Ricardo Fernández-de Thomas, MD

  • Chief Resident

Ricardo J. Fernández-de Thomas, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery residency program in July of 2021.

Having graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus with a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, he completed his medical education at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where he also obtained his degree magna cum laude distinction. Dr. Fernández-de Thomas became interested in neurosurgery early in his education, meeting and identifying key mentors since his early college years.

He was recognized as a student leader and researcher at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and the School of Medicine. He obtained various basic science and clinical research awards and became an active member of different student organizations.

After completing medical school in Puerto Rico, Dr. Fernández-de Thomas completed four years of neurosurgery residency at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.

Dr. Fernández-de Thomas is also involved in community outreach and service projects, having spent time volunteering in different health clinics in Puerto Rico and Central America. His dedication to academics, community and education led to his election into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society. During the PGY-5 year, he completed the UPMC Senior Resident and Fellow Leadership Academy yearly course.

Dr. Fernández-de Thomas was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Outside of medicine, Ricardo enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing baseball, softball, practicing martial arts, tennis, volleyball, weight lifting, and outdoor activities.

Dr. Fernández's publications can be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.  

Specialized Areas of Interest

Complex spine/minimally invasive spine surgery, spine tumors, deformity, spine oncology; neuro-oncology; neurotrauma, education in neurosurgery.

Professional Organization Membership

Alpha Omega Alpha
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Lumbar Spine Research Society
North American Spine Society
Pennsylvania Medical Society
Pittsburgh Neurosurgical Society
Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Education & Training

  • BS, Cellular and Molecular Biology University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 2013
  • MD, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, School of Medicine, 2017
  • Residency, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, School of Medicine, 2021

Honors & Awards

  • Pitt-UPMC Senior Resident and Fellow Leadership Academy, July 2022 - June 2023
  • Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) Young Surgeon Grant & Educational Track Award, September - October 2021
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Chapter Member, University of Puerto Rico, 2021
  • Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau, Clinical Research Award, 2017
  • María T. Sáez Endowment Fund Medical Student Scholarship Award, 2017
  • University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad Scholarship Award, 2016
  • National Institutes of Health Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program Fellow, 2011-2013
  • Outstanding Image of the Month Confocal Microscopy Award, University of Puerto Rico, 2012
  • Dean's List Award, University of Puerto Rico, 2009-2013