Dr. Andrew Cannestra, MD, PhD

Fellowship trained in spine surgery and spinal cord injury, Dr. Cannestra has a wide range of neurosurgical expertise and served as Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery program. A founding member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Dr. Cannestra is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery, a member of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons, the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons, and the National Association of Spine Surgeons. 

“I enjoy the functional application of medicine; it is extremely satisfying to help patients to regain the motor function that was once diminished. Life tasks such as walking and going to work, once lost to chronic pain, can be regained. My goal is to increase my patients’ quality of life by correcting their problems and alleviating their pain so they can return to activities they enjoy.

My philosophy of care centers on performing responsible spinal surgery for appropriate candidates. I tailor the surgery to each patient’s particular condition and needs. I use the smallest incision and most minimally invasive approach to resolve the patient’s issue, because this approach allows for faster recovery and return to the activities of daily living.”