Areas of Expertise: Physiatry & Rehabilitation — Pain Medicine; Pain Medicine — Physiatry; Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine; Orthopedic Spine Surgery; Spine Surgery; Medical Evaluators — IME‑QME
Professional Experience
Dr. Christopher C. Ornelas has provided sustained clinical, academic, and institutional service at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery since July 2014. As an Attending Physician and Chief of Spine Medicine, he oversees comprehensive spine care and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical services. In parallel, he serves as Director of the USC Spine Electrodiagnostic Laboratory, where he leads diagnostic operations, clinical education, and spine-related research initiatives.
Dr. Ornelas has demonstrated significant leadership in academic programming and physician training. From 2015 to 2025, he served as Director of the USC Spine Symposium, organizing a major educational forum focused on spine medicine and innovation. Since 2018, he has served as Program Director of the Interventional Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship, overseeing curriculum development, trainee mentorship, and accreditation-related responsibilities.
Prior to his appointment at USC, Dr. Ornelas served as Courtesy Staff in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, and as Medical Staff at the Veterans Administration, working within the Departments of Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Earlier clinical service includes his role as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at the University of New Mexico Hospital. His commitment to academic service began early in his career as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in Anatomy and Physiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
Honors and Recognition
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2012–2013: Teacher of the Year Award, UCLA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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2008–2009: Unsung Hero of the Year & Staff Award for Preliminary Intern of the Year, University of New Mexico University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine
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1999–2004: National American Deans List, Academic Achievement
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2000–2004: Golden Key International Honor Society