In November 2018, Dr. Birk was recognized by internationally known publication Beckers Spine Review as a "Spine Surgeon Leader to Know".
The article cited his specialization in minimally invasive spinal fusion and endoscopic spine surgery, with expertise in degenerative and herniated discs, cervical arthroplasty, lumbar spinal fusion, scoliosis repair, spondylolisthesis and brain and spinal tumors.