Michelle Chi, M.D.

Joseph Lombardi, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the operative management of spinal disorders in adult and adolescent patients. His practice is focused on minimally invasive surgical treatments for both common and complex spinal conditions, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformity. Dr. Lombardi leverages the latest surgical technology – robotics, guided navigation, and advanced instrumentation – to provide patients with tailored surgical procedures, accelerated recovery times, and superior outcomes. After receiving his undergraduate and medical degrees from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, Dr. Lombardi went on to complete his post-doctoral residency training in orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where he served as chief resident. Dr. Lombardi remained at Columbia and the NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine Hospital for fellowship training in advanced adult and pediatric spine surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lombardi is involved in training future surgeons as an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Research for Columbia University's Department of Orthopedic Surgery. As Vice Chair, Dr. Lombardi works closely with the orthopedic surgery research leadership team, as well as all faculty, residents and administration to further clinical research. His research interests focus on the application of new technologies to complex spinal conditions with the goal of improving patient outcomes. To date, Dr. Lombardi has published over 20 book chapters, authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has received numerous academic awards, including: the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society, Julius S. Neviaser Award in Orthopedic Surgery, Harold M. Dick Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Surgery, and the Alexander Garcia Award for Excellence in Clinical Orthopedic Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Lombardi enjoys hiking, jogging, fishing and traveling.

Dr. Vandana Sood is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.Dr. Sood received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and earned a medical degree from New York Medical College. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and went on to complete fellowship training in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. She has experience caring for both recreational and professional athletes, and has been a team physician for high school, collegiate and professional sports teams. She has a particular interest in running related injuries and injuries affecting female athletes.Dr. Soods clinical practice focuses on the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, spine disorders and acute sports injuries. Her goal is to work with patients to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent future injury. By providing personalized education and a comprehensive treatment plan including detailed physical therapy and/or an exercise plan, she promotes anactive and healthy lifestyle. She is skilled in image-guided injection techniques using both fluoroscopy and ultrasound to precisely target the spine, peripheral joints, or soft tissue (tendon, bursa, nerve, muscle). This includes specialized treatments such as hyaluronic acid or PRP injections, or nerve ablations to complement the treatment plan when appropriate.

Och Spine brings together Columbia's experts in orthopedic and neurological spine surgery, rehabilitation, radiology, pain management, neurology, and other key services. Our team works with each patient to develop a personalized care plan so you can get back to your daily life as soon as possible with minimal pain or discomfort. We offer the most advanced diagnostic technologies, innovative surgical and non-surgical therapies, and procedures. Columbia's team at Och Spine treats patients of all ages. Whether you have a common problem or a complex case, our specialists have the expertise to help.