iSERF Announces 2026 Executive Board

The International Spinal Endoscopy Research Foundation welcomes newly elected leaders to guide its continued work in research, education, and global collaboration.

The International Spinal Endoscopy Research Foundation (iSERF) is pleased to announce its newly elected 2026 Executive Board. The new officers were elected on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking an important leadership milestone for the organization as it continues advancing endoscopic spine surgery through research, education, innovation, and global collaboration.

The 2026 iSERF Executive Board includes:

President

John Ogunlade, DO, FCNS

Dr. John Ogunlade is the Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery and an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. He is committed to advancing spine surgery through innovation, collaboration, teaching, and mentorship.

Vice President

Dr. Patrick Kim

Dr. Patrick Kim is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. He serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of South Florida and practices at Tampa General Hospital, where he is passionate about mentoring residents and advancing surgical education.

Through his clinical practice, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Kim is deeply committed to advancing minimally invasive spine surgery and supporting the development of future surgical leaders.

Secretary

Dr. David Huie

Dr. David Huie is a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Duke Health, with faculty appointments as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Orthopedics. He completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University and his neurosurgery residency at Duke University Hospital. During his residency, he also completed an enfolded fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery.

With a practice focused on minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly endoscopic techniques, Dr. Huie brings a thoughtful, patient-centered, and research-aware perspective to iSERF’s leadership.

Treasurer

Dr. Meng Huang

Dr. Meng Huang is a fellowship-trained complex and endoscopic/minimally invasive spine neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery. His training includes medical education at the University of Texas Medical Branch, neurosurgery residency at Houston Methodist, and advanced spine fellowship training at the University of Miami.

With a focus on endoscopy, minimally invasive spine surgery, devices, robotics, and emerging technologies, Dr. Huang brings a forward-looking perspective on clinical innovation, research, and the future of spine care.

Chief Research Officer

Dr. Christoph Hofstetter

Dr. Christoph Hofstetter is a Professor of Neurological Surgery, Raisbeck Endowed Professor of Neurological Surgery, and Co-Director of the Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of Washington. His background includes an MD from the University of Vienna, a PhD from the Karolinska Institute, neurosurgery residency training through NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Miami.

With expertise in complex spine surgery, minimally invasive techniques, endoscopic approaches, and clinical research, Dr. Hofstetter brings deep academic and surgical leadership to iSERF’s research-forward mission.

“iSERF is entering an exciting new chapter,” said Dr. John Ogunlade, iSERF President. “I am honored to serve alongside this outstanding Executive Board as we continue supporting research, education, mentorship, and collaboration in endoscopic spine surgery. Together, we look forward to helping the field grow and creating more opportunities for surgeons to learn, connect, and advance patient care.”

As iSERF continues to grow, the Executive Board will help guide the organization’s efforts to support education, research, professional connection, and shared learning across the global endoscopic spine surgery community.

Through its programs, publications, educational initiatives, and member engagement, iSERF remains committed to helping advance the future of spine care and supporting the surgeons, researchers, educators, trainees, and partners working to move the field forward.

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About iSERF

The International Spinal Endoscopy Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing endoscopic spine surgery through research, education, innovation, and global collaboration. iSERF supports knowledge exchange, professional development, and research-forward initiatives that help strengthen the field and improve the future of spine care.