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Best Neurosurgeons in Durham

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 12, 2024

Introduction to Neurosurgery in Durham

Overview of neurosurgery as a medical specialty

Neurosurgery is a highly specialized medical field focusing on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

This advanced discipline plays a significant role in addressing a wide range of neurological conditions, from brain tumors and spinal disorders to traumatic injuries and congenital abnormalities.

Durham as a hub for neurosurgical care

Durham, North Carolina, stands out as a prominent center for neurosurgical excellence, primarily due to the presence of world-class medical institutions such as Duke University Hospital.

The city boasts an impressive roster of highly qualified neurosurgeons, many of whom are affiliated with Duke University Hospital and other leading medical centers in the area. This concentration of expertise makes Durham an attractive destination for patients seeking top-tier neurosurgical care.


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List of Neurosurgeons in Durham

Dr. Anoop Patel

Dr. Anoop Patel

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

UW Medical Center-Montlake

Harborview Medical Center

Neurosurgery

CG

Dr. Courtney Goodwin

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-1909

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 2010)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Dennis Turner

Dr. Dennis Turner

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 385-1337

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University Oslo (Fellowship Hospital, 1982)

University of Washington (Residency Hospital, 1981)

University Minn Hosps (Internship Hospital, 1976)

Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1975)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

EH

Dr. Emad Hasan

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(319) 356-2237

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

AC

Dr. Andrew Cutler

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Patrick Codd

Dr. Patrick Codd

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Neurological Surgery

HARVARD UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY (Medical School, 2008)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

MA

Dr. Muhammad Abd-El-Barr

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(800) 266-3853

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Neurosurgery

RJ

Dr. Robert Price Jr

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 479-4120

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE (Medical School, 1964)

English

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center

Neurosurgery

Dr. Peter Fecci

Dr. Peter Fecci

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-9660

Dana Farber Cancer Int (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

Massachusetts General Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2008)

Duke University (Medical School, 2007)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

Cornell University (Undergraduate School, 1999)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Oncology

GG

Dr. Gerald Grant

4.7

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(650) 723-0991

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University WA (Residency Hospital, 2002)

Seattle Childrens Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2002)

Stanford University (Medical School, 1994)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Ali Zomorodi

Dr. Ali Zomorodi

4.7

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Persian

Phone

(919) 862-5650

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)

Duke University (Internship Hospital, 2001)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

English

Persian

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery

Interventional Neuroradiology

Neurological Skull Base Surgery

Dr. Michael Haglund

Dr. Michael Haglund

4.7

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-0444

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University of Washington (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Wa School of Med (Residency Hospital)

Theology of Medicine and Culture, Duke Divinity School (2024)

Masters in Academic Medicine, USC (2016)

University of Washington School of Medicine, Neurosurgery (Residency Hospital, 1994)

HARVARD Medical School (Fellowship Hospital, 1990)

University of Washington School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 1988)

University of Washington School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Wa (Undergraduate School, 1980)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Dr. Isaac Karikari

Dr. Isaac Karikari

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(405) 749-2992

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Orthopaedic Spine Deformity, Washington University In St. Louis (Missouri) (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2013)

Duke University (Medical School, 2006)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

Duke University School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 2006)

Morehouse College (Undergraduate School, 2002)

English

Duke University Hospital

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

OU Health-University of Oklahoma Medical Center

Neurosurgery

Neurological Spine Reconstructive Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Spine Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Allan Friedman

Dr. Allan Friedman

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, German

Phone

(919) 681-6421

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University Western Ontario (Fellowship Hospital, 1981)

Duke University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1978)

Duke University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1975)

Eastern Illinois University (Medical School, 1974)

English

German

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Peter Bronec

Dr. Peter Bronec

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(919) 479-4120

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Duke University (Medical School, 1981)

English

Spanish

Duke Regional Hospital

Neurosurgery

SC

Dr. Steven Cook

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Duke University (Residency Hospital)

University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Alamance Regional Medical Center

Neurosurgery

Dr. Deb Ashish Bhowmick

Dr. Deb Ashish Bhowmick

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-7777

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Cleveland Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

Spinal Neurosurgery Cleveland Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

University of Pennsylvania (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Baylor College of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)

National Institutes of Health (Fellowship Hospital, 2003)

Rice University (Undergraduate School, 1999)

Rice University - Biochemistry (Undergraduate School, 1999)

English

University of North Carolina Hospital

Neurosurgery

EH

Dr. Erik Hauck

4.5

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-6421

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

LJ

Dr. Lenwood Smith Jr

4.4

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 286-7705

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Wake Forest University (Medical School, 1982)

English

ECU Health Medical Center

Neurosurgery

Dr. Herbert Fuchs

Dr. Herbert Fuchs

4.3

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, German

Phone

(855) 855-6484

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Children's Memorial Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1992)

Duke University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1991)

Duke University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1985)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1984)

English

German

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

JB

Dr. John Barr

4.3

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(479) 463-3000

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Complex Spine/Neurosurgery (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

Vanderbilt Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

Massachusetts Gen Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2013)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 2008)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

University of Arkansas (Undergraduate School, 2003)

English

Spanish

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Oren Gottfried

Dr. Oren Gottfried

4.3

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-0444

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University of Utah (Medical School, 2008)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Shivanand Lad

Dr. Shivanand Lad

3.8

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Robert Isaacs

Dr. Robert Isaacs

3.8

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 620-4467

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Rush Medical College (Fellowship Hospital, 2002)

Arizona State Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Vanderbilt University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1996)

Baylor College of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

CS

Dr. Christopher Shaffrey

3.8

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-0444

American Board of Neurological Surgery

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX / NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMPUS (Medical School, 1986)

English

Duke University Hospital

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center

Riverside Regional Medical Center

Orthopedic Surgery

Neurosurgery

MV

Dr. Matthew Vestal

3.7

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-2410

American Board of Neurological Surgery

yale University (Medical School, 2010)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

HK

Dr. Hazem Ahmed Kassem

3.5

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(585) 314-2380

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

Rochester General Hospital

Neurosurgery

Dr. Chester Yarbrough

Dr. Chester Yarbrough

3.4

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 538-1234

American Board of Neurological Surgery

University of Utah Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2017)

Barnes Jewish Hospital Washington University (Residency Hospital, 2016)

UC San Diego (Medical School, 2009)

Princeton University (Undergraduate School, 2004)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Alamance Regional Medical Center

Neurosurgery

Oncology

Neurological Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery

TB

Dr. Thomas Buell

3.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(412) 647-3685

English

UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC Passavant-McCandless

Neurosurgery

Dr. John Sampson

Dr. John Sampson

3.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-5301

American Board of Neurological Surgery

MASSAGE THERAPY COLLEGE OF MANITOBA (Medical School, 1990)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

KT

Dr. Khoi Than

2.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 954-3000

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

KP

Dr. Kasia Van Pett

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(614) 293-3718

Stanford University (Medical School, 1991)

English

Neurosurgery

JK

Dr. Jordan Komisarow

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Neurological Surgery

English

Duke University Hospital

Critical Care Surgery

Neurosurgery

SR

Dr. Senthilkumar Radhakrishnan

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Duke University Hospital

Carolinaeast Medical Center

WakeMed Raleigh Campus

Neurosurgery

JJ

Joshua Jackson

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

English

Neurosurgery

SB

Dr. Stephen Bergin

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

English

Neurosurgery

TW

Dr. Timothy Wang

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 668-3271

English

Neurosurgery

DH

Dr. David Huie

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

CASE WESTERN RESERVE CARE SYSTEM (Medical School, 2017)

English

Neurosurgery

BS

Dr. Brandon Smith

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-0444

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Neurosurgery

AS

Dr. Alexander Suarez

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Medical School, 2018)

English

Neurosurgery

JC

Dr. Jacquelyn Corley

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(541) 768-1261

English

Samaritan Albany General Hospital

Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center

Neurosurgery

SI

Dr. Stephen Harward II

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

English

Neurosurgery

ES

Dr. Eric Sankey

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 475-1870

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 2016)

English

Neurosurgery

AB

Dr. Alexa Bramall

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Neurosurgery

VM

Dr. Vikram Mehta

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(949) 764-4624

CASE WESTERN RESERVE CARE SYSTEM (Medical School, 2016)

English

Neurosurgery

CD

Dr. Christopher Dibble

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 713-2121

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Medical School)

English

Barnes Jewish Hospital

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese

Neurosurgery

DS

Dr. Derek Southwell

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(208) 625-5085

University of California at San Francisco (Medical School, 2011)

English

Duke University Hospital

Neurosurgery

KM

Dr. Kelly Murphy

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

English

Neurosurgery

DS

Dr. Daniel Sexton

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

CASE WESTERN RESERVE CARE SYSTEM (Medical School, 2018)

English

Neurosurgery

Choosing a Neurosurgeon in Durham

Factors to consider when selecting a neurosurgeon

Board certification and credentials

  • American Board of Neurological Surgery certification
  • Educational background and training

Experience and specialization

  • Years of practice
  • Subspecialties within neurosurgery
  • Types of procedures performed

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Number of patient reviews
  • Qualitative feedback from patients

Hospital affiliations

  • Association with reputable institutions like Duke University Hospital
  • Access to advanced medical facilities and technologies

Resources for researching neurosurgeons

Online physician directories

  • Healthgrades profiles and ratings
  • Other reputable medical directory websites

Hospital websites and physician profiles

  • Duke Health physician directory
  • Detailed information on surgeons' specialties and research

Professional recommendations

  • Referrals from primary care physicians
  • Consultations with neurologists

Top-Ranked Neurosurgeons in Durham

Dr. Peter Fecci

Credentials and Affiliations

  • Duke University Hospital affiliation
  • Extensive educational background including Dana Farber Cancer Int, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Duke University
  • Specialization in Neurosurgery and Oncology

Patient Ratings and Reviews

  • 5.0-star rating
  • 7 patient reviews

Contact Information

  • Phone: (919) 681-9660

Dr. Michael Haglund

Experience and Specializations

  • Specializes in Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Extensive education including University of Washington, Harvard Medical School, and Duke University

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.7-star rating
  • 35 patient reviews

Hospital Affiliations

  • Duke University Hospital
  • Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Dr. Ali Zomorodi

Areas of Expertise

  • Neurosurgery
  • Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery
  • Interventional Neuroradiology
  • Neurological Skull Base Surgery

Patient Feedback

  • 4.7-star rating
  • 27 patient reviews

Additional Information

  • Fluent in English and Persian
  • Contact: (919) 862-5650

Dr. Allan Friedman

Professional Background

  • Long-standing affiliation with Duke University Medical Center
  • Extensive experience in neurosurgery

Patient Satisfaction Metrics

  • 4.6-star rating
  • 32 patient reviews

Languages

  • English
  • German

Dr. Isaac Karikari

Specializations

  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurological Spine Reconstructive Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Orthopedic Spine Reconstructive Surgery

Patient Reviews

  • 4.6-star rating
  • 54 patient reviews

Hospital Affiliations

  • Duke University Hospital
  • Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
  • OU Health-University of Oklahoma Medical Center

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Neurosurgeon

Importance of consultation and personal comfort

Meeting with potential surgeons before making a decision

  • Assessing communication style
  • Evaluating bedside manner
  • Discussing treatment options

Assessing the surgeon's approach to patient care

  • Understanding the surgeon's philosophy
  • Evaluating willingness to answer questions
  • Gauging patient involvement in decision-making

Understanding insurance coverage and financial considerations

Verifying in-network status of surgeons and hospitals

  • Checking with insurance provider
  • Reviewing hospital affiliations from the data

Discussing potential out-of-pocket costs

  • Inquiring about consultation fees
  • Understanding surgery and post-operative care costs

Seeking second opinions when appropriate

Benefits of multiple professional perspectives

  • Confirming diagnosis
  • Exploring alternative treatment options

When to consider seeking additional input

  • Complex cases
  • Uncertain diagnoses
  • When uncomfortable with initial recommendations