Redefining Spine Surgery with Innovation, Precision, and Compassion
Empathy first. Expertise always. No compromise
Dr. John Y. S. Choi
World-Renowned Spine Surgeon | Specialist in Minimally Invasive, Endoscopic, Robotic and Disc Replacement Surgery
MBChB, FRACS, FAorthA
Dr. John Choi is a world-renowned orthopaedic and spine surgeon based in Melbourne, Australia, internationally recognised for his pioneering work in minimally invasive, endoscopic, robotic and disc replacement spine surgery.
He is the Director at Large for SMISS, Director of ISASS–Asia Pacific, President of the World UBE Society (Australia) and Fellowship Director for AO Spine and the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences (AIMS).
Dr. Choi is Australia’s most experienced endoscopic and robotic spine surgeon, having performed over 4,000 lateral minimally invasive surgeries, 1,000 endoscopic and 500 robotic spine procedures. He has trained more than 50 spine surgeons globally and hosted over 250 visiting surgeons through his fellowship and proctoring programs.
Renowned for innovation and education, Dr. Choi holds multiple international patents and continues to advance modern spinal surgery through precision, technology, and patient-centred care.
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Core Areas of Expertise
Robotic Spinal Surgery
Dr. Choi was the first surgeon in the Southern Hemisphere to perform spine surgery using the Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ robotic system in 2019. Widely regarded as the most advanced and comprehensive spine robot available, this technology represents the forefront of precision surgery. Dr. Choi is a recognised leader in the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence in spinal surgery, applying these innovations to enhance surgical accuracy, consistency, and patient outcomes. He is a frequent international speaker on this subject and continues to play an active role in the global development and refinement of robotic and AI-assisted spine technologies.
Artificial Disk Replacement
Motion preservation is widely regarded as the holy grail of modern spine reconstruction. Rather than limiting mobility through spinal fusion, the objective is to maintain or restore natural spinal motion using advanced artificial disc technology that replicates native disc function.
Dr. Choi is one of the most experienced disc replacement surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 13 years of clinical practice in cervical and lumbar disc arthroplasty and hundreds of successfully treated patients. His depth of experience ensures not only technical excellence but also sound surgical judgment in selecting the right patients and the right implants. Patients can trust his expertise and guidance, backed by real-world clinical outcomes and long-term follow-up data.
Through his commitment to motion-preserving surgery, Dr. Choi provides patients the opportunity to maintain spinal flexibility, achieve faster recovery, and preserve quality of life using the latest generation of artificial disc technology.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is the foundation of our practice philosophy. Dr. Choi always prioritises non-operative treatment as the first approach and only considers surgical intervention when clearly indicated. When surgery is required, Dr. Choi utilises the most advanced MIS technique available today – Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) – for precise decompression of spinal nerves and anatomy preservation.
Dr. Choi personally brought the UBE technique from South Korea to Australia in 2019 and became the first surgeon in the country to perform this procedure in 2020. As the pioneer of UBE in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, he has established himself as the unrivalled reference surgeon in this field. UBE represents a major advancement over conventional microscopic and tubular approaches, offering reduced tissue disruption, faster recovery, and enhanced surgical precision.
Under Dr. Choi’s leadership, UBE is shaping the future of spinal surgery in Australia, setting new standards for patient outcomes and surgical innovation.
Our Values & Mission
Values
Trust – We build confidence through transparency and results.
Compassion – We care deeply for every patient’s journey.
Innovation – We lead with cutting-edge spinal technology and techniques.
Excellence – We strive for world-class outcomes in every procedure.
Respect – Every patient is seen, heard, and treated as an individual.
Integrity & Fairness – We act with honesty and offer only what is medically right.
To deliver the highest standard of spinal care with compassion, innovation, and surgical excellence—treating every patient with the same respect and integrity we would expect for ourselves or our loved ones.
Mission
Locations
The Bays Hospital
Our Address
Suite 10, 1 Vale Street, Mornington VIC 3931
Clinic Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30 – 16:30
Sa-Sun, Public Holiday: Closed
Contact Info
P: 03 5925 6353
F: 03 5947 5817
E: mail@spineortho.com.au
The Jewel
Our Address
Suite 606 The Jewel, 566 St Kilda Road,
Melbourne, VIC 3004
Clinic Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30 – 16:30
Sa-Sun, Public Holiday: Closed
Contact Info
P: 03 9989 3373
F: 03 5947 5817
E: mail@spineortho.com.au
Coming Soon: 303 Neapean Hwy, Franktson
Our Address
303 Nepean Hwy
Frankston, VIC 3199
Clinic Hours
Opening Soon
Contact Info
P: 03 9989 3373
F: 03 5947 5817
E: mail@spineortho.com.au
