Dr. James H. Stephen

Dr. James Stephen is an neurosurgeon with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Neurosurgery. His clinical practice location is at South Shore Hospital.  Dr. Stephen completed Neurosurgical Residency at the University of Pennsylvania and an enfolded Pediatric Spinal Deformity Fellowship at the Philadelphia Shriner’s Hospital for Children.  Prior to medical school, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan.  Throughout his education and training, he has participated in translational research in biofluid mechanics, stem cells, and quality of life outcomes in pediatric deformity surgery.  Dr. Stephen’s clinical practice specializes in treating a broad variety of spinal disorders.  His training and experience in engineering influences his approach to solving the complexities of spinal pathology.  He has expertise in the field of spinal navigation and image-guidance, spinal robotics, motion-preserving techniques such as cervical disc replacement, treatment of complex spinal fractures, and minimally invasive techniques to the spine.  Dr. Stephen has unique expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Chiari I malformation.  He was previously the Primary Surgeon and Medical Director of the Colorado Chiari Institute in Denver, Colorado where he specialized in treating patients from across the country with Chiari I malformation.  He looks forward to continuing to provide expert care to Chiari patients in his new role.  Dr. Stephen treats every patient as if they were a family member or an old friend.  He patiently listens to their goals and concerns, explains treatment options, and guides patients through the decision-making and treatment process.  He believes that combining the latest surgical techniques with a personal approach to each unique patient leads to the best possible outcome.

His clinical expertise encompasses Spinal Stenosis, Subdural Hematoma, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Microdiscectomy, and Herniated Disc Surgery.

Dr. Stephen is board certified in Neurological Surgery.