What we specialize in at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center is compassionate care – we take care of our patients. It’s complete care. The patients don’t have to go out and find a radiologist. We have the radiation oncologist, the chemotherapy, the surgery, the radiology, we have all kinds of nursing people as well as help getting physical therapy and getting in-the-home assistance. Patients also can expect cutting-edge care because we run such a terrific science program here. I really like working with the patients. No question about it. It’s not that I’m doing some trivial procedure six times a day. When someone comes in with a brain tumor, there’s usually some bonding, and instead of running away from that, I really enjoy it. Dr. Friedman is highly rated in 44 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Laminectomy.

I am a neurosurgeon and care for children and young adults. I focus on minimally invasive approaches to improve the quality of life of my patients. Your patient experience is very important to me, and I will strive to provide the best possible care for you and your family. I will always go the extra mile to try to improve your care. I care for conditions that affect the brain and spine, including tumors, epilepsy, Chiari malformations, hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, vascular conditions such as AVMs and Moya Moya disease, and complex tethered cords. I learn so much from my patients and really look forward to getting to know all of them. I strive to bring the best collaborative team to the table to achieve the best possible outcome. I am delighted to provide the most innovative, holistic, and compassionate neurosurgical care at Duke Health. I am also a professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Grant is highly rated in 29 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Chiari Malformation Type 2, Medulloblastoma, Syringomyelia, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Osteotomy.

I specialize in skull base tumors, certain vascular tumors that affect the brain, brain aneurysms, and strokes. Skull base tumors usually occur in a hard-to-reach area where there are a lot of sensitive structures. I have devoted many hours to perfecting my technical skills and my surgical approaches. Skull base tumors tend not to be malignant, so if you can remove the tumor cleanly, you can cure the patient. It's thrilling to be able to reassure the patient and family that they don't have to worry about this disease anymore. Having these conditions can be a scary time in patients’ lives, and I have committed myself to helping them through the process. It's also important to be able to perform surgery in a setting where the patient has the best likelihood of a good outcome. That's what makes Duke stand out: We do rare things frequently and, as a result, we're quite good at them. Dr. Zomorodi is highly rated in 28 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Brain Aneurysm, Acoustic Neuroma, Schwannoma, Endovascular Embolization, and Cerebral Artery Bypass Surgery.

I am a neurosurgeon and researcher who focuses on surgical solutions for movement disorders and pain due to cancer, prior nerve injury, stroke, failed back surgery, limb amputation, trigeminal neuralgia and other causes. I have always been fascinated by how the brain and spinal cord works, converting a thought in your mind to a physical action or feeling. As a neurosurgeon, I get to treat people who have problems with this process. Every day, I get to help patients make dramatic improvements in their quality of life, which is greatly rewarding. At Duke, we’re lucky to have access to the latest technologies and world-class research. Our technology allows us to perform surgeries in the least invasive, most precise ways possible. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three young boys. Dr. Lad is highly rated in 19 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Chronic Pain, Parkinson's Disease, Laminectomy, and Deep Brain Stimulation.

I am an academic adult and pediatric neuro-oncologist who helps lead The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. I am the author of more than 500 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and book chapters, and I have presented extensively at both international and national meetings. I am a committed educator who is a member of the executive and super-executive committees of the Duke University School of Medicine, which are responsible for the recruitment, screening and selection of medical students. I have reviewed grants for the National Institutes of Health for over 15 years, in a spectrum of different study sections. I am the senior editor of CNS Oncology and a reviewer for over 25 academic journals. I serve on the advisory board of a number of organizations, including Voices Against Brain Cancer, the Tug McGraw Foundation, Pinnacle Care, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the National Children’s Cancer Society, and the American Brain Tumor Association. Dr. Friedman is highly rated in 18 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, and Brain Tumor.

I am a neurosurgeon with a passionate interest in taking care of patients with brain tumors. I am committed to providing both excellent clinical care, ensuring that I am doing everything I can to better understand brain tumors, and finding better ways to treat them through laboratory research. From a surgical perspective, I believe in having a strong grounding in traditional techniques such as microsurgery and using cutting-edge methods and minimally invasive approaches to give patients the best outcomes with less risk. I also believe that being diagnosed with a brain tumor is the hardest thing a patient and their family can go through, and it is my role to help guide them through this process step by step, making sure they are as knowledgeable and comfortable with the situation as possible. Nothing makes me happier than when patients and their families tell me that they are relieved and reassured after our visit together. Dr. Patel is highly rated in 18 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

I was inspired to be a doctor by my grandfather, a classic “black bag” physician, who practiced family medicine with grace, compassion, and enthusiasm I strive to emulate. I became interested in the treatment of neurologic illness in college, and I pursued a specialization in the minimally invasive treatment of brain tumors and skull base tumors. When a patient has a brain disorder, they bring to me not just an organ to be fixed, but also their senses, perceptions, and mechanisms that allow them to interact with their world. My goal is to help my patients understand these frightening and disorienting problems and to create with them a custom treatment strategy to overcome the difficulties. I use the latest advances in minimally invasive neurosurgery to hopefully return them to the activities they most enjoy. Through my research, I hope to devise even better ways to approach these problems in the future. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my amazing daughter and son, as well as my two miniature schnauzers. Dr. Codd is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Prolactinoma, Pituitary Tumor, Encephalocele, Awake Craniotomy, and Mastoidectomy.

My research and clinical focus is cerebrovascular disease, specifically the treatment of brain aneurysms, brain arteriovenous malformations, carotid disease, Moya-moya and stroke. I also treat patients with brain tumors and spine issues. In general, I like to analyze complex problems and propose simple solutions. In neurosurgery, typically, the simplest solution is the safest. Your safety and best possible treatment is my number one priority. More often than not, you may be surprised to learn that after thorough analysis of all the information, you may not need treatment, but instead careful observation. If treatment is indicated, I provide a comprehensive spectrum of care including radiosurgery, minimally invasive treatment in the cathlab, and open surgery. At Duke, I love to be able to offer these services as a member of a friendly and fabulous team. In addition, I am proud to be able to provide the newest clinical treatment options available. My ultimate goal is to further improve patient experience and outcomes. My hobbies are playing the piano, hiking, skiing and gardening, which I enjoy together with my wife and four children. Dr. Hauck is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Brain Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Malformation, Vein of Galen Aneurysm, Stent Placement, and Transmyocardial Revascularization.

I treat spine and movement disorders. My favorite part of my job is seeing my patients benefit from procedures that improve their quality of life. I also enjoy the integration of research into clinical practice and learning how research can benefit future generations. I spent seven years at the University of Minnesota before coming to Duke. I’ve been at Duke now for more than 25 years. Duke offers a number of things from performing ordinary, common procedures very well to successfully taking on very complex procedures all in the same day. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling and traveling with my wife. Dr. Turner is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Parkinson's Disease, Movement Disorders, Essential Tremor, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Vagotomy.

I was attracted to neurosurgery because of the intense patient-doctor relationships that form when the functions that are so vital to our humanity, such as the ability to communicate with a loved one, are at stake. I was fortunate to do my neurosurgical training at the busiest brain tumor center in the country where I also pursued advanced training in minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, I devoted time to specialize in critical care medicine in order to provide more comprehensive care to our sickest patients. I draw upon these experiences to care for patients with brain tumors and those that have suffered severe brain trauma. I take great pride in being a surgeon and work hard to listen to my patients and their families so as a group we can develop a compassionate and evidence-based plan aligned with their goals and wishes. I grew up in a beach community on the South Shore of Long Island in New York but came to Duke University for college when I was 18 years old and never left. Dr. Komisarow is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Traumatic Brain Injury, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Congenital Cardiovascular Shunt, Thrombectomy, and Awake Craniotomy.

Although I enjoy all facets of neurosurgery, my practice is devoted to caring for patients with spinal-based pathologies ranging from degenerative disease, trauma, and deformity but centered on patients with spinal tumors. I aim to provide a comprehensive patient experience through collaborations with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver the best overall but personalized patient care. I have undergone additional training learning specialized techniques from spine oncology experts around the world in order to bring these potential treatments and strategies to my patients. Dr. Rory is highly rated in 23 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Bone Tumor, Chordoma, Pituitary Tumor, Spinal Fusion, and Laminectomy.

Robert Isaacs is a Neurosurgery provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Isaacs is highly rated in 10 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Kyphosis, Lordosis, Spinal Fusion, and Microdiscectomy.

I specialize in the treatment of brain tumors and spinal disorders. I am a native of North Carolina and after spending time in military service, I have returned to provide care at Duke because I believe the people and assets here are dedicated to providing the best possible neurological care. I was drawn to the field of neurosurgery after my own family's experience with a brain tumor. I know firsthand that in the treatment of neurological disease, compassionate communication and joint decision-making with each patient is as important as the surgical procedure. I aim to bring up-to-date methods and treatments as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to help each patient deal with their illness. I also promise to help each individual understand all aspects of their care with the most honest and straightforward guidance that I can provide. In my spare time, I am very active in the outdoors of North Carolina as I enjoy spending time with my wife and four children. Dr. Cook is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Subdural Hematoma, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Sacral Nerve Stimulation.

I listen to my patients' goals and concerns to create a treatment strategy that respects each patient's wishes. I focus on every detail of care to help achieve the best possible outcome, with a customized plan for each individual. I communicate in a straightforward manner to help my patients understand their condition and options. Outside of work, I enjoy riding my horses in jumping competitions across the country and volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding program for people with traumatic injuries. Dr. Jones is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Lordosis, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion.

Neurosurgery is a challenging field of medicine but is very rewarding. I specialize in brain tumor, pituitary neoplasm, and complex spinal disorders and deformity. I find it important to educate my patients on the surgical options available to them. I believe building a great patient-provider relationship is essential to achieving excellent clinical and surgical outcomes. Dr. Ahmed is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Syringobulbia, Chiari Malformation Type 2, Syringomyelia, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

I was drawn to neurosurgery during medical school when I first witnessed the unusually direct and positive impacts it could make for patients. At Duke Health, I now provide surgical treatments to people affected by epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. My background as a surgeon certainly shapes my interactions with my patients, yet I identify them and also myself more as somebody's sibling, friend, neighbor, and daughter or son. I strive to emphasize our shared perspectives because I believe they lead to the foundations of good care: empathy, respect, clear communication, and a strong focus on patient well-being and safety. Dr. Southwell is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Epilepsy, Absence Seizure, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Awake Craniotomy.

We all eventually become the patient. We are all human. I always remember that the person in front of me is someone's mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter. Treating people with kindness and listening to them are key. Neurology, neurosurgery, and the Neuro ICU are my background. I have treated people with brain tumors, strokes, brain aneurysms, and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Novack is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. Her top area of expertise is Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma (pLGG).

Nelson Oyesiku is a Neurosurgery provider in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Oyesiku is highly rated in 23 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Pituitary Tumor, Hypothalamic Tumor, Pituitary Apoplexy, Balloon Sinuplasty, and Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery.

Weston Northam is a Pediatrics specialist and a Neurosurgery provider in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Northam is highly rated in 18 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hydrocephalus, Myelomeningocele, Tethered Cord Syndrome, Rhizotomy, and Deep Brain Stimulation.

I have more than 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages with spinal disorders. I have had an interest in the management of spinal disorders since starting my medical education. I performed residencies in both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire range of spinal disorders. My goal has been to find innovative ways to manage the range of spinal conditions, straightforward to complex. I have a focus on managing patients with complex spinal disorders. My patient evaluation and management philosophy is to provide engaged, compassionate care that focuses on providing the simplest and least aggressive treatment option for a particular condition. In many cases, non-operative treatment options exist to improve a patient’s symptoms. I have been actively engaged in clinical research to find the best ways to manage spinal disorders in order to achieve better results with fewer complications. Dr. Shaffrey is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion.

Senthilkumar Radhakrishnan is a Neurosurgery provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Radhakrishnan is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Cardiovascular Shunt, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Hydrocephalus, and Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors (DNET).

As a trained vascular neurosurgeon, I specialize in the treatment of vascular diseases of the brain and spine. These typically include aneurysms, vascular malformations, vessel narrowing, carotid disease, and strokes, in addition to general neurosurgical care. Many of these conditions are complex to diagnose and treat and, therefore, I completed additional training specifically in cerebrovascular conditions to help achieve the best possible outcomes. My goal is to listen to your concerns, inform you to the best of my ability about your condition and considerations for treatment options, and ultimately serve as your guide to find the best pathway forward. As a patient at Duke Health, you will have access to a world-class team of specialists, providers, and resources that help me provide comprehensive care for your condition. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children and partaking in the many activities available throughout the Triangle. His top areas of expertise are Brain Aneurysm, Syringobulbia, Chiari Malformation Type 2, Transmyocardial Revascularization, and Stent Placement.

As a Functional Neurosurgeon, I am excited to offer my patients today’s most innovative and cutting edge neuromodulatory therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Focused Ultrasound (FUS or HIFU), Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). Common conditions that I treat include epilepsy, movement disorders (Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, and Dystonia), stroke, chronic neck/arm/leg/back pain, diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury, and neuropsychiatric disease (Depression and OCD). Daily I am amazed and humbled at the strength and perseverance of my patients. The conditions I treat often prove incredibly debilitating and have a huge impact on quality of life. As a father of four and an avid runner and golfer, I value the joy an active life brings. Recognizing this, I strive daily as your doctor to be readily accessible and actively engaged as a partner to you and your family on this journey. Together, we will develop creative and forward-thinking approaches to improve your quality of life. Even if surgery is not an option, my team and I are committed to helping in any way that we can. We truly believe that any benefit, even if small, is worth fighting for. His top areas of expertise are Essential Tremor, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Deep Brain Stimulation, and Diabetic Neuropathy.

I focus on functional neurosurgery and pain management. I find that working with patients who have chronic pain and have tried numerous medical and conservative therapies for their pain are an under-served population. I strive to tailor the correct treatment for each individual. When I am not at work I, enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the area. Her top areas of expertise are Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) and Phantom Limb Pain.

A strong desire to serve my country and others led me to join the military and become a physician. I separated from active service after serving eight years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center caring for our nation’s heroes, family members, and retirees. Compassionate, honest, evidence-based care of the whole patient with a commitment to quality is my top priority. It is important to me that you understand your condition as well as the risks and benefits of all the non-surgical and surgical treatment options available to you. As a well-informed patient, we will make a decision together about what is right for you and your unique situation. My goal is to help you improve your symptoms without surgery whenever possible. If surgical intervention is needed, my focus is providing this as safely as possible via a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve your best results. His top areas of expertise are Subdural Hematoma, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Delirium, and Stroke.