Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery

Spotlighting PGY-1 Resident, Nathan Shlobin, MD, MBA! 💙 Join us in welcoming him to the team!

Why did you choose Columbia for your neurosurgical residency?
I was excited by the mixture of strong clinical training and research, the prospect of taking care of patients with barriers in accessing healthcare, and the opportunity to live and work in New York City.

What made you want to pursue ?
I have been interested in medicine and the brain since I witnessed family members struggle with neurological disease. I began to shadow neurosurgeons in the OR and clinic and become involved in research as a first-year undergraduate and continued to gain exposure throughout medical school. I realized that neurosurgery is the specialty for me because it allows me to combine my analytical mind, diligence, meticulous nature, and compassion in the care of patients with complex neurological disease with the ability to improve quality of life in a hands-on manner. I also appreciate the emphasis in the field on improving patient care through research and innovation.

What's your favorite thing about working at Columbia Neurosurgery so far?
The people. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by an excellent group of co-residents, faculty, and staff.

What are your favorite things to do in NYC?
I enjoy walking in Central Park, trying new restaurants (and giving restaurant recommendations), and attending sports games.

Any fun facts?
I grew up playing hockey and still play for fun when time allows.

I listen to an eclectic variety of music, ranging from 80s rock to house to music in other languages and everything in between. I enjoy creating playlists.

I have been reading books and building a library. Some of my favorite books are The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel.

🎉 Join us in celebrating Drs. Dean Chou, Neil Feldstein, Guy McKhann and Reymond Sekula on their election to the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS), the oldest neurosurgical professional society in the world.!

Their dedication to advancing through patient care, education and research inspires us daily.

Congratulations! 👏

Today is Brain Awareness Day! 🧠

Did you know that neurosurgeons attend residency for seven years — the longest training of any specialty — typically followed by 1-2 years of fellowship, where they specialize in an area of focus?

From treating brain tumors to managing movement disorders to treating the tiniest patients, our experts at Columbia Neurosurgery are at the forefront of advancing neurological health.

Learn more about our services 👉 https://ow.ly/QBji50SHISw

Thank you to our patients, who generously share their their experiences with others. 💙

Spread the word: Today is World Glioblastoma Day. 🧠💙

At Columbia Neurosurgery, we're pioneering advanced research and treatments to combat this aggressive .

Reach out to our team if you or a loved one is seeking care.

Join us at Brainwaves 2024: Columbia Neurosurgery Practice Update in the Hamptons! 🌊✨

We’re excited to feature our Features Speakers:

Dr. Christopher Shaffrey, Chief of Spine Surgery at Duke University, is a pioneer in the field of spine surgery. With nearly 30 years of experience, he specializes in complex spinal reconstructive surgery and treatment of spinal deformities. His groundbreaking research and numerous publications have significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of spinal disorders.

Dr. Carl Heilman, Chair and Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, is a distinguished neurosurgeon known for his innovative techniques in brain surgery. With extensive expertise in the treatment of brain tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, and skull base surgery, Dr. Heilman's contributions to neurosurgery have earned him numerous accolades and a reputation as a leader in the field.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these experts and enhance your practice. Register now at https://web.cvent.com/event/17cd5c4b-4686-4e92-9ea6-cdc64583b511/summary

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy — and safe— 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Our offices are closed today for the holiday. Enjoy the celebrations!

Our neurosurgical spine fellow, Dr. Evan Joiner, was selected for an oral presentation at the New York State Neurosurgical Society for his abstract, 'Paired Stimulation of Human Motor Cortex and Cervical Spinal Generates Synergistic Motor Responses.'

He presented his work recently at the Harvard Club in Manhattan.

Congratulations, Dr. Joiner! 👏

Thank you to our grateful patients who write about their experience as Google Reviews.

The kind patient shares her experience with Och Spine and the care of Dr. Dean Chou. 💙

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

Join us in celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion at the this weekend!

With warmer temperatures upon us, beach time in the Hamptons is on everyone's mind – including ours! ☀️🌊

Join us this September for BRAINWAVES 2024 in the Hamptons! This CME course highlights the latest advancements in cranial and spinal neurosurgery.

We're excited to welcome special guest speakers Dr. Carl Heilman, Editor in Chief of JNS: Case Lessons, and Dr. Christopher Shaffrey, Past President of the AANS and SRS.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow neurosurgery professionals in the beautiful Hamptons, NY. Mark your calendars! 📅

More information here: https://tinyurl.com/3xh4fbu8

Today, we recognize Juneteenth and the ongoing journey towards freedom, equity and equality.

Congratulations to our 2024 Graduating Chief Residents! 🎓

We're incredibly proud of Dr. Eleonora F. Spinazzi and Dr. Evan F. Joiner for their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments over the past seven years at .

🌟 Dr. Evan F. Joiner will be staying with us at Columbia University to complete his Enfolded Neurosurgical Fellowship.

🌟 Dr. Eleonora F. Spinazzi is heading to Barrow Neurological Institute in AZ to complete her CAST Accredited Fellowship.

The pictures are from the Columbia Neurosurgery Resident Graduation Dinner. Evan and El were celebrated on Wednesday, June 5th, at The River Club of New York. Faculty and residents shared memories, offered well wishes, and presented departmental gifts. El and Evan also gave heartfelt speeches.

You'll always be part of the ! Best wishes for your future endeavors! 🧠

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament! 🥎💙

We were honored to host such a brilliant, engaged, and FUN group!

Sharing a few highlight photos from team !

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. 🇺🇸

Join us for taking a moment to reflect on their courage and commitment.

Get ready for the 19th Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament! 🥎

Every year, top neurosurgery departments from across the country hit the diamond for a day of friendly yet fierce competition.

As the hosts each year, we're so honored to bring together the neurosurgery community in this way.

This all-day event in Central Park, on June 1st, supports the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF).

From seasoned attendings to enthusiastic interns, our neurosurgery teams are all set to showcase their skills and camaraderie.

Who's taking home the trophy this year? 🥇

Pictured: 2023 Winners, Barrow Neurosurgery

Oncology Times featured our very own PGY-5 resident, Dr. Nina Yoh, in this comprehensive article on her passion for and her groundbreaking work on using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier.

Learn how her innovative approach could revolutionize treatment for patients.

Amrita Singh, MD, our PGY-1 neurosurgery resident, has published a groundbreaking paper in -Oxford Academic (Oxford University Press) on gene discovery for congenital hydrocephalus, even landing the cover for April! 🎉

Her research explores how a novel SMARCC1 gene variant impacts brain development, offering new insights into hydrocephalus. 🧠💡

Check out the full article here: https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-abstract/147/4/1553/7490822?redirectedFrom=fulltext

🎉 Happy ! Today, we're celebrating Michael Lamb, a dedicated in pediatric with Dr. Neil Feldstein at . 👶🧠

Michael says:
“As a nurse practitioner in at Columbia, I'm genuinely inspired by the synergy within our team. Working alongside Dr. Feldstein and our dedicated staff, I have the rare privilege to participate in the fusion of compassionate care with pioneering research. Together, we're not just treating patients but shaping the future of pediatric , bringing hope and healing to the children and families we serve. Being part of Columbia University's pediatric neurosurgery team allows me to do profoundly fulfilling work. My role with the team combines my drive to learn and expand my understanding of neuroscience with my aspirations to provide the best care possible to children in difficult circumstances. Every day, I'm energized by the knowledge that our work here is truly making a positive impact.”

Dr. Feldstein praises:
“Since joining the team Michael has become a crucial and integral part of pediatric neurosurgery both in the office setting and in the hospital. Given his prior experience working in the children’s hospital he is well known and well respected which greatly facilitates our practice and expedites care to our patients. When not involved in primary care Michael can be seen at his desk either reading about neurosurgery or watching on-line videos re neurosurgical operations or conditions. He eagerly asks for new and more complex tasks to tackle and is a wonderful liaison between the residents, our front desk and myself.”

Happy !

Today, we honor Anna Czarny, NP, a working alongside Dr. Brett Youngerman at . 👩‍⚕️🧠

Anna shares:
“In Neurosurgery, I find unparalleled fascination in the complexities of the , and how surgical advancements are constantly pushing the boundaries of best practices. Before being a neurosurgery , I was a . I was drawn to the NP role because I wanted to do more. Working with Columbia Neurosurgery, I'm inspired by the collaborative spirit and true multi-disciplinary team approach to advancing patient care. Every life transformed is celebrated.”

Dr. Youngerman remarks:
“Anna is a cornerstone of our neurosurgery team, playing a critical role in both preoperative and postoperative care. Her meticulous patient education demystifies complex procedures, and her responsiveness and competence are constantly highlighted by patients who feel reassured and at ease throughout their surgical journey. Anna's dedication and expertise not only enhance our practice but profoundly impact our patients' experience and recovery.”

Celebrating National with Caroline Gacka, an indispensable working with Dr. Raymond Sekula at . 🌟🧠

Caroline says:
“As a , I quickly fell in love with neuro and the complex challenging clinical cases that it includes. As a nurse practitioner, I am honored to work among the group of experts at Columbia . Our department includes not only world leading neurosurgeons, but also a group of talented nurse practitioner experts who are able to deliver exceptional care to patients quickly and efficiently. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow to better care for my patients. I am fortunate to be uniquely positioned in a small niche corner of the neurology world. I love my job because of the relationships I am able to create with patients and their families. Having an impact on and connecting with patients will always be my favorite piece of my role.”

Dr. Sekula adds:
“Nurse practitioners provide the ability to approach patients' health care as a team and can examine, test, treat and prescribe medications. They also offer patient education regarding diagnoses and treatment plans and work closely with the neurosurgical team to deliver high-quality care. Also well, my mother is a Professor of Nursing so I’m used to being bossed around by nurses. Just kidding, Caroline functions at a very high level. We have a lot of overlap between our job duties, including evaluating and caring for patients in the clinic and hospital. And Caroline really functions as the Chief Technology Officer of the practice with additional roles of managing industry-sponsored and federally funded research projects, and really so much more.”

🎉 Happy ! Today, we're shining a spotlight on Paytyn Leveto, an exceptional Practitioner on Dr. Chan’s team at . 🌟🧠

From Paytyn:
“I chose to pursue a career at Columbia Neurosurgery both as an alumni of the University and because of my desire to work at an academic center upon graduation. I was fortunate to complete clinical rotations with the Department including the surgeon I work for now. In my 8 months here, it’s been incredibly interesting learning about minimally invasive approaches to and equally as rewarding to coach patients through their recovery process. Watching patients improve from using a wheelchair or a cane to walking unassisted at their post-operative visit is truly amazing!”

Dr. Chan praises Paytyn’s critical role:
“ are critical for our surgical practice. They serve as a key member of the surgical team - caring for our patients, coordinating with our administrative assistants, and getting our surgical cases from the clinic to the operating room. By facilitating this high-level clinical care, they permit us surgeons to focus on surgery, practice building, research, and education. Paytyn has a tremendous work ethic, attention to detail, and does whatever it takes to make sure my patients get the best possible care. Watching her immense growth from her time as an student into her integral role in my practice has been very rewarding.”

Six years ago to the date, actress, singer and advocate, Nicole Schalmo faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with a Grade IV . Today, we celebrate her incredible journey and the milestones that have defined her unyielding spirit.✨

From undergoing a successful emergency craniotomy at to becoming an avid advocate and marathon runner with Team American Brain Tumor Association, Nicole's story is one of relentless courage and hope.

Dr. Guy McKhann, who was part of the team that helped remove her tumor, says, “Nicole is an inspiration to all of us who care for patients... She is living life with her tumor and its treatment and not letting her tumor determine her life.”

Nicole's resilience has not only led her to the altar as a beautiful bald bride but also to the finish line of multiple races for a cause close to her heart. And now, she’s gearing up for her first on her six-year wedding anniversary.

Join us in honoring Nicole's six-year journey of hope and healing.

For the full inspiring story and to learn about her advocacy work, click here: https://ow.ly/CrAI50RmOnQ

We’re pleased to announce that on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Department of Neurological Surgery will be joining the Department of Surgery (ABD, Breast, Colorectal, CT, GI-Endo) and the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology at our new location in New Jersey:

ColumbiaDoctors - 330 Frank W Burr Blvd Teaneck, NJ 07666

This new location will host the following team members:

On Tuesdays:
- Cerebrovascular Division represented via Dr. Sean Lavine and Gabriella Tosto-D’Antonio (Lead Cerebrovascular NP)

- Functional Division represented via Dr. Gordon Baltuch

On Fridays:
- Neuro-Oncology represented via Dr. Raymond Sekula

This beautiful brand-new space sits in the 50-acre GlenPointe complex, which is also accessible to public mass transit to NYC.

The team is excited to bring Columbia Neurosurgery’s world-class care team to a new patient community serving the Teaneck, NJ area!

Columbia Neurosurgery is now one of the few places in the world where patients can benefit from Asleep (DBS), led by Dr. Gordon Baltuch and Dr. Brett Youngerman.

Asleep DBS allows patients to remain sedated throughout the procedure, enhancing comfort and recovery.

Asleep DBS is especially effective for treating:
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🔷 Essential Tremor
🔷 Vocal
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🔷
🔷

Studies show that patients report better mood and sleep post-procedure compared to traditional awake DBS, without compromising efficacy.

🔗 Read more about Asleep : https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/news/offering-asleep-single-stage-deep-brain-stimulation-dbs

We read our Google Reviews, and appreciate when our patients tell their stories.

Our patients are so resilient, and impress us each and every day!

Feel free to share your story in a Google review!