 Seamans Center. In addition, Sahai will participate April 27 in the Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Day. For more on Senior Design Day, go to

The award is presented by the college and the Department of Biomedical Engineering to alumni under 40 years old at the time of selection who have accomplished remarkable early career success with their professional field or industry.

Sahai is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery practicing in both Broward and Palm Beach counties.  In recent years, he has captured the attention of the entire medical field through his contributions with improved spine surgery techniques. Dr. Sahai has received numerous awards, including being named a Castle Connelly Top Orthopedic Surgeon in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Sahai holds several patents for spinal implants and also is a consultant with several spine surgery device companies to design new techniques and implants.

With his experience he teaches other surgeons, both nationally and internationally, and works closely with area hospitals, handling everything from the routine to highly complex spinal surgery cases.

The Spine and Orthopedic Center was founded by Sahai with the intention of combining cutting edge technology with multidisciplinary specialty physicians to supply patients with a comprehensive center that provides the very best outcomes.

The center is fully equipped for diagnosing and treating severely debilitating spinal problems, including a high-field MRI, digital X-ray and fluoro technology, a state accredited sedation procedure suite, and an onsite CLIA & COLA accredited laboratory.