Ninad Karandikar, MD
Dr. Karandikar is a triple Board-Certified physician with expertise in comprehensive, goal-directed, multi-disciplinary management of pain arising from spinal and musculoskeletal conditions while simultaneously incorporating his specialization in Spinal and Ultrasound-guided procedures. Dr. Karandikar has a unique educational background and brings with him a distinctive blend of clinical expertise along with the experience of different practice settings including academia and the federal VA (Veterans Affairs) system.
Dr. Karandikar completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, and a PM&R Interventional Spine fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. Prior to joining Allied Pain and Spine Institute, Dr. Karandikar served as Medical Director at the VA Palo Alto Medical Center, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, and most recently as a full Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UCSF.
Dr. Karandikar is a dedicated and passionate medical educator, having 15+ years of experience in training and mentoring clinical fellows, resident physicians, medical students, and other allied medical professionals. His academic and leadership efforts have been recognized at the local and national level. He received the Jose C Montero Teacher of the Year Award for Stanford PM&R twice. Dr. Karandikar was awarded the prestigious National Innovation and Impact in Education Award from the AAP (Association of Academic Physiatrists) in 2019. He was selected as a Leadership Fellow by the American Academy of PM&R (AAPM&R) in 2017 and continues to be a member of AAPM&R National Graduate Medical Education Committee. He was formerly involved as faculty with the Stanford ECE (Early Clinical Engagement) and Stanford Biodesign Innovation programs.
In addition to teaching and clinical work, Dr. Karandikar is interested in investigating opportunities at the intersection of technology and healthcare, including applications of digital health and AI, with a view to improving current clinical outcomes, provider workflow, health equity, and access.
In his spare time, Dr. Karandikar enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and exploring diverse cuisines.