UB Neurosurgery is proud to announce that our Spine and Skull Base Disorder team, led by Dr. Jeffrey Mullin and Dr. John Pollina, has been recognized by the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) for their work in the academic spine mission and awarded a 2026-27 NREF Clinical Fellowship Grant.

This grant will provide UBNS’ spinal team with the funding to help further research and help with our Spine Fellowship at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. Additionally, our team was selected as an NREF training site that is leading in neurosurgical education.

UBNS’ Spine Fellowship, led by Dr. Pollina and Dr. Mullin, helps educate aspiring spinal and neurosurgeons on a variety of spine cases, including using robotic techniques to treat spinal problems and minimally invasive methods, and on spinal deformity.  From open to minimally invasive surgeries, UBNS’ Spine Fellowship helps get future surgeons ready.

Dr. Pollina is an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at SUNY Buffalo and is the director of the Spine Fellowship at the school, where he is especially skilled in dealing with disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He is also a leader in using robotic and tech-driven treatments.

Dr. Mullin is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at SUNY Buffalo and is the co-director of the Spine Fellowship at the school. With his expertise, he educates students on spinal deformity and biomechanics; he also focuses on the treatment of disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Through UBNS’ Spine Fellowship, our goal is to set up the next generation of neurosurgeons for success and to improve the quality of care and treatment for patients. Our team is grateful to NREF and Globus Medical for this acknowledgment of our efforts.