George Kakoulides, MD

10/24/2025

October 2025, doctors at King’s College Hospital in London performed a remarkable Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure on a 65-year-old woman with Parkinson’s disease — while she played her clarinet in the operating room.

As soon as stimulation was delivered, her finger movements improved instantly, allowing her to play with newfound ease for the first time in years.

This story beautifully captures the essence of functional neurosurgery — restoring not only movement, but identity and joy.

“Watching a 65-year-old Parkinson’s patient play her clarinet during DBS surgery is a vivid reminder of why I’m a functional neurosurgeon. The thrill of seeing stimulation take effect instantly in the operating room is only outdone by the patient’s joy when they rediscover their ability to move—or even make music. Though I wasn’t involved in this case, it beautifully showcases the life-changing work functional neurosurgeons like myself do every day. “
— Dr. Jordan Iordanou, Functional Neurosurgeon, GKMD Spine

Source: YouTube https://share.google/278yJzQtTuwzDsI6N

09/12/2025

We are excited to officially welcome Jordan Iordanou, MD, PhD to GKMD Neurosurgery!

Dr. Iordanou is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in movement disorders, spine conditions, facial pain, and complex chronic pain syndromes. His training includes prestigious fellowships in functional neurosurgery, bringing patients access to innovative treatments such as deep brain stimulation, advanced neurostimulation, and minimally invasive approaches right here on Long Island.

By joining our team, Dr. Iordanou helps us further our mission of becoming a Neuroscience Center of Excellence, expanding care for patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, peripheral neuropathy, and complex spine disorders.

We’re proud to offer this level of care close to home—without the need to travel into the city.

👉 learn more about Dr. Iordanou and how GKMD Spine continues to lead the way in cutting-edge neurosurgical care.

08/30/2025

Chronic back pain doesn't just affect your body - it can weigh heavily on your mental health.
Stress, anxiety, and even depression are common when pain interferes with daily life.

At GKMD Spine, we understand that treating spine conditions isn't just about relieving physical symptoms — it's about restoring quality of life. Sometimes, surgery is part of that journey toward feeling whole again.

To hear more from our patients and their personal surgical journeys, visit:
gkmdspine.com/testimonials

08/16/2025

Thinking about surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why hearing from real patients who’ve been in your shoes—and come out stronger—is so powerful.Thinking about spine surgery can feel overwhelming—and it’s normal to have doubts. That’s why hearing directly from real patients who were once in your shoes can be so powerful. In this video, our patients share their personal journeys with back pain and other neurological conditions. They talk about what it was like to face the decision of surgery, how they overcame their fears, and the life-changing outcomes they’ve experienced since. From walking without pain to regaining independence and getting back to the activities they love, these success stories remind us that surgery isn’t just about treatment—it’s about reclaiming your quality of life. If you’ve been wondering whether spine surgery, neurosurgery, or advanced treatment for a movement disorder is right for you, these stories may be the reassurance you need.

08/05/2025

This inspiring patient video captures the remarkable transformation of a spine surgery success story. Once limited by pain and restricted mobility, the patient now enjoys a life of freedom, movement, and joy. Following his procedure, he has returned to running, walking, biking, and rollerblading—all without pain. His increased mobility has even opened the door to new pursuits, including yoga.

This testimonial highlights not only the physical recovery but the renewed quality of life that is possible through expert spine care. It’s a powerful reminder of how advanced surgical techniques can restore independence, elevate wellness, and reignite a passion for living!

Gkmdspine.com

08/05/2025

07/11/2025

Sometimes, the pain isn’t just muscular.
Sometimes, there’s a deeper problem — a disc that’s herniated or nerves being compressed.

The right procedure, with the right surgeon, can give you your life back — the freedom to sit, stand, walk, sleep - live - without relentless pain dictating every moment. You deserve real answers. You deserve relief.

If your pain won’t quit, your story doesn’t have to end with suffering. It can begin with the compassionate spine care you need.

To everyone fighting chronic spine pain:
keep fighting - but fight smarter, not harder. You’re not alone.

05/19/2025

At the heart of neurosurgery is trust. When a patient like Jamileth takes the time to share such heartfelt feedback, it reminds me why compassionate care must always stand alongside clinical excellence. Every patient interaction is an opportunity—not just to treat, but to listen, to reassure, and to be present during what is often a vulnerable time in someone’s life.

Positive patient experiences aren’t just about successful procedures—they’re about how we make patients feel throughout their journey. Knowing that my commitment has offered someone hope and healing reinforces our mission at GKMD. This kind of feedback energizes my entire team, reminding us that kindness, clarity, and empathy are just as vital as the technical work we do.

~GK

05/09/2025

Triumph Over Chronic Back Pain: How Karen Haleiko Reclaimed Her Life and Her Barn After Spine Surgery with Dr. Kakoulides

For years, Karen—barn owner, animal caretaker, and devoted outdoorswoman—suffered from relentless chronic back pain that made it nearly impossible to live the life she loved. Despite undergoing multiple previous back surgeries, her symptoms persisted. Tasks like caring for her animals, cleaning stalls, and even walking across the barnyard became painful daily battles.

Desperate for a lasting solution, Karen turned to Dr. Kakoulides, a highly skilled spine surgeon known for his expertise in spinal fusion and advanced spine care. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Kakoulides performed a successful spinal fusion surgery that targeted the source of Karen’s pain.

The result? Life-changing.

Karen is now completely pain-free and back to doing what she loves most—running her barn, tending to her animals, and enjoying the physical freedom she once feared was gone for good. Her energy has returned, her mobility is restored, and her passion for life is stronger than ever.

If you’re battling chronic back pain, considering spinal fusion surgery, or searching for a trusted expert in spine surgery, Karen’s story is proof of what’s possible with the right

Karen has her life—and her barn—back. You can too!

04/21/2025

Please join me in welcoming our new associate, Dr. Courtney Pendleton, MD, FAANS, to our practice.

Dr. Pendleton is a board-certified neurosurgeon and one of only a few peripheral nerve-trained neurosurgeons in the Northeast. We are thrilled to have her expertise and passion joining our team.

Before entering private practice, Dr. Pendleton served as the Director of the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Center at Stony Brook University and was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.

She brings over a decade of experience, having completed advanced fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic, Nagoya University in Japan, and Shriners’ Hospital for Children.

It is an honor to welcome Dr. Pendleton, and I am excited for the exceptional care she will bring to our patients across Long Island.

– Dr. George Kakoulides



For appointments, call us at 631-358-2589

04/10/2025

Recovering from spine surgery is not just a physical journey—it’s a shared experience that can actually bring couples closer together. While the healing process may require one partner to take on a more supportive role—helping with mobility, medication management, and emotional reassurance—it also opens up opportunities for deeper connection, communication, and teamwork.

If you or your partner are struggling with back pain, please visit our patient testimonial page for more inspiring success stories!

02/27/2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind words. We are truly honored to have been part of your care and grateful for your trust in Dr. Kakoulides and our whole team. Providing expert, compassionate care is our mission, and it means so much to hear that we were able to give you hope and support during your journey.

Your recommendation and appreciation inspire us to continue delivering the highest level of care to every patient.

Wishing you continued health and well-being!

Best regards,
Dr. Kakoulides & The GKMD Neurosurgery Team