Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Dr. Mark Mahan has over a decade of dedicated endoscopic practice.
A level of experience that remains rare, as few surgeons have even a few years working with this innovative technique.
When spine surgeons need spine surgery for themselves, they come to Dr. Mahan. Those in the know, like other physicians, nurse and others who see him operate, choose Dr. Mahan. He has had the good fortune to take care of NFL players, professional golfers, cross-fit champions, Olympic skiers, and countless other athletes – all of whom demand excellence.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Get to know Dr. Mark Mahan
The most important thing to know about Dr. Mahan is that he will treat you as he would treat his family and friends. Compassion, dedication, knowledge, experience.
Dr. Mahan went to Princeton University for undergraduate education, graduating Magna Cum Laude in Molecular Biology. He then had a career in leveraged finance and private equity – which he left to become a surgeon (https://www.ksl.com/article/41418473/40-blocks-north-and-15-years-later-a-u-surgeon-remembers-911). Dr. Mahan obtained his MD at Columbia University in NYC, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and graduated with the 2nd highest grades in his class. Dr. Mahan then completed his residency at the prestigious Barrow Neurological Institute, where he honed microsurgical skills under Dr. Robert Spetzler and a spirit of spine innovation under Dr. Volker Sonntag. Since then, he has made the University of Utah home. He was awarded tenure and full Professor of Neurosurgery early.
Dr. Mahan came from hard-working, Midwest roots. He would rather be working than anything else in this world. Whenever there is time left over, Dr. Mahan has run over 30 marathons, including numerous sub 3:00, Ironman triathlons, trail races and loves to ski and play in the mountains.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Advancing the Field Through Research
As an academic researcher, Dr. Mahan has published numerous papers on endoscopic spine surgery techniques, outcomes, and innovations.
He has lectured across the United States and internationally — throughout Europe, South America, and Asia — and serves as an editor for several prestigious spine-surgery journals. His work helps define the standards for safe, effective minimally invasive spine care.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=mahan+ma+%5Bau%5D&sort=pubdate
Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Educating the Next Generation of Surgeons
Dr. Mahan is frequently sought out to teach other surgeons wishing to learn endoscopic spine surgery.
He has served as faculty for the major endoscopic spine companies, including Arthrex, joimax, RIWOspine, and others, and has trained hundreds of surgeons around the world. Many of those he mentored have gone on to develop significant practices and public profiles, while Dr. Mahan himself remains focused on patient care and surgical excellence.
https://www.arthrex.com/search?q=mahan
Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Focused on Patients First
Dr. Mahan’s guiding principle is simple — treat every patient the way he would want himself or a loved one to be treated.
He pursued endoscopic spine surgery to reduce invasiveness and minimize risks for his patients, ensuring faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Mahan
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Many physicians advertise themselves as “endoscopic spine surgeons,” though some are not formally trained spine surgeons at all.
True spine surgeons come from neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery backgrounds, performing extensive training — neurosurgeons complete thousands of spine surgeries during residency, and orthopedic surgeons complete a spine fellowship.
When choosing your surgeon, ask about:
Formal training
True spine surgeons complete extensive, hands-on surgical training through neurosurgery or orthopedic spine fellowships.
This ensures expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive procedures, providing the safest foundation for advanced endoscopic care.
Board certification
Board certification demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to professional standards, ethics, and patient safety.
Dr. Mahan is board certified and continues to uphold the highest level of skill and accountability in the evolving field of spine surgery.
Hands-on endoscopic experience
Ideally 100+ cases and at least 2 years of practice
Dr. Mahan also mentors new surgeons through a dedicated endoscopic fellowship focused on safety, precision, and thoughtful surgical development.
Professional care
Expert, minimally invasive spine care led by Dr. Mahan, combining advanced surgical precision and compassion for every patient.
Personalized treatment
Tailored endoscopic solutions designed by Dr. Mahan to meet each patient’s unique goals and ensure confident, lasting recovery.
