SpineLine Back Page: Behind the Mask
Kaku Barkoh, MD
This new back-page feature offers a glimpse into the lives of spine professionals beyond their clinical and academic roles — the quirks, comforts, and quiet rituals that shape a day in this field.
First up: Kaku Barkoh, MD, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon practicing in the Houston area. The author of Become a Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer, Barkoh brings curiosity, calm, and an unexpected love of gummy worms to his work in spine care.
What’s your go-to breakfast before a long day in the OR or clinic?
I typically intermittent fast, so I don’t eat breakfast before clinic or surgery. I’ll have some water in the morning (I’m not a coffee drinker either) to get my day started.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a big case or a busy clinic day?
As my mother always reminds me to do, I try to remember to say a prayer before a big case.
What’s your go-to snack to stay fueled during a long shift?
My guilty pleasure during a busy clinic is gummy worms.
OR (or commute) playlist: Silence, music, or podcast? What’s playing?
I listen to podcasts on my commute. In the OR its usually silence, but if I do listen to music its usually 90s R&B.
What’s your favorite thing about an early morning start?
The quiet, calm, and crisp air.
What’s the first thing you do when you walk into the hospital or clinic each day?
Check the time.
What’s your favorite OR or clinic life hack?
I always start by acknowledging if I’m running late and apologizing. That disarms the patient and allows us to focus on why they are there rather than how long they’ve had to wait.
If you had to do a TED Talk on a nonmedical topic, what would it be?
Finding your purpose. It’s the main theme of the book I recently wrote, Become a Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer: Misguided Advice of Immigrant and Middle-Class Parents.
What’s the most surprising skill you have outside of medicine?
Interior decorating.
Coffee, tea, or something else entirely?
Gatorade or sparkling water.
What book has had the biggest impact on you—medical or otherwise?
Top two nonreligious books would be Die with Zero and The Psychology of Money.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
My grandfather; he passed before I was born.
Do you collect anything?
I collect art and watches.
What’s your go-to way to unwind—hobby, sport, guilty pleasure?
Board games with my kids. They are really into Monopoly.
What’s a TV show or movie you’ve watched more times than you’d like to admit?
I’m happy to admit I’ve watched Remember the Titans more times than I can count.
If you had an extra hour in your day that wasn’t for work, how would you use it?
With my wife and kids, definitely.
If you could instantly master any skill (medical or not), what would it be?
I would be a polyglot for sure.
If you weren’t able to work in medicine, what completely different career would you choose?
I think I would coach basketball.
Are you a dog person, cat person, some other type of pet person, or none of the above?
Dog person. We have a Doberman named Creed.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Anthony Hamilton.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Osso Bucco in Milan.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
It’s a tie between Paris and the Bahamas. Paris is gorgeous and romantic, but the Bahamas always feels like a second home.
What’s your favorite phone app?
Instagram, sadly lol.
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
“Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Tone!