. Dr. Helms is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Apoplexy, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Posterior Fossa Tumor, Microdiscectomy, and Herniated Disc Surgery.

A native of the Tri-Cities’, David Wiles, MD, received his bachelor of science from Auburn University, Ala., and his doctorate of medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La. Following, Dr. Wiles completed his general surgery internship and a neurosurgery residency at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Board certified in neurosurgery, Dr. Wiles has trained under internationally-known spine surgeons, including Kevin Foley, MD, Maurice Smith, MD, and Peter Klara MD. Following his training, Dr. Wiles returned to the Tri-Cities where he established the East Tennessee Brain and Spine Center, intent on bringing leading-edge neurosurgical care to those he knew and loved. Today, Dr. Wiles is president of the East Tennessee Brain & Spine Center. Dr. Wiles has also been actively involved in the development of numerous spinal surgical techniques and devices. Most notably, he has participated in several investigational studies with the Food & Drug Administration. Such experience has allowed him the honor of speaking at international meetings and serving on the Evaluation Committee for ARGOS, the European Association of Research Groups for Spinal Osteosynthesis. Currently, he is privileged to serve as a faculty member at teaching conferences held across the United States for the purpose of training spine surgeons and orthopedic and neurosurgical residents. A member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurosurgeons, the Joint Section on Spine and Peripheral Nerves, the North American Spine Society, the World Spine Society, the International Meetings for Advanced Spinal Technologies, and the Cervical Spine Research Society, Dr. Wiles is also a member of the Critical Care Committee at the Johnson City Medical Center. Practicing since 1997, Dr. Wiles and his wife and their three children, make their home in Johnson City. Dr. Wiles is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Subdural Hematoma, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Microdiscectomy, and Cervical Disc Surgery.

Dr. Timothy Fullagar came to East Tennessee Brain & Spine Center from Colorado, where he served at the Colorado Neurologic Institute, Englewood. He received his doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, and completed a neurosurgical residency with the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center’s Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis. Board certified in neurosurgery, Dr. Fullagar has special interest in the general neurosurgical management of cervical and lumbar spine disorders, peripheral nerve conditions, and the treatment of intracranial pathology. Dr. Fullagar is known for his treatment of brain tumors. A member of the Society for Neuro-Oncology, Dr. Fullagar has participated in numerous clinical trials involving the surgical treatment of brain tumors and postoperative chemotherapy. Serving his nation with fifteen years of duty in the United States Naval Reserve, Dr. Fullagar completed his military career achieving the rank of Commander. Dr. Fullagar and his wife enjoy an active life with two sons and make their home in Johnson City. Dr. Fullagar is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Stroke, Delirium, Cervical Spondylosis, Bone Graft, and Vertebroplasty.

. Dr. Taveau is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Subdural Hematoma, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Delirium, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Michael Froehler is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Froehler is highly rated in 14 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Stroke, Brain Aneurysm, Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation, Thrombectomy, and Stent Placement.

. Dr. Burt is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Posterior Fossa Tumor, Microdiscectomy, and Herniated Disc Surgery.

Dr. Kominek earned her MD, Magna Cum Laude, at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2009. She received both her Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology, Summa Cum Laude, and her undergraduate degree in French and Pre-Medical Studies, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Alabama in 2005 and 2002, respectively. She completed her neurosurgery residency at UNC Chapel Hill in June 2015. Dr. Kominek is married to Eddie Kominek. He is an engineer, works from home, and can continue his job from any location. Dr. Kominek was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. She came to the US at the age of six and became a US citizen at the age of nineteen. Her top areas of expertise are Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Congenital Cardiovascular Shunt, Laminectomy, and Vertebroplasty.

Robert Starling, MD, was inspired to pursue medicine by his childhood pediatrician, who treated him and his family with care and compassion. After medical school, Dr. Starling chose to specialize in brain and spine surgery because he could provide that level of personal care and make a difference in his patients’ lives. 'It’s important to listen to your patients,' he says, 'because without their voice, it’s difficult to find the right treatment plan for them.' A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Starling came to the Appalachian Highlands for the opportunity to work with an amazing team of professionals at Ballad Health Medical Associates. His top area of expertise is Subdural Hematoma.

"Alessandra Cathel, DO, is a neurosurgeon specializing in oncology. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to Johnson City after being drawn to the beauty of the Appalachian Highlands. ""The warmth and friendliness I have encountered has made the region home,"" she says. Inspired by both the science of medicine and the complexity of the brain, Dr. Cathel finds her greatest motivation in caring for patients and their families. She is dedicated to tailoring treatment plans to each individual and values working with a team of specialists to provide the highest quality of care. Outside of work, Dr. Cathel enjoys hiking, playing softball, spending time on the water and following football and baseball.". Her top areas of expertise are Epidural Hematoma, Vein of Galen Aneurysm, Osteochondroma, and Olfactory Neuroblastoma.

Ranjith Babu, MD, fellowship trained neurosurgeon with CHI Memorial Neuroscience Institute and CHI Memorial Spine Center, provides highly skilled care in the treatment of brain tumors, stroke and other conditions of the brain and spine. Dr. Babu is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He specializes in neurosurgery, or surgery performed on the nervous system – especially the brain and spinal cord.Neurosurgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat central and peripheral nervous system disorders including brain tumors, brain aneurysms, degenerative spine conditions, peripheral nerve conditions like carpel tunnel and other nerve entrapments. Dr. Babu uses minimally invasive techniques – including innovative, MRI-guided laser therapies – to treat complex and often life-threatening health conditions. Dr. Babu is highly rated in 25 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Brain Tumor, Laminectomy, and Awake Craniotomy.

. Dr. Rice is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Cervical Spondylosis, Spinal Stenosis, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

. Dr. Pryputniewicz is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Spinal Stenosis, Subdural Hematoma, Vertebroplasty, and Bone Graft.

Dr. Austin is a graduate of Wake Forest University/Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She completed her neurosurgery training at the University of Wake Forest/Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Austin is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Dr. Austin is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Fractured Spine, Frontonasal Dysplasia Klippel Feil Syndrome, Cervical Spondylosis, and Spinal Stenosis.

. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, Stroke, and Delirium.

Reid Thompson is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Thompson is highly rated in 41 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Lola Chambless is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Chambless is highly rated in 36 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Paul Klimo is a Neurosurgery provider in Jackson, Tennessee. Dr. Klimo is highly rated in 33 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Ependymoma, Hydrocephalus, Brain Tumor, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Awake Craniotomy.

Frederick Boop is a Neurosurgery provider in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Boop is highly rated in 26 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Ependymoma, Brain Tumor, Posterior Fossa Tumor, Craniopharyngioma, and Spinal Fusion.

Scott Zuckerman is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Zuckerman is highly rated in 18 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Concussion, Spondylolisthesis, Scoliosis, Laminectomy, and Spinal Fusion.

Peter Konrad is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Konrad is highly rated in 17 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Trigeminal Neuralgia, Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Microvascular Decompression.

Christopher Bonfield is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Bonfield is highly rated in 17 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Plagiocephaly, Craniosynostosis, Metopic Ridge, Craniectomy, and Posterior Fossa Decompression.

Adam Arthur is a Neurosurgery provider in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Arthur is highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Stroke, Brain Aneurysm, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Thrombectomy, and Endovascular Embolization.

Dario Englot is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Englot is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Epilepsy, Absence Seizure, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Microvascular Decompression.

Kevin Foley is a Neurosurgery provider in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Foley has been practicing medicine for over 47 years is highly rated in 10 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Myelopathy, Cervical Spondylosis, Laminectomy, and Spinal Fusion.

Robert Naftel is a Neurosurgery provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Naftel is highly rated in 10 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hydrocephalus, Intraventricular Hemorrhage of the Newborn, Myelomeningocele, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Rhizotomy.