Weill Cornell Medicine Pediatric Neurosurgery

11/19/2025

Expanding care beyond New York!

This month, Michelle Buontempo, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPNP, shared Weill Cornell Medicine’s Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Program expertise at the New Jersey NAPNAP Annual Pediatric Conference. She highlighted early recognition, imaging, and multidisciplinary care for children with craniofacial differences—helping providers connect families to specialized care.

📍 Learn more about our craniofacial services and schedule an appointment: https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/craniosynostosis

📞 Call 866-426-7787

11/19/2025

We are proud to share that Dr. Mark M. Souweidane, Michels Family Professor of Pediatric Neurological Surgery and Director of Pediatric Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, recently participated in the 14th International Pediatric Conference in Dubai, hosted by KidsHeart Medical Center in affiliation with NewYork-Presbyterian Kids/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center.

This global gathering brought together renowned pediatric experts from around the world to collaborate, lead case simulations, and advance the future of children’s health across more than twenty pediatric specialties.

Dr. Souweidane joined international leaders to discuss innovations in pediatric neurosurgery, share clinical insights, and help build bridges for global collaboration in childhood brain tumor research and care.

We are honored to see Dr. Souweidane representing Weill Cornell Medicine on an international stage—continuing his lifelong commitment to advancing neurosurgical care for children and championing new approaches that bring hope to families worldwide.

Looking for expert pediatric neurosurgical care or a second opinion? Learn more about Dr. Souweidane’s work and request an appointment today. https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/faculty/mark-m-souweidane-md

11/18/2025

Supporting the Whole Patient: Neuropsychology in Adult Epilepsy Care

During National Epilepsy Awareness Month, we recognize the vital role of neuropsychology in the comprehensive care of adults living with epilepsy. At Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. H. Allison Bender, PhD, ABPP, brings deep expertise and compassionate insight to her work as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist.

Dr. Bender specializes in evaluating cognitive and emotional functioning in adults with epilepsy, helping patients and care teams better understand how seizures and treatments may affect memory, attention, mood, and overall quality of life. Her assessments are essential in guiding surgical decisions, monitoring recovery, and supporting long-term wellness.

As Dr. Bender shares:
“Neuropsychological care helps us understand the full impact of epilepsy on a person’s life—not just the seizures, but how they think, feel, and function day to day. It’s about supporting the whole patient.”

Working closely with neurosurgeons like Dr. Caitlin Hoffman, who treats both children and adults, Dr. Bender ensures that each patient’s journey is informed by a holistic understanding of brain health and personal experience.

Together, their collaboration reflects Weill Cornell’s commitment to multidisciplinary care, where clinical excellence and empathy go hand in hand.

To learn more about adult epilepsy care and connect with our team, please visit:
https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/condition/epilepsy-adults

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

10/31/2025

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.

10/28/2025

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.

Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor!

Read more at https://neurosurgery.weill.cornell.edu/about-us/news-updates/dr-umberto-tosi-named-nypweill-cornell-graduate-staff-month

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.