Elias Rizk, M.D., Ph.D.

Elias Rizk, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon and the co-chief for UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin.

Rizk earned his medical degree from American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He earned both his doctoral degree and master’s degree from Penn State University. He completed a residency in neurological surgery at Penn State University and a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at the University of Birmingham at Alabama. He also completed a fellowship in enfolded neurosurgical at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuroregeneration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Rizk’s clinical interests include pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors, minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to brain tumors and hydrocephalus, congenital spinal anomalies, craniocervical abnormalities, vascular malformations, spasticity and dorsal rhizotomy, craniofacial disorders, Chiari malformations and the integration of cutting-edge technologies in neurosurgery.

Rizk has an interest in advancing clinical outcomes through research and education, contributing nationally and internationally to the field. His research focuses on translating scientific advances into clinical practice. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and presented at global conferences. He is dedicated to mentoring future surgeons and earning recognition as physician and teacher of the year. He has also received numerous awards, including the Lockheed Martin Best Project Award, the Dr. Kenneth Shulman Award and the Senior Society Award, while continuing to drive innovation through multiple funded research awards in neurosurgery.