Meet Dr. Peter Nakaji
Internationally Recognized Scottsdale Neurosurgeon Providing Patient-Focused Care.
Dr. Nakaji has dedicated his life to advancing neurosurgical care, combining innovative techniques with a patient-first philosophy to help individuals achieve superior outcomes.
Meet Dr. Michaela Lee
Fellowship-Trained Spine and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon
Dedicated to Precision, Partnership, and Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Michaela Lee is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine, cerebrovascular, and skull base surgery. She completed her neurosurgical residency at The George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she also pursued an enfolded fellowship in complex spine surgery.
To further her expertise, Dr. Lee completed a Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellowship at Barrow Neurological Institute under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Nakaji — one of the most respected names in the field.
Although she initially returned to California after fellowship training, Dr. Lee’s passion for academic neurosurgery and meaningful collaboration brought her back to Phoenix. There, she partnered with Dr. Nakaji to help build a thriving academic department dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Now at Scottsdale Neurosurgery Specialists, Dr. Lee continues this mission — blending cutting-edge surgical technique with a patient-first approach to care. She is known for her precision in the operating room, compassion with patients, and commitment to helping individuals achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Nakaji’s Career of Excellence in Neurosurgery
Training & Mentorship
Dr. Nakaji trained with Dr. Robert Spetzler, an acknowledged master of neurosurgery, and spent over a decade at the prestigious Barrow Neurological Institute training neurosurgeons.
Leadership
As Director of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, Dr. Nakaji built the program from the ground up, growing it into a thriving academic department.
Return to Private Practice
Dr. Nakaji returned to private practice to focus on solving complex brain and spinal cord problems using techniques refined through years of innovation, research, and care.
Advancing Neurosurgical Excellence
Published Expertise
Dr. Nakaji has authored over 300 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to 12 neurosurgical textbooks. His work is recognized worldwide, with many of his books translated into multiple languages. Explore his research here.
Technological Contributions
Dr. Nakaji holds over 30 medical patents and co-founded GT Medical Technologies, an Arizona-based company revolutionizing brain tumor treatment. His innovations continue to advance neurosurgical care worldwide.
Patient-Centered Philosophy
At the core of Dr. Nakaji’s practice is a simple principle: treat every patient with the same care he would want for his own family. By combining compassion, advanced technology, and personalized treatment, Dr. Nakaji ensures his patients receive the highest level of care and support.
Dr. Nakaji’s commitment extends beyond the operating room. Through organizations like the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery, he has worked to improve neurosurgical care in underserved communities around the world.
Global Service
Life Beyond Medicine
Dr. Nakaji resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife, family, and two dogs. A native of San Diego, he enjoys traveling, literature, and philosophy, bringing a thoughtful and empathetic perspective to both his personal and professional life.