Meet Patrick C. Hsieh, MD 

Dr. Hsieh is a neurosurgeon with Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in complex spine procedures.  

He treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital and USC Arcadia Hospital. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. 

Watching patients recover is deeply fulfilling. 

“Having the opportunity to help people who are facing unexpected health problems is the most stressful and the most rewarding part of my job as a neurosurgeon, particularly when managing patients with spinal tumors or spinal cord injuries.”  

He appreciates the immense responsibility his job involves. 

“There aren’t many jobs that can match what we do in neurosurgery to make a difference in people’s lives. There are no words that can honestly describe the feeling as a neurosurgeon when intervening in critical moments that could make the difference between life and death or between preserving normal function and permanent disability.” 

His patients can always rely on him to provide the best care possible. 

“My parents taught me to work hard and do the best I can in all aspects of life. Having been a physician for almost two decades, I’ve learned there is no perfect medicine, solution or cure for all my patients.  

However, I am always committed to doing the best I can to offer my patients hope and the best possible treatment. I bring my knowledge and experience to help them overcome the hardships and challenges posed by their medical conditions.” 

Building relationships with patients is a priority. 

“I treat every patient the way I would treat my family. It’s important that I make a personal connection with my patients and that we have a working partnership that allows open, honest conversations about the issues and problems affecting their health.” 

His message to medical students: 

“Neurosurgery is extremely demanding but also highly rewarding. Expect to work harder and longer than most, but you’ll make significant differences in people’s lives that few others are able to provide.” 

Technology has significantly expanded capabilities in neurosurgery. 

“Advanced technology continues to shape and transform neurosurgery and spine surgery. Enhanced imaging, microscopes, navigation and modern instrumentation have helped lead to improved surgical outcomes.” 

Even more advanced scientific methods for neurosurgery are on the horizon.  

“The medical breakthrough I’d like to see in my lifetime is the development of biological regenerative technology to repair tissue injuries such as disc herniations and spinal cord injury.  

I also hope to see improved digital data tracking and interpretation. This would allow us to better understand each patient’s functions and physiology and lead to even more personalized and optimized treatments.” 

He chose academic medicine because of the research opportunities.  

“Academic medical centers foster innovation through research, teaching and clinical trials. The opportunity to be part of that environment keeps me motivated and engaged in my personal mission to make a difference in people’s lives. 

I am involved in many projects and clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes in spine surgery. I am particularly drawn to research that can truly impact patient outcomes and boost the effectiveness of spine interventions and treatments.” 

He values the culture of collaboration at Keck Medicine.  

“I work with world-renowned neurosurgery and spine surgery experts every day. Our shared passion makes challenging work enjoyable. Like in sports, the journey to success is tough, but working with colleagues you respect makes it worthwhile.” 

What sets Keck Medicine apart? 

“At Keck Medicine, our patient care is highly personalized. We focus on providing ultra-specialized, advanced medicine with a patient-centered approach to address each person’s unique health needs.” 

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