Congratulations Dr. Evan Joiner 2025 ACE Rising Star Recipient

For Outstanding Achievement for Early-Career Physician Excellence

May 21, 2025

Dr. Evan Joiner and Dr. James McKiernan, Interim Dean of the Faculty of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, John K. Latimer Professor and Chairman, Department of Urology

Last week Columbia’s Academy of Clinical Excellence (ACE) honored Dr. Evan Joiner (Enfolded Spine Fellow) with its first “Rising Star Awards” along with other residents and fellows across VP&S. This distinct honor  recognizes early-career physicians in clinical departments whose excellence, integrity, and impact set them apart.

Specifically, the Rising Star Award honors individuals who consistently exceed expectations in clinical care, education, and scholarship. The awardees demonstrate the following attributes: humanism, emotional intelligence, and professionalism; exceptional clinical knowledge, skill, and adaptability within complex health systems; innovation and scholarly productivity; and leadership as educators, role models, and collaborators.

The ACE Rising Star Award reflects the qualities we would seek in the clinicians caring for our own loved ones.

Says Dr. Joiner, “Thank you to the Department of Neurological Surgery for this honor. My time in neurosurgery at Columbia has provided me with tremendous role models and countless examples of clinical excellence. I am touched and proud to represent our department in this way.”

Dr. Dean Chou, Vice Chair and Chief of Columbia Neurosurgery's Spine Division, "We are all so proud of Dr. Joiner.  Very well deserved, and congratulations!"

In his current role, Dr. Joiner is serving as an Enfolded Spine Fellow in the Division of Spinal Neurosurgery.

Read more and view the full list of awardees here.