Dr. Atif Malik

<strong>Atif Malik, M.D.</strong>, grew up in Houston, Texas, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at the Houston Baptist University. Graduating with Cum Laude honors in Fine Arts, Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Malik went on to finish his Medical Degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Malik completed his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine where he was then chosen to serve as Chief Resident. He then went on to sub-specialize by completing an Interventional Pain Fellowship from Harvard Medical School at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He further trained in percutaneous and endoscopic spine surgery under world renowned spine surgeon, Dr. Thomas Hoogland of the Alpha Klinic in Munich, Germany and fellowship trained in advanced spinal surgical technique developed by Wooridul Hospital in Soul, Korea. Dr. Malik has been one of the first physicians to educate and train endoscopic spine surgeons in the United States in a bloodless and minimally invasive technique to preserve normal disc tissue. As one of the of the original founders of Spine PulseTM treatments, Atif B. Malik, MD, has dedicated his practice to the advancement of minimally invasive spinal surgery and endoscopic spine surgery. Additionally, he has served as a spinal consultant to numerous companies related to minimally invasive spine products and has also been involved in the development of intradiscal transplantation of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, laser thermodiscoplasty, percutaneous and endoscopic discectomy / foraminotomy, and the use of laser, radiofrequency and bipolar technology. He is an advocate of redefining the algorithm for the treatment of degenerative spinal disorders and the preservation of spinal segmental motion using minimally invasive techniques. Furthermore, he has authored peer-reviewed research journal articles, scientific abstracts, reviews, and book chapters in the field of pain and spine medicine. This vision has led Dr. Malik, to co-found American Spine, a multi-speciality practice that offers the least invasive alternatives to open-back operations. These alternatives take the form of percutaneous and endoscopic outpatient spine procedures which allow neck and back pain sufferers to find relief, recover quickly, and improve function while minimizing short and long term complications. Using Spine PulseTM technology, American Spine practitioners challenge the current open-spine surgery and offers comprehensive, least-invasive surgical options for common ailments that plague the back and neck. Additionally, Dr. Malik believes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, when used appropriately, has the best outcome for patients when treating chronic pain. Such an approach includes spinal blocks, rational poly-pharmacy, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, spinal manipulation, and psychological treatment. Dr. Malik is Board Certified in Pain Management and is active with The International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Pain Society, and North American Spine Society. Dr. Atif B. Malik finds true reward in providing his patients with pain relief and an increased quality of life. While his core focus is on providing excellent patient care, he has also been lauded with much recognition including the Oliver R. Smith Jr., M.D. award for Clinical Excellency, Letter of Recognition from President Bush for Humanitarian Relief work, and Top Docs, a distinction voted by his peers in New Jersey Monthly. Outside of medicine, Dr. Malik’s other interests include, fine arts, especially Racu pottery, print-making, photography, hunting, fishing, and most important, spending quality time with his family. Dr. Malik is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi.