I am proud to announce the recruitment of another superb young pediatric neurosurgeon to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University for the service of children and families in Oregon and our region.

Dr. Christina Sayama studied bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego, and medicine at the University of Utah, where she also earned a Master of Science degree in public health. She was trained in neurological surgery at the University of Utah and in pediatric neurosurgery at Texas Children’s Hospital.

These are spectacular credentials, but they only tell a small part of the story.

Most importantly, of the roughly one dozen specially trained surgeons from around the country we interviewed for the Doernbecher position, Dr. Sayama stood out in terms of her confidence, humility and humanity. She also brings special training and expertise in complex surgical problems of the spine in children, from trauma and spina bifida to scoliosis.

Dr. Sayama’s recruitment also opens up new avenues for the world-class care of children never previously available in the state of Oregon. Most importantly, the pediatric neurosurgical service at Doernbecher is providing attending surgeon-level pediatric specialty care around the clock, year round, for the first time in the state’s history. Our three full-time pediatric neurosurgeons are all board certified or tracking towards certification by the American Board of Pediatric Neurosurgery  (three  of only four such surgeons in the State of Oregon, and the only three currently in active practice).

Interdisciplinary programs in pediatric brain tumor, hydrocephalus, craniofacial disorders, epilepsy surgery, and spina bifida regularly bring children needing special care to Doernbecher from as far away as Idaho, Alaska, Montana and Hawaii. Dr. Sayama’s work here will enhance and expand our existing strengths in complex spinal surgery.

At Doernbecher, the skill and compassion of our people define our mission of helping children, advancing the science of care, and educating the next generation of health professionals. Dr. Sayama will be a wonderful part of our team.

Nathan R. Selden, M.D., Ph.D.
Mario and Edie Campagna Chair of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Director, OHSU Neurological Surgery Residency Program
OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital