Physical Medicine and Rehab
Contact this Expert Witness
- Company: SPECTRUM MEDICAL EVALUATORS
- Phone: 213-225-9518
Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness
General Specialties:
Physical Medicine & Rehab and Orthopedic SurgeryKeywords/Search Terms:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Fellowship, Orthopedic Surgery Interventional Spine, Musculoskeletal MedicineEducation:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Spine Fellowship , University of California, Los Angeles ; Chief of Spine Medicine Attending Physician, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery ; Director of USC Spine Electrodiagnostic Laboratory Attending Physician, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery ; Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Culture and Community, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryYears in Practice:
18Additional Information
Professional Experience: Dr. Christopher C. Ornelas has provided sustained clinical, academic, and institutional service at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery since July 2014. As an Attending Physician and Chief of Spine Medicine, he oversees comprehensive spine care and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical services. In parallel, he serves as Director of the USC Spine Electrodiagnostic Laboratory, where he leads diagnostic operations, clinical education, and spine-related research initiatives. Dr. Ornelas has demonstrated significant leadership in academic programming and physician training. From 2015 to 2025, he served as Director of the USC Spine Symposium, organizing a major educational forum focused on spine medicine and innovation. Since 2018, he has served as Program Director of the Interventional Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship, overseeing curriculum development, trainee mentorship, and accreditation-related responsibilities. Prior to his appointment at USC, Dr. Ornelas served as Courtesy Staff in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, and as Medical Staff at the Veterans Administration, working within the Departments of Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Earlier clinical service includes his role as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at the University of New Mexico Hospital. His commitment to academic service began early in his career as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in Anatomy and Physiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Honors and Recognition: 2012–2013: Teacher of the Year Award, UCLA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008–2009: Unsung Hero of the Year & Staff Award for Preliminary Intern of the Year, University of New Mexico University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine 1999–2004: National American Deans List, Academic Achievement 2000–2004: Golden Key International Honor Society