James rizkalla, md

James Rizkalla, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain, back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal deformity and complex spine conditions. He sees patients in Dallas and Waxahachie and is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans utilizing the latest advancements in both minimally invasive and complex spine surgery.


Dr. Rizkalla earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. During medical school, he completed a prestigious orthopedic research fellowship at the University of Oxford's Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences in England. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, serving as chief resident and earning the Resident Teaching Award while also being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Following residency, Dr. Rizkalla completed advanced fellowship training in complex spine surgery at the University of Utah, one of the nation's leading spine programs. He further refined his expertise through an AO Spine Fellowship in Melbourne, Australia, where he focused on minimally invasive spine surgery, motion preservation, spinal endoscopy and robotic-assisted spine surgery.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Rizkalla is actively involved in spine research and education. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine and as Medical Director of Orthopedic Research at Baylor University Medical Center. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and scientific abstracts, and regularly presents nationally and internationally on disorders of the spine and advancements in spine surgery.

Dr. Rizkalla is committed to advancing the field of spine care through innovation, research and evidence-based treatment, helping patients return to the activities they enjoy with improved function and quality of life.

As part of Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics, Dr. Rizkalla is backed by a comprehensive team of orthopedic experts across North Texas. Our extensive network offers specialized care for every part of the body, with convenient access through more than 30 locations. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the "Face of Orthopedics" for 2026. Read more here.

Dr. Rizkalla is committed to educating patients, families and the community about spinal health, scoliosis, spinal deformities and advances in spine surgery. Explore his featured articles and expert insights on diagnosis, treatment options and preserving function and mobility below.
•    Back pain? 10 possible causes and what to do about it.
•    Best exercises for herniated disc: 9 safe moves to strengthen and heal your spine.