2026 40 Under 40 Honoree: Martin Piazza (38)
“I want to carry that tradition forward through surgical expertise, lasting relationships with families and research that helps build better treatments for the future.”
PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA
Martin Piazza
Pediatric Neurosurgeon, UPMC; Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Watching a child take steps after surgery is an unforgettable measure of progress for Dr. Martin Piazza.
As surgical director of the Pediatric Surgical Movement Disorders and Neurosurgery Spinal Programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the neurosurgeon treats conditions affecting children’s movement and growing spines. His multidisciplinary approach brings neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurology and therapy together around each family’s goals.
Piazza performs procedures for children with cerebral palsy, dystonia and neurodevelopmental disabilities. He is working to create a multidisciplinary program for children with neuromuscular scoliosis.
His belief is that excellent surgical care begins with recognizing each child’s abilities, listening carefully and defining progress on the family’s terms.
