Dr. Mark Souweidane

11/13/2025

At Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Neurological Surgery, care is more than a mission. It is at the heart of everything we do.

On World Kindness Day, we are reminded that compassion is just as vital to healing as any medical breakthrough. What sets us apart is not only our expertise, but our commitment to treating every patient and every interaction with empathy, dignity, and respect.

While our department is built on education and research, it is our humanity that defines us. From complex neurosurgical procedures to everyday moments of connection, kindness guides our every step.

Today, take a moment to show kindness to someone. It could make a world of difference to them.

If you or a loved one is seeking expert, compassionate neurosurgical care, call us at 866-426-7787. We are here to help.

11/06/2025

11/03/2025

Honoring Excellence in Epilepsy Care: Dr. Caitlin Hoffman

This November, in recognition of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, we celebrate Dr. Caitlin Hoffman’s extraordinary contributions to epilepsy surgery, with a special focus on her work with pediatric patients.

Dr. Hoffman is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of epilepsy and a broad spectrum of pediatric neurosurgical conditions. She leads the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she fosters collaboration across campuses to advance care, research, and innovation.

Her career is defined by remarkable milestones. In 2019, Dr. Hoffman performed Tanzania’s first-ever functional hemispherectomy on a child suffering from intractable seizures—a life-changing procedure that resulted in seizure freedom.

Reflecting on her work, Dr. Hoffman shares:
“Being part of a child’s healing journey is both a privilege and a source of profound fulfillment.”

This month and every month, Dr. Hoffman’s dedication reminds us that meaningful progress in epilepsy care is driven by clinical excellence, compassionate innovation, and a deep commitment to improving lives.

To learn more about epilepsy care at Weill Cornell Medicine or to connect with our team, please visit:
https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/condition/epilepsy-children

10/27/2025

Brain Tumor Awareness Week

At Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery, we stand with patients, families, and caregivers impacted by brain tumors. This week, we highlight advances in research, treatment options, and support resources to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Learn more about our brain tumor programs and innovative care: https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/service/brain-tumor-surgery

10/24/2025

The 9th Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Network (PBTRN) meeting, hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine, recently brought together brilliant minds from across NYC academia to share findings and advance pediatric brain tumor research.

From exploring “Rewiring the Immune Response: A New Path for Pediatric Brain Tumors” to uncovering “Molecular Insights into Glioma Diffusiveness Through Canine Models,” the discussions were packed with innovation and inspired collaboration.

We are grateful to see such dedication toward improving outcomes for children and families impacted by brain tumors. Here’s to driving progress through science and partnership!

Keep up with Weill Cornell Medicine's exceptional research in pediatric brain surgery by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/13NnlKL/news

10/22/2025

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. J. Mocco as Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, effective December 1.

Following an extensive national search, Dr. Mocco will succeed Dr. Philip E. Stieg, who has led the department with distinction for 25 years. Dr. Stieg will continue to serve on our faculty, contributing his expertise and leadership to the department he helped shape.

Dr. Mocco joins us from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he serves as the Kalmon D. Post Professor, Senior System Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery and Director of the Cerebrovascular Center. An internationally recognized cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon, he has published more than 650 peer-reviewed papers, pioneered groundbreaking stroke treatments and leads or co-leads NIH-funded clinical trials totaling more than $60 million.

Beyond his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Mocco is an accomplished innovator and entrepreneur who holds several patents and has been elected to lead both the Cerebrovascular Section of the AANS and the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery, the only person to have done so.

In his new role, Dr. Mocco will expand the department’s clinical programs, strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations and foster a culture of teamwork, mentorship and innovation. He will continue Weill Cornell Medicine’s legacy of excellence in patient care, research and education.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Stieg for his extraordinary leadership and in welcoming Dr. Mocco to the Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian community.

Read more at https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2025/10/dr-j-mocco-appointed-chair-of-neurological-surgery-at-weill-cornell-medicine-and?utm_campaign=.edu+site&utm_content=1761066598&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medicine

10/21/2025

Upcoming Grand Rounds!

Join us on October 27, 2025 (7:45–8:30 AM, via Zoom) as Dr. Mohammed A. Fouda, Fellow in Pediatric Neurosurgery & Neurosurgical Innovation at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, presents: “The MAC: Toward an Era of Fully Internalized Cranial Distraction for Craniosynostosis”

In collaboration with Dr. Caitlin Hoffman, Dr. Fouda will introduce a novel, fully internalized cranial distraction system, a potential paradigm shift in craniofacial surgery that could transform care for children with syndromic craniosynostosis.

Don’t miss this look at the future of surgical innovation.
Email Sandra Soeknandan (sas4028@med.cornell.edu) for Zoom details.

10/17/2025

What begins as a moment of fear can become a journey of strength, healing, and gratitude. Families like Ethan’s remind us that with expert care and compassion, hope always shines through.

If your family is facing a similar path, our Craniofacial and Pediatric Neurosurgery teams are here to help. Schedule a consultation today.

Call us at 212-746-2363

10/03/2025

As the leaves change, we’re reminded of growth, resilience, and transformation—qualities that guide both our patients and our work in neurosurgery.

In this month’s Inside Neurosurgery newsletter, explore incredible research, inspiring patient stories, and the innovative approaches our team is using to advance neurological care.

Read the full issue: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-Weill-Cornell-Neurosurgery-Update--October-2025.html?soid=1140156893224&aid=TrcSdpTDOz0

Subscribe for future updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/13NnlKL/news

10/02/2025

Join Weill Cornell Medicine Neurosurgery at the Atlantic Antic on Sunday, October 5th, 11 AM – 6 PM for one of Brooklyn’s largest and most beloved street festivals.

Stop by our booth to:
- Get basic health screenings & neurological assessments
- Learn about brain & spine health
- Meet our expert neurosurgery team

We can’t wait to connect with the community and share our passion for neurological care.

See you there!

Learn more at https://www.atlanticave.org/atlanticantic

09/22/2025

This , we proudly celebrate the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our Advanced Practice Providers at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Neurological Surgery.

From the operating room to post-op care, our APPs are vital to delivering world-class neurological care.

Thank you for all that you do! 💙

09/17/2025

New Advances in Pediatric Brain Tumor Treatment

Weill Cornell Medicine is pioneering the use of minimally invasive laser therapy to treat pediatric brain tumors—and the results are changing lives.

In this webinar snippet, I explained how this cutting-edge technology is offering new hope to families and transforming care for young patients.

Watch the full webinar: https://youtu.be/SArm7hFcTjY

Call us at 866-426-7787 to schedule an appointment.