UNC Department of Neurosurgery

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Sonya Lester, RN, our 2026 Nurse Manager of the Year! 🎉

Sonya’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to her team and patients make a lasting impact every day.

“I’m honored by this recognition, but it truly belongs to the team I work with every day.”

https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/sonya-lester-rn-named-2026-nurse-manager-of-the-year/

04/28/2026

New Faculty Opportunity at UNC Neurosurgery

Neurosurgical Oncology – Open Rank. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC School of Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery are seeking a full-time Physician Scientist to lead the Neurosurgical arm of our Neuro-Oncology program. https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/316896

Please visit the Careers at Carolina website to view available neurosurgery job listings within the School of Medicine including research, faculty, and staff opportunities: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/search?utf8=✓&query=Neurosurgery&query_v0_posted_at_date=&1826=&1827=&query_position_type_id=&526=&query_organizational_tier_3_id=2334&query_organizational_tier_2_id=any&commit=Search

04/24/2026

The UNC Neurosurgery Innovation Summit kicks off today — and we're looking forward to hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Kurt Yaeger of Houston Methodist.

Dr. Yaeger is a dual-trained endovascular neurosurgeon specializing in vascular disorders of the brain and spine, known for his work with cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive procedures.

If you're a resident or student interested in where neurosurgical innovation is heading, this is a talk you won't want to miss.

There’s still time to stop by —
Thurston Bowles Building, Suite 3100
4:00–6:30 PM.

See you there!

04/23/2026

This Friday, UNC Neurosurgery hosts its 2nd Innovation Summit from 4:00 to 6:30 PM in the Thurston Bowles Building, Suite 3100.

Designed for trainees, faculty, and collaborators interested in the future of neurosurgical innovation, the event offers a focused look at emerging tools and techniques shaping the field.

Join us in the skills lab for hands-on access to the latest neurosurgical technology, featuring exhibitors including Aesculap, Medtronic, and Stryker, with a focus on advances in brain tumor treatment and neurosurgical care.

We are also pleased to welcome keynote speaker Kurt A. Yaeger of Houston Methodist.
No registration required. See you there! 🧠

Friday, April 24th
4:00 PM - 6:30pm
Thurston Bowles bldg Suite 3100
104 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill NC 27599

04/22/2026

If you’re looking for a strong educational resource on vertebral column tumors, UNC Neurosurgery’s Dr. Michael Galgano was recently invited to lecture for Congress of Neurological Surgeons’ CNS 100 series, a core platform in neurosurgical education.

When our faculty contribute at the national level, our residents learn directly from those helping define current practice. Worth adding to your study list.

https://youtu.be/nKlT6rMAAK4?si=iKFekHBz73tidcKR

5 likes, 1 comment. "CNS Neurosurgery 100: Management of Primary Vertebral Column Tumors"

04/10/2026

After nearly 25 years, UNC Neurosurgery is saying a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Eldad Hadar.

Dr. Hadar joined UNC in 2001 following fellowship training in epilepsy surgery and functional neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Over the course of his career here, he served as vice chair, residency program director for 16 years, and director of the epilepsy and functional neurosurgery program, earning 14 Teacher of the Year awards along the way.

For those of us in training, it’s difficult to overstate his impact. He pushed residents to achieve more than he had himself, and his record reflects how seriously he took that responsibility.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been the ability to teach and mentor young, aspiring physicians.”

Thank you, Dr. Hadar, for everything you’ve given to this department and to the physicians you helped shape. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter.

Read more: https://www.med.unc.edu/neurosurgery/eldad-hadar-farewell/

UNC School of Medicine’s Eldad Hadar, MD, helped shape the Department of Neurosurgery while advancing clinical innovation at UNC Health. Eldad Hadar, MD, clinical professor and vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the UNC School of Medicine, is stepping down from UNC Health after nearly...

04/02/2026

We are pleased to announce that Matt Ewend, MD, has been named interim chair of the Department of Neurosurgery.

He will continue serving as chief clinical officer of UNC Health and president of UNC Physicians, overseeing physician practices, quality programs, and population health across the UNC Health system.

https://www.med.unc.edu/intranet/2026/03/ewend-named-interim-chair-of-the-department-of-neurosurgery/

04/01/2026

At UNC Health, neurosurgeon Mark Attiah, Director of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, explains why nerve tumors are frequently misdiagnosed and why finding the right specialist is critical to getting the care you need.

https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/finding-the-right-doctor-for-a-nerve-tumor/

04/01/2026

APP Spotlight: Casey Clark, PA-C | Neurosurgery

We are proud to recognize Casey Clark, PA-C, a Physician Assistant in Neurosurgery.

Casey sees patients at the UNC Spine Center, specializing in spine and peripheral nerve care, and supports post-operative patients for three of our spine surgeons. Beyond clinical practice, Casey is dedicated to shaping the next generation of providers, teaching MSK ultrasound with both the UNC and Duke PA programs, as well as wound care and suturing within the Duke PA program.

In just two years at UNC Health, Casey has made a meaningful impact in patient care, education, and mentorship. Currently pursuing a fellowship in wilderness medicine and trauma informed care, Casey looks forward to bringing these specialized skills to our team and community.

Photo by: Kurt Nolen, SOC

03/30/2026

At UNC Neurosurgery, our physicians care for patients facing some of the most demanding conditions in medicine. They are continually refining their skills through study, experience, and preparation, showing up each day focused and ready for what comes next.

Across our Chapel Hill and Hillsborough campuses, they care for patients and families in moments that carry real weight. In the operating room, in the clinic, and in the conversations in between, their work has a direct and lasting impact on lives across North Carolina.

Doctors’ Day is a chance to recognize that responsibility, and the consistency it takes to carry it well. To our physicians, thank you for the care you provide and the trust you earn every day.

Photo by: Kurt Nolen, SOC

03/26/2026

One of the strengths of UNC’s program is its truly interdisciplinary model, bringing together:
✅ Functional neurosurgeons
✅ Movement disorder neurologists
✅ Biomedical imaging experts

This collaborative approach helps ensure that patients undergoing Focused Ultrasound receive comprehensive evaluation, testing, and post‑procedure support. UNC remains the only hospital in the country offering a dedicated interdisciplinary FUS clinic, making individualized tremor care more accessible and effective.

We’re honored to provide life‑changing treatment options during Essential Tremor Awareness Month — and every month.