David A. Paul, M.D., M.S.

Locations

2180 South Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

About Me

Dr. David Paul is the Director of Brain and Spine Trauma and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. He completed his undergraduate studies at Hope College in Holland, MI, and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester, where he also ob...

Dr. David Paul is the Director of Brain and Spine Trauma and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. He completed his undergraduate studies at Hope College in Holland, MI, and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester, where he also obtained a Master’s in Neurobiology and Anatomy. Dr. Paul’s neurosurgical training includes residency and an enfolded CAST fellowship in neurocritical care at the University of Rochester Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in complex deformity spine surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

His translational research interests include using advanced neuroimaging modalities to better understand the trajectory of recovery in patients with traumatic brain injuries. David’s clinical interests span complex and deformity spine surgery, adult scoliosis, degenerative spine disease, minimally invasive spine surgery, and brain and spine trauma.

Faculty Appointments

Assistant Professor - Department of Neurosurgery (SMD)

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Neurosurgery - Spine, UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital. 2023 - 2024

Fellowship, Neurocritical Care, University of Rochester Medical Center. 2020 - 2021

Residency, Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center. 2016 - 2023

Education

MD | University of Rochester School of Medicine/Dentistry (USA). 2016

MS | University of Rochester School of Medicine/Dentistry (USA). 2014

Awards

Young Surgeon Grant. 2022

Outstanding Small Business Award (Bold & Gritty). 2022

Change Maker Award--2022 Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards. 2022

Finalist--The UPS Store and Inc. Magazine Small Biz Challenge (Bold & Gritty). 2021

Academic Achievement Award. 2018

Kujichagulia Alumni Legacy Award. 2018

John J. Morton, MD and John H. Morton, MD Memorial Scholarship. 2016

Brenda D. Lee Award. 2016

Best Basic Science/Clinical Research Poster. 2015

William and Charlotte Cadbury Award. 2015

Trainee Abstract Award. 2014

Healthcare Leadership Award. 2014

Clinical and Translational Science Institute Academic Research Track Fellowship. 2012

AANS Medical Student Summer Research Award. 2011

Cancer Federation Research Award. 2010

Sigma Xi Excellence in Undergraduate Science Research Award. 2010

Hypercube Scholar Award. 2009

Jaeker Chemistry Scholarship. 2007

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.8

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.8

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.9

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.8

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.8

Patient Comments

4.2

Of course I hope for immediate resolve especially with a back condition that presents inconsistently but has increased in length of discomfort and occurrence. Doctor and PA spent time listening above and beyond my expectations [...].

Aug 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Paul is wonderful!

Apr 28, 2025

5.0

I believe Dr Paul saw me on very short notice, and even though he was extremely busy, he took the time to go through everything with me. Dr Paul was very personable and made the appointment very comfortable. He took the time to explain some things that I had not heard before relating to my issues !!

Apr 10, 2025