Shaleen Vira, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He focuses on complex spinal deformities, scoliosis, and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Vira practices at UT Southwestern Frisco, Zale Lipshy Pavilion, and Parkland Memorial Hospital. At UT Southwestern, Dr. Vira is Director of Spine Surgery Research and leads multidisciplinary efforts both within and outside the university to improve the safety and efficacy of spine surgery. He has published over 200 peer reviewed papers, conference podium presentations, and book chapters in the areas of adult and pediatric spinal deformities, minimally invasive spine surgery, and value and health care policy in spine care. Prior to joining UT Southwestern in 2019, Dr. Vira was at the Cleveland Clinic where he was the Combined Neurological and Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Fellow. Dr. Vira earned his medical degree at NYU Langone Medical Center (the US News & World Report ranked #3 medical school in the nation) where he was in the highly selective B.A./M.D. program, and earned his medical school admission at age 17. He performed his residency at the prestigious Hospital for Joint Diseases, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital (a top 5 US News & World Report hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery) where he was in the Clinician Scientist Orthopaedic Surgery Program and served as Chief Resident. He completed a research fellowship in adult and pediatric spinal deformities at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Dr. Vira is a member of several professional organizations, including the North American Spine Society, the AO Spine Society, the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. He was included in D Magazine's Best Doctors in Collin County list for 2021.