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.
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
11/05/2025
Thousands are affected by brain blood vessel tangles called AVMs, yet many don’t know about them. In this webinar, Dr. Ning Lin shares the latest in AVM treatment, from surgery to radiosurgery and explains what patients and families can expect.
Congratulations to Suzan Wollard, PA-C, chief physician assistant for neurological surgery and neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, on her induction into the MIPO Hall of Fame and receiving the Making the Impossible Possible Award!
Suzan was recognized for her decades of leadership in brain, spine and trauma care, her mentorship of future medical professionals, and her unwavering commitment to health equity across New York City and beyond.
From the operating room to the classroom to the community, Suzan continues to inspire through compassion, excellence and impact.
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.
When you come to Weill Cornell Medicine, you’re not facing a neurological diagnosis alone. You have an entire team, experts across every specialty,working together for you. That’s the power of truly collaborative, patient-centered neurosurgery.
If you or a loved one needs care, call us at 866-426-7787. We would be honored to be part of your care team.
10/29/2025
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Recertified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center
On World Stroke Day 2025, we’re proud to announce that NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center has been recertified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center — the highest level of stroke certification available.
This prestigious designation reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and advanced stroke care for patients with complex cerebrovascular conditions, including:
Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
Brain aneurysms
Carotid stenosis
At Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Neurological Surgery, our multidisciplinary Stroke Program, in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian, provides comprehensive care — from emergency intervention to rehabilitation.
Act FAST: Recognize Stroke Symptoms Early
Time is brain. Knowing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can save lives:
F – Face Drooping: Is one side of the face drooping or numb?
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or drifting downward?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
T – Time to Call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
Learn more about our stroke and neurovascular services: weillcornell.org/interventional-neuroradiology
10/28/2025
Congratulations to Dr. Umberto Tosi!
We’re proud to announce that Dr. Umberto Tosi, Chief Neurosurgery Resident, has been named NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Graduate Staff of the Month for October 2025!
Dr. Tosi is recognized for his exceptional clinical care, leadership, and compassion in treating critically ill neurological patients. His collaborative spirit and dedication to excellence embody the values of our department.
From advancing pediatric brain tumor research to refining skull base surgical techniques, Dr. Tosi continues to push the boundaries of neurosurgical innovation — all while supporting patients and families with grace and empathy.
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.
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!
Neuro Team Shines at the Annual PA Awards Ceremony!
Held at Griffis Faculty Club on Oct. 8, the celebration honored our incredible Physician Assistants and partners in care.
PA of the Year – Cornell Campus
Winner: Kaitlyn Twomey, Supervisor PA, 2South NeuroICU
Nominees: Sara Mohamed, Jennifer Mears, Danielle Neumann
Friend of PA Services
Winner: Gabriella Sichenze, Neuroscience Advanced Clinical Social Worker
Physician Partner of the Year Nominee
Dr. Philip Stieg
PA Mentor of the Year Nominee
Hailey Orgass
PA Rookie of the Year Nominee
Gabriella Barry
We’re proud to celebrate these compassionate leaders who elevate neurological care every day.
Thank you for your teamwork, advocacy and excellence!
10/23/2025
From September 21 to 27, 2025, 39 young physicians from 25 countries across four continents, including Azerbaijan, Croatia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uzbekistan, came together at Schloss Arenberg in Salzburg, Austria, for an intensive seminar on spinal neurosurgery.
The weeklong program, hosted by the Open Medical Institute (OMI), welcomed one of its largest and most diverse cohorts to date. Founded in 1993, OMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare globally by providing postgraduate medical education and fostering international exchange among physicians.
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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.
