Project Title: Cerebral spinal fluid serotonin and adenosine levels detect secondary injuries in traumatic spinal cord injury patients
Position: Neurological Surgery Resident
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Funding NIH Institution/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Grant ID: K99GM159353
Daryl Pinion Fields II, MD, PhD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery in July of 2018. He completed his undergraduate degree at Saint John’s University (Collegeville, Minn.), and his medical degree as well as research doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Prior to medical school Dr. Fields held several leadership positions as a firefighter captain and medic. In addition, he spent several years as a neural rehab personal trainer managing clients with debilitating neuromuscular disorders; including stroke, brain trauma, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. These experiences have inspired both his research and clinical interest in spinal neurorestorative therapies.
Dr. Fields has been recognized with several nationally competitive awards and fellowships from the National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation in addition to funding from private organizations such as the National Football League, Pittsburgh Steelers, Merck Pharmaceuticals and Live Like Lou Foundation.
Dr. Fields is currently a senior neurological surgery resident with a dual appointment as a research fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a technical/medical consultant to several startup companies and investment funds. As the principal investigator of the Fields Research Group, he leads several funded studies:
- Spinal cord stimulation for motor restoration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Development of novel biomarkers for spinal cord injuries
- Development of clinical prognostic tools related to tumor, trauma, and degenerative disorders