World-class treatment for conditions of the brain and spine The Brain and Spine Center is headed by Philip E.
The Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center is a world-class provider of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of the full spectrum of neurological disease. Stieg, Ph.D., M.D., Professor & Chairman of Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center provides state-of-the-art care for both adults and children with diseases of the brain and spine. The department leads in the utilization of high-tech computerized diagnostic and treatment tools, from the Gamma Knife and stereotactic radiosurgery to the use of three-dimensional visualization in the operating room. What was once a world of highly intrusive surgery has evolved into a high-tech environment of small incisions, tiny catheters, and minimally invasive endoscopes. The department also serves as a premier training center for neurosurgeons of the future and has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in research.
04/10/2026
A Parkinson's diagnosis is the beginning of a journey — and understanding the full range of treatment options can make all the difference.
Join Weill Cornell Medicine on April 16 at 6 PM ET for an educational webinar with Dr. Michael Kaplitt, Executive Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurological Surgery.
Dr. Kaplitt will walk you through today's most advanced approaches to Parkinson's care — how the disease progresses over time, what to consider when planning treatment, when surgical options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) or focused ultrasound may be appropriate and the latest experimental therapies now in clinical trials.
This session is designed to help anyone affected by Parkinson’s take an informed and empowered next step.
Weill Cornell Medicine is proud to share that Dr. Mohammad Fouda has been named the 2025 recipient of the Philip E. Stieg FAANS/NREF HYM Fellowship Award.
The award recognizes exceptional academic promise and a drive to push neurosurgery forward. Dr. Fouda embodies exactly that. His selection is a testament to our department's long-standing commitment to developing the researchers, educators and clinicians who will define the next era of neurosurgery.
Weill Cornell Medicine spine specialists, part of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, made their mark at this year's Spine Summit — contributing research, leading discussions and helping shape the direction of modern spine surgery.
Dr. Kai-Ming Fu came away energized. As a member of the executive committee and co-lead of the scientific program alongside Dr. Michael Virk, he moderated a plenary session on the aging spine and delivered course lectures on endoscopy and lumbar complication avoidance. Dr. Virk also led a discussion on novel techniques, keeping WCM at the center of the field's most important conversations.
Our trainees and fellows brought the same level of distinction. Dr. Natasha Kharas presented on the department's quality outcomes research, Dr. Graham Winston delivered two abstracts and research fellow Dr. Chibuikem Ikwuegbuenyi gave three presentations and brought home an award for international fellows.
It's a reflection of where this program is headed. Backed by decades of innovation in imaging, navigation and robotics — and a culture that takes research seriously — our department is well-positioned to lead as the field continues to evolve.
Explore our full range of spine surgery services at Weill Cornell Medicine and Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian: https://lnkd.in/ecdNVYHA
04/07/2026
Ibrahim Hussain, MD was recently named the co-chair and course director for the AO Spine Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) Spectrum Course, alongside renowned French neurosurgeon Richard Assaker, MD.
This 8-week curriculum is designed for surgeons around the world looking to master indications, diagnostic evaluation, and techniques for microscopic, endoscopic, and minimally invasive fusion surgeries to treat various degenerative spine conditions.
Developed by and previously led by Roger Hartl, MD, this course brings together a dozen international MISS masters (including Zeeshan Sardar, MD from Och Spine/Columbia) to lead didactic and case discussions, as well as guiding participants through real-world videos and providing pearls in developing a robust practice in this advancing field.
This role continues to emphasize Och Spine at New York Presbyterian as a world leader in the practice and education of innovative and less invasive spine surgeries to optimize patient outcomes.
Advancing care for complex neuro‑orbital disease requires close collaboration across specialties. Dr. Philip Stieg recently joined international colleagues at the 2026 NeuroOrbital Masterclass in London, where experts examined challenges at the orbit and skull base, emerging technologies and evolving approaches to rare and complex orbital pathology.
Global forums like this help shape how multidisciplinary teams approach some of the most technically demanding cases in neurosurgery and ophthalmology.
Join us for Diversity Week 2026 Grand Rounds in the Department of Neurological Surgery.
Benjamin Hartley, MD will present during Grand Rounds on Monday, April 20, as part of Weill Cornell Medicine’s commitment to mentorship, education, and inclusive excellence through the PRIMES Program.
This April, Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Neurosurgery returns to East Africa to advance the future of spine surgery.
We're proud to co-present the 12th Annual Global Neurosurgery Course, April 20–22, 2026 in Dar es Salaam — co-directed by Dr. Roger Härtl, Director of Spine Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and a globally recognized leader in the field, alongside Dr. Hamisi Shabani of Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute.
This year's theme, "360º Spine," brings together top surgical expertise from Weill Cornell, MOI, NASS and the Seattle Science Foundation for hands-on training, interactive case discussions and live surgery supporting spine surgeons and multidisciplinary teams across the region.
Surgeons, trainees, and clinical staff are encouraged to attend. RSVP here: tanzanianeurosurgery.com
04/01/2026
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month — and at Weill Cornell Medicine, our team is at the forefront of advancing care for people living with Parkinson's disease.
Our specialists offer the full spectrum of treatment, from medication optimization to deep brain stimulation (DBS), incisionless therapies like MR guided focused ultrasound, and cutting-edge innovations such as pallidothalamic tractotomy (PTT) — coordinated across neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation and research.
This month, we're proud to highlight the work our faculty are doing every day to push the boundaries of what's possible for Parkinson's patients.
Want to hear from one of our leading experts? Join us on April 16 at 6 PM ET for a free webinar with Dr. Michael Kaplitt, Executive Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurological Surgery, as he walks through today's most advanced approaches to Parkinson's care. Register here: https://weillcornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZJ7YnfbiQu2jbdjRnN5ZUA #/registration
03/31/2026
Our Chair, Dr. J Mocco, was honored to visit the University of Texas at San Antonio and connect with an outstanding group of faculty and residents. Visits like these strengthen academic neurosurgery, foster collaboration and support shared goals in education, research and patient care.
On National Doctors' Day, we’re proud to recognize the physicians and advanced practice providers whose expertise drives our neurosurgical program forward.
From complex cranial surgery and endovascular interventions to spine care, functional neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and pediatric neurosurgery, our teams deliver highly specialized care that blends technical excellence with deep compassion.
Today we celebrate the physicians, NPs, PAs, neuropsychologists and research faculty who push the field forward through innovation, mentorship and dedication to our patients and their families.
Request an appointment: 866-426-7787
03/26/2026
"Clinical trials are where science has a chance to become survival."
Dr. Mark Souweidane, Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, is leading the charge against D.I.P.G.—a devastating pediatric brain tumor with few treatment options. His clinical trials have already shown real results for children and families who desperately need them.
This is the work that happens when researchers commit to innovation and philanthropic partners commit to funding it.
Weill Cornell Medicine has been selected as a 2026 SMISS Traveling Fellowship host site—a national recognition for excellence in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Selected fellows will spend two days observing advanced techniques, including robotics, 3D navigation, endoscopy, augmented reality and multidisciplinary spine care.
Our faculty leaders, Dr. Ibrahim Hussain, Dr. Roger Hartl, Dr. Kai-Ming Fu and Dr. Michael Virk, are committed to advancing the next generation of spine surgeons.
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A leader in high-tech computerized diagnostic and treatment methods, the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center receives patients from around the world. Our specialists treat the full spectrum of neurological disease, from brain and spine tumors, stroke, aneurysms, and epilepsy to Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. At the forefront of emerging technology, our facilities offer the Gamma Knife, stereotactic radiosurgery, frameless stereotaxy, endoscopic surgery, and three-dimensional visualization in the operating room. Many of our patient cases have been covered in the news documenting the success of minimal-access surgery; recent articles told of spinal surgery to prevent paralysis and a giant brain tumor removed through the nasal cavity. (Find out more about our Surgical Services and Surgical Programs.)
Our services don't end after surgery: We have on-staff neuropsychologists who offer testing and treatments for emotional and cognitive issues that may occur after a brain disorder. (Find out more about our CBT groups for pain and our Cognitive Remediation Program.)
Pioneers in the Laboratory
In addition to their clinical work, our neurosurgeons actively pursue new frontiers in research. Advancements include the first gene therapy treatment for Parkinson's; the successful isolation of "human stem cells" from the human brain, both normal and brain tumor-derived; computer mapping of the brain to cure epilepsy through surgery; a cure for one type of eye cancer using tiny catheters; and a cutting-edge approach to treating pediatric hydrocephalus (water on the brain) that eliminates the need for shunts, sparing children from unnecessary infections. (Read more about our Laboratory Research.)
Bridging the distance from the lab bench to the patient bedside, clinical trials are underway for stroke, aneurysms, spinal fusion, and resistant brain tumors. On the horizon: deep brain stimulation for depression and a biological alternative to mechanical spinal disc replacement. (Read more about our Clinical Trials.)
Training the Next Generation
As educators, our staff teaches medical students, residents, and fellows, nationally and abroad. They also design and present specialized training courses in skull base surgery, endonasal surgery, cutting edge pediatric surgery, and minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery. (Find out about our Continuing Medical Educationcourses, residency program, and fellowships.)
Great new vistas exist for the treatment of neurological diseases of the brain and spine. The Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center is a world leader in the implementation of these new treatment paradigms.
