I am a dual-trained neurosurgeon and endovascular surgeon at Memorial Neuroscience Institute where I treat patients with neurological, cerebrovascular and spinal conditions. I completed my neurosurgical residency and endovascular fellowship at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I am able to treat complex cerebrovascular conditions such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) using either minimally invasive endovascular techniques or open cranial surgical techniques, depending on which is best for the patient. There are times when patients even require a combination of both techniques, depending on their condition.

I perform diagnostic endovascular procedures and emergent endovascular treatments for stroke as well. As a neurosurgeon, I also operate on complex intracranial tumors that can be benign or malignant. In addition, I perform various spine surgeries for patients suffering from trauma, back pain, leg pain or spine tumor.

My journey into medicine has always been a calling for me. For as long as I can remember, I have envisioned myself as a doctor, spending my time and energy perfecting what I love to do, which is healing the human body, mind and spirit. I spent nine years of my life in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of California, San Francisco learning the tools of scientific discovery and medicine, earning my MD and a PhD in biomedical science with a focus on brain cellular biology. I am a proponent of continuing research to both cure disease and to help unlock nature's most marvelous mystery, the human mind.

While an important part of my work takes place in the operating room, the most rewarding part of my job is connecting with patients and their families. It is an honor and a privilege to be trusted with healing the body and mind of another human being. It is a trust that should be earned and cherished for a lifetime.

• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
• Memorial Hospital Miramar
• Memorial Hospital Pembroke
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital