- UC Irvine Grand Rounds: “Quality Improvements in Neurosurgery” (2018)
- Featured article in AANS Neurosurgeon (Volume 26, Number 4, 2017)
- Council of State Neurosurgical Societies: Socioeconomic Resident Fellow Southwest Quadrant (2017-2018)
- Neurotrauma and Emergency Neurosurgery Committee (2017-2018)
- Isolated Transverse Process Fracture Guideline Initiative (2017-2018)
- Excellence in Teaching with Humanism: Residents and Fellows Award (2014)
- Resident Quality Award: Transverse Process Fracture Management (2016)
- Longmire Surgical Society Scientific Day Award and Presenter (2013, 2017, 2018)
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons [CNS] Membership (2011-Present)
- American Association of Neurological Surgery [AANS] Membership (2011-Present)
- North American Spine Society [NASS] Membership (2014- Present)
- California Association of Neurological Surgeons [CANS] Membership (2012-Present)
- Neurosurgery Researcher (UCLA, 2010-Present)
- Presentations at CNS (2011), SNO (2011), WSMRF (2012), NASBS (2012), AANS (2012, 2014)
- American Brain Tumor Association Medical Student Summer Fellowship (2011)
- Chicago Board Review Course (2016, 2017)
- Dr. Kenneth M. Earle Memorial Neuropathology and Washington Neuroradiology Review Courses (2017)
- Completed 10-week graduate course in Ethics related to Human Research
- Assistance with live demonstration in Microsoft’s Virtual Reality event co-hosted by Fox, in collaboration with Surgical Theater (2015)
- Assistance with Brain Tumor Awareness video for: “The Doctors” (2013)
- Fluoroscopy Supervisor and Operator Permit (2016-Present)
- ACLS and BLS Certified
a reputation for excellence
Los Angeles Board-Certified Spine Surgeon
Daniel T. Nagasawa, MD is the Co-Founder of Achieve Brain & Spine, having completed his Neurological Surgery residency at UCLA and Sub-Specialization Fellowship training in Advanced Techniques for Complex Spinal Surgery at Kaiser LAMC. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed books, book chapters, and articles on topics ranging from management guidelines for spine fractures and cord compression to optimal treatment strategies for rare malignant brain tumors. Paramount to his therapeutic strategy is open communication, so that both he and his patients have a full understanding of the disease process and subsequent symptoms being produced; then together they can determine the best course of action to most effectively improve the patient’s quality of life. He emphasizes patient education above all else and has received numerous awards for his research and patient care. Dr. Nagasawa credits love for his family as the core of his strength and treats every patient the same as he would any of them. While he has operated on celebrities, such as Simon Cowell, and Royalty overseas, Dr. Daniel T. Nagasawa maintains that EVERY patient should be treated with dignity and respect. Dr. Nagasawa is proud to serve the Santa Monica location.
Educational Background
- Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center: Enfolded Complex Spine Fellowship (2018-2019)
- University of California, Los Angeles: Residency training in Neurological Surgery (2012-2019)
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine: Doctor of Medicine (2007-2012)
- University of California, Berkeley: Undergraduate (2000-2005)
Meet Dr. Daniel Nagasawa
Honors, Memberships, and Awards [view]
Neurosurgery Research [view]
- Over 50+ Peer-Reviewed Articles Published (See full CV)
- 2 Books
- 2 Book Chapters
- Multiple Presentations at National Conferences
Educator, Mentor, and Volunteer [view]
- AANS-UCLA Medical Student Chapter Co-Founder and Chapter Advisor (2017)
- UCLA MS IV Neurosurgical Anatomy and Procedures Cadaver Lab (2014,2015,2018)
- Featured in Prospective Doctor, a premier website to provide access to accurate healthcare information (2014)
- AMSA-Mentor for undergraduate and medical students (2010- Present), suturing workshop (2013, 2015)
- Resident panel for 1st/2nd year medical students during their Neurology/ Neurosurgery block (2014, 2015, 2016)
- Lead MSII PBL Sessions (2015)
- Three Pillars, One University [Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Downs Syndrome with Student Athletes] (2013)
- Founder and active member of UC Irvine Neurosurgery Interest Group (2011-Present)
- ThinkFirst - Achieve Brain & Spine Southern California chapter
Scholarships and Fellowships[view]
- Council of State Neurological Societies: Socioeconomic Fellow (2017-2018)
- Excellence in Teaching with Humanism: Residents and Fellows Award (2014)
- Longmire Surgical Society Scientific Day Award and Presentation (2013, 2017, 2018)
- Seven Stars Scholarship from the American Indian College Fund (2012)
- American Indian Graduate Fellowship (2007-2012)
- Featured article in the American Indian Graduate annual magazine (2010)
- American Brain Tumor Association Medical Student Summer Fellowship (2011)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society: Memorial Scholarship (2007-2011)
- National Medical Fellowship (2010)
- MacKenzie Foundation Scholarship (2010)
- Japanese American Alumni Association Scholarship (2009)
- International Order of the Kings Sons and Daughters Scholarship (2008)
- Mensa Member (2016-Present)
Experiences and Honors at University of California, Irvine: Doctor of Medicine [view]
- Graduation with Distinction in Research (2012)
- Graduation with Distinction in Arts and Humanities (2012)
- Neuroanatomy lectures to medical students (UCLA, 2011)
- Volunteer at Neurosurgical Clinic and Gamma Knife center (Hoag Hospital, 2007-2010)
- Neurological Surgery Sub-Internships at UC Irvine (2010), UC San Francisco (2010), UC Los Angeles (2011) and University of Southern California (2011)
- Honors in Neuroscience (2008)
- Miles for Hope brain tumor fundraiser (2011)
- Heroes of Hope Race for Brain Tumor Research fundraiser (2011)
- Emergency Medicine Interest Group; Officer of Finance (2007-2010)
- Assistance with development of Emergency Medicine online teaching module
- Featured in a PhD Candidate’s Dissertation (2009)
- Plexus Magazine and Gala Auction (2007-2012)
- Native American Health Fair (2008)
- Founder of Medical Athletes (2007)
University of California, Berkeley: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, May 2005 [view]
- Department Honors; Lifetime Membership in the Psi Chi National Honor Society
- Honors Thesis: “Attachment and Exploration”
- Research Assistant in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology with fMRI lab emphasis
- Research Assistant in Personality Psychology
- Mental Health Group Therapy Co-Leader at a Dual-Diagnostic Clinic
- Division I Football Player for the California Golden Bears (Wide Receiver)
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity
- Professional Magician of the Magic Castle
Featured Testimonials
Dr. Nagasawa is honored to have his patient’s remarkable recovery featured on the cover of Saint John’s Healthcare magazine!
He was brought to the hospital with complete paralysis of his legs, and massive disc herniations compressing his spinal cord. After immediate emergent surgery to decompress and stabilize his spine, he miraculously improved and walked out of the hospital a few days later.
As esteemed practitioners at St. John's Hospital, we hold immense gratitude for the unwavering trust and confidence bestowed upon us by our valued patients. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, we strive to provide the highest standard of care, ensuring your well-being is our topmost priority. Our team of dedicated professionals endeavors to deliver personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge medical services, tailored to meet your unique healthcare needs. Your health is our mission, and we are honored to be entrusted with your care.
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