Dr. Zahrai specializes in disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. He's advanced in robotic and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Doctor of Medicine
University of Manitoba
Residency
University of Toronto
Fellowship
Emory University
Bio
Dr. Zahrai is a fellowship-trained, dual board-certified, Spine Surgeon. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC).
a Dr. Zahrai grew up in Toronto, Canada where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto with honors. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He completed Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Toronto where he received numerous awards for academic excellence and research. He was then accepted into the prestigious Surgeon-Scientist Program, obtaining a Master of Science degree with his research focusing on patient education and outcomes in spine surgery. After residency, Dr. Zahrai completed the highly respected Emory University Spine Fellowship in Atlanta, Georgia.
After fellowship training, his devotion to patient care, teaching and research brought him to the University of New Mexico where he served as an Assistant Professor of Spine Surgery. View the full list of Dr. Zahrai's publications and articles. Dr. Zahrai moved to Florida in 2013.
In addition to his role as director of spine surgery at Alexander Orthopaedics, Dr. Zahrai is the medical director of the Orthopaedic spine and robotic surgery program at HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Dr. Zahrai was selected to teach and train other spine surgeons across the country in the field of robotic surgery.
He also specializes in endoscopic spine surgery. He has also held a teaching faculty position in spine surgery at the USF Morsani College of Medicine's HCA Florida Largo Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program since 2014.
He is a recipient of Tampa Magazine’s Top Doctors award and has been honored and profiled in Marquis Who's Who in America.
Specialties
Memberships
- North American Spine Society (NASS)
- Canadian Spine Society (CSS)
- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- The Canadian Orthopedic Association (COA)
What Our Patients Are Saying
- kenitra lacy
Dr. Zahrai treated me after my auto accident when I was in a lot of pain and discomfort. We first tried physical therapy, steroid injections, and nerve ablation, which only helped for a short time. He then recommended a newer procedure to cut the nerves, and I am so thankful he did. I’m finally feeling better, slowly building my stamina to work out again, and best of all, I can play with my boys without... read more
August 28, 2025Randy BondI had been experiencing lower back and hip pain for a number of months resulting from some lumbar disc issues that had progressed over time. I was looking for a doctor that would take a more conservative approach instead of proposing more aggressive spine surgery. If that is the approach you want, he is the doctor to see. We opted for a spinal injection, a conservative procedure, that was performed by Dr. Zahrai... read more
April 3, 2025Judy HDr. Zahrai treated me with such respect. He listened, shared results of my tests, explained my health issues and treatment options. He was not looking to put me through surgeries, procedures that were not necessary and offered to help me with the most un-invasive methods that would prove to be healing for my body. Positive thinking, honest and ethical ... that's how I felt about Dr. Zahrai. I was fortunate to stumble upon him for my medical... read more
July 18, 2025 - Dorothy McCrea
Dr. Zahrai is amazing. As difficult as my case was when it came to my back, he did not turn me away. He was thorough in explaining what needed to be done as well as the risk associated with it. If I didn’t have this surgery eventually I would not have been able to walk. Thanks to Dr Zahrai that is no longer the case. The work he did was absolutely amazing and I thank... read more
August 9, 2024Kent JohnsonAfter enduring the last year with neck pain from an auto accident, my referral to Dr. Zahrai worked out perfectly. His staff was responsive, the wait times in his office were practically non-existent (love that). More importantly, Dr.Zahrai offered candid options, great feedback and professional answers. My procedures went so well and I am pain-free...finally. I cannot say enough good things about this practice, and along with Alexander Orthopaedics, both exceeded my expectations. Very happy these days.... read more
October 5, 2021GaryFantastic spine doctor. Would give a 10 star rating if I could. He tells it like it is even if it makes you uncomfortable. Sometimes reality sucks. First saw him at OAWF and he then went to Alexander. I followed him there. Would not go to any other spine specialist. Thank you Dr Zahrai.
March 13, 2025 - judy Cullen
I have been in back pain and leg pain for over 4 years. I found Dr Zahrai about a year ago and he has been great to work with me and now after nerve ablation and epidural I feel wonderful! No more pain! He is a wonderful Dr and recommend him 100%.
September 21, 2023Tony DooganI recently underwent a spinal fusion performed by Dr Zahrai. At my initial consultation Dr Zahrai explained the procedure, the recovery process, and any side effects I might experience after the surgery. Subsequent to the surgery Dr Zahrai came to my hospital room to explain how the procedure had gone, and to enquire on my recovery. Follow up visits with Dr Zahrai have been informative and helpful in my ongoing recovery. I found Dr Zahrai... read more
January 8, 2021Eva RDr. Zahrai took time to review my MRI. He is an excellent spine diagnostician and surgeon dedicated in devoting time to diagnose and help a patient. I am amazed with my surgery results. His staff was supportive and beyond exceptional in their scheduling process (my surgery was scheduled within 30 days). I feel very lucky that I could have Dr. Zahrai as my doctor.
February 23, 2019