Dr. Rovner, originally from Washington, D.C., earned his B.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland in 1975, followed by his M.D. degree from the same institution in 1979. After completing his medical training on the East Coast, he relocated to California, where he completed a General Surgery Internship and Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of California, Irvine, from 1979 to 1984. He then pursued a Fellowship in Spine Surgery at USC-Rancho Los Amigos Hospital from 1984 to 1985. Dr. Rovner became board-eligible in 1987, achieving a top score in the 99th percentile on the Orthopedic Surgery Board exam. He has since re-certified at 10-year intervals.
Dr. Rovner’s professional focus includes advancing the science and practice of spine surgery. He holds several patents for innovative implants and surgical techniques, including a novel crosslink designed to connect vertical rods used in spinal fusions. This design preserves normal anatomy and reduces the risk of adjacent segments failing, which can require subsequent revision surgery. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rovner earned an MBA from George Washington University in 2010, further enhancing his expertise in medical device design and manufacturing. That same year, he patented a new technique to better address the rotational component of scoliosis, specifically targeting the rib hump deformity. This technique has since been successfully used to treat numerous adolescent and adult patients with scoliosis.
