Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center

Jason Alder grew up hearing stories about his grandfather, the doctor. Although he died years before Jason was born, the stories left such an impression that Jason determined to follow in his footsteps. “Initially I wanted to be a vascular and trauma surgeon,” he said. “My undergraduate degree was in neuroscience. Once in medical school, I realized orthopedic spine surgery would encompass both of my interests.”

He went on to complete an orthopedic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital and a combined orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Now as a board certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon and director of spinal surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial, Dr. Alder sees patients of all ages suffering from issues of the spine.

Although he’s a highly trained and experienced surgeon, for him surgery is always a last resort. “Many of our patients will never undergo surgery,” he said. “We always begin with the least invasive treatment options.” These include physical therapy, injections, and when necessary, medication. These modalities can delay surgery and, in many cases, eliminate the need for surgery altogether. “No surgery is always the best option,” Dr. Alder said.

When surgery is necessary, Dr. Alder advocates the least invasive and most precise option, often robot-assisted or stereotactic computer-navigated surgery, which offers his patients less bleeding, less trauma to surrounding tissue, less risk of infection, considerably easier recovery, and substantially better outcomes.

Dr. Alder is experienced in all aspects of spine surgery, including laminectomies, discectomies, fusions, and artificial disc replacements. He has authored publications in peer-reviewed journals and even designed instruments essential to spinal surgery that are used worldwide. He’s sought after as an expert in his field and has traveled in the U.S. and internationally to present his work and instruct his fellow surgeons in advanced spinal surgery techniques.

Back in North Texas, Dr. Alder sees his role first and foremost as an educator to his patients. “The spine is complex,” he said. “I want to spend my time outlining all treatment options and the pros and cons of each, so my patient can make an informed decision about the way forward.”

Patients praise his bedside manner. “My patients become my friends and like members of my family,” he said. “When I make a recommendation to a patient, I want them to know it’s what I’d recommend to a family member or close friend.”

When not on the job, Dr. Alder can often be found coaching one of his kids’ baseball or basketball teams. “We have three kids who play two sports each, so right now that’s most of our life and we love it,” he said.

Find out more at BSWHealth.com.