Meet the Team
Sean Salehi
MD, FAANS
Dr. Salehi is a board certified neurosurgeon who completed his neurosurgical residency at Northwestern University in Chicago in 2002. He also completed a spine fellowship program under the guidance of the renowned neurosurgeon, Steven Ondra, while at Northwestern. He subsequently remained as a faculty member at Northwestern University department of neurological surgery for three years before moving on to the private practice. He was one of the early adopters of the minimally invasive techniques in spinal surgery employing small incisions in performing the most complicated surgeries reducing the post-operative pain and shortening the recovery period. This has given him 20 years of experience in such operations.
Dr. Salehi is a member of the Congress of Neurosurgeons. He is the author of many peer-reviewed medical articles in neurosurgery and is the author of several book chapters in major neurosurgical texts. Additionally, he holds close to ten patents for the design of different neurosurgical instruments, few of which have been commercialized successfully in the USA and the world.
Dr. Salehi also served as the team neurosurgeon for the Chicago Rush arena football team from 2009 to 2012.
Dr. Salehi has privileges at Elmhurst Hospital, Macneal hospital, Hinsdale hospital, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, North Suburban Pain and Spine Surgical Center and Illinois Back and Neck Institute.
Elizabeth A. Koch
Pa-c
Liz graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She graduated from Midwestern University with a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is licensed by the state of Illinois and certified by the National Commission Certification of physician Assistants and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. She sees patients in the office independently and in conjunction with Dr. Salehi. She also assists in surgeries in the operating room.
Kasia Gacek
NP
Kasia is a double board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Nursing from Chamberlain University. Bringing ten years of specialized experience as an Operating Room Nurse in neurospine surgery, Kasia now sees patients in collaboration with Dr. Salehi and serves as his first assist during surgical procedures. Born and raised in Poland, she leverages her Polish language skills to enhance patient communication and achieve optimal outcomes.
Cary R Templin
MD
Dr. Cary R. Templin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a specialized focus on adult spinal surgery, particularly using minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Templin’s academic achievements began with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Structural Biology from the University of Illinois, Champaign, followed by a Medical Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. His exemplary performance during his medical training earned him multiple honors, including membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he also served as a Chief Resident. To further hone his skills, he pursued a fellowship in Spine Surgery at the University of California, San Diego, training under some of the most respected surgeons in the field.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Templin has served as a consulting spinal surgeon for NHL teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers, providing expert care for elite athletes. His expertise is recognized in academic circles as well, where he serves as a reviewer for The Spine Journal and regularly contributes to leading medical publications and textbooks on spinal surgery.
Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Templin is actively involved in the development of innovative spinal surgery products, collaborating with medical companies to create advanced implants and surgical instruments. His contributions to the field have not only improved patient outcomes but also advanced the standards of spinal surgery globally
Milly Castillo
Admin