Rick Chua MD

Robotic spine surgeon |Husband | Father of 3 amazing daughters |

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Incredibly grateful for the privilege of being a #neurosurgeon and helping make an impact on my patient’s lives…Especially this week when I’ve seen some recent patients who trusted me to do their #brainsurgery or #spinesurgery.

Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Thank you!!!

[U of A College of Medicine Neurosurgery @UAZNeurosurgery]

Sending love to the backbone of our service — the residents. They keep the wheels turning day and night. #ThankAResidentDay 👏

Drop a 👏 or comment a ‘thank-you’ below to show these future leaders some love.
#Neurosurgery #MedEd #ResidentLife #FutureNeurosurgeons

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Congratulations to @UAZNeurosurgery Dr Bre Sheldon on her presentation at the #SpineSummit @spinesection

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Congrats to our Chief Resident Dr. @RyanPalsma for completing the 102-mile @tourdetucson today only 6-weeks out from a MIS revision lumbar disectomy (posted with permission)!

@UAZNeurosurgery

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Congrats to Shayna Cohen on her presentation, “Preoperetive education reduces length of stay and postoperative opioid use in spinal fusion patients“ at the 2025 NSIG Student Research Day!

Paige Grafton, Dr. Breanna Sheldon, Dr. Dara Farhadi, Alina Price, and Alanna Gonzales, MBA

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Incredibly proud of our Department of Neurosurgery and University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Neurosurgery Student Interest Group on a successful 2025 Research Day!

I was honored to give one of the keynote lectures on “Global Neurosurgery in Nepal.”

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Celebrated our @UAZNeurosurgery residents and APPs with a little brunch and pickleball at Corbett’s as part of the @BannerHealth and @uarizona College of Medicine’s Cultivate Happiness in Medicine program.

Proud to report no injuries but lots of bruised egos

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Honored that my colleagues at Banner Health - Tucson elected me to be their next Chief of Staff.

And even more privileged to spend time with them at our Leadership Retreat to connect, reconnect and reinvigorate our passion for quality and safe care for our patients and ourselves

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Check out our recent surgeon visit… https://t.co/07U50nntSt

[U of A College of Medicine Neurosurgery @UAZNeurosurgery]

It’s #NeurosurgeryAwarenessMonth, where we spotlight the skill, dedication, and innovation driving the field forward. This is Neurosurgery - from the OR to research labs, our team at is committed to advancing patient care and training the next generation. 🧠💙
#WeAreNeurosurgery

[U of A College of Medicine Neurosurgery @UAZNeurosurgery]

If you’ve experienced back/spine pain, watch as @uarizona spine experts break down when to seek care, treatment options and what recovery really looks like. Hear from Drs. Alhammoud, Chua, and Du as they guide you through spine health. Scan code or visit https://t.co/KQfdZ8UOp1

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

https://t.co/Oq3lbc6g59

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Check it out… https://t.co/7ccsdJvYq6

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

First glimpse of Everest Base Camp!

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Friday Day 7…6 hour trek from Dingboche to Lobuche. Only 500m change in elevation, but 7km, and made it to 4929m/16,174’.

Almost there!!!

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Day 6…Just finished a 2 hour acclimitization hike at 13,900. Best views so far. Under the watchful expertise of Lalit, I’ve managed to stay out of trouble except a couple little slips and falls!

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Day 5. 6 hr trek to Dingboche at 13,907’. Starting to feel the altitude a little bit. Finally sleeping in my sleeping bed tonight with a hot water bottle, a little tachycardic O2 sats 85 to 88.

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Day 4. 8 hour trek to Tengboche at 12,683 feet doing well so far. Much more scenic, flat, awesome views of Everest, Lohtse, Ama Dablam.

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Did acclimatization hike to Syangboche (3885 m/12750ft) and got first glimpse of Everest! Beautiful day.

[Rick Chua MD @chua_rickMD]

Day 2..Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Hike took 8 1/2 hrs, covered 7 miles and 3000’ elevation. Lots more yak and donkey trains. 4 suspension bridges. Staying 2 nights here to acclimatize and short hike tomorrow. First chance to see Everest if it’s clear.