Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery

Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery A world leader in neurological and spine health. Excellence in patient care, cutting-edge research, and training. Join us in advancing neurosurgical health.

Welcome to the Department of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where exceptional patient care, innovative research and cutting edge technology converge in a world-class academic environment for the treatment of neurological diseases. Columbia Neurosurgery’s vision is to provide clarity and the best possible outcomes for all of our patients – and we want you to be a part of that effort. Columbia Neurosurgery’s page is an online information platform provided to the community for educational purposes only. Any and all comments are monitored and reviewed to ensure they comply with our commenting guidelines. If you have specific neurosurgical-related health condition, please call your healthcare provider for examination, or contact us through our website at www.columbianeursurgery.org. By viewing or posting comments, links or other information on Columbia Neurosurgery’s page, you agree to:

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7. Not post materials that are copyrighted or trademarked. All comments and other posts are subject to review by Columbia Neurosurgery. Those that do not abide by these policies will be removed.

Moyamoya is a rare cerebrovascular condition that disproportionately impacts women roughly 2x compared to males for reas...
03/08/2026

Moyamoya is a rare cerebrovascular condition that disproportionately impacts women roughly 2x compared to males for reasons we still don’t fully understand.

This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting Carissa’s story.

Carissa is a world traveler who first brushed off “brain fog,” only to learn she was experiencing warning signs of a serious condition. After transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) and advanced imaging, she was diagnosed with Moyamoya.

Carissa chose to travel from Virginia to New York for care with Dr. E. Sander Connolly, MD. The team performed a successful EDAS revascularization that restored blood flow and helped her avoid future strokes.

Now, she’s back at work, back to travel, and grateful for care that treated her as a whole person, not just a condition.

Read Carissa's story in the link below.



https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/patient-stories/carissas-story-world-travelers-journey-find-right-expert-moyamoya-deep-expertise-outweighed-being-close-home?utm_content=sked_69ab4e445b1b9d4a535e5361&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

Today, we celebrate the people who make everything possible.From the front desk to the OR. From clinic coordinators to r...
03/06/2026

Today, we celebrate the people who make everything possible.

From the front desk to the OR. From clinic coordinators to research teams. From nurses and APPs to administrative leaders and trainees.

Your dedication, precision, compassion, and teamwork are what patients feel when they walk through our doors.

Thank you for the long hours, the early mornings, the problem-solving, and the heart you bring to this work every single day.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day. We are grateful for you. 💙

Congratulations to Farhan Khan, MD, on being selected as a 2026 K***z Scholar Award recipient by the American Associatio...
03/05/2026

Congratulations to Farhan Khan, MD, on being selected as a 2026 K***z Scholar Award recipient by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves!

Chosen from more than 1,300 abstract submissions, Dr. Khan’s award-winning work was featured at the Spine Summit 2026, held February 26–March 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.

As the presenting author, Dr. Khan delivered three presentations examining long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis using 5-year Quality Outcomes Database data.

This recognition reflects his outstanding scholarship and Columbia Neurosurgery’s continued leadership in advancing spine surgery research.

Meet Michael Argenziano, MD, PGY-3 Resident!Dr. Argenziano earned his MD and MS in Biomedical Sciences from Columbia Uni...
03/03/2026

Meet Michael Argenziano, MD, PGY-3 Resident!

Dr. Argenziano earned his MD and MS in Biomedical Sciences from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and received the Doctor Allen O. Whipple Memorial Prize and Albert B. Knapp Scholarship.

His research focuses on glioblastoma biology and treatment resistance, using advanced computational and molecular methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing to study tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic response.

Dr. Argenziano's work has been published in The Lancet Oncology, Nature Communications, and Cell Reports, and has earned multiple research awards, including first prize at Columbia VP&S Student Research Day and the AANS Gladiator Project Award.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Argenziano!

In this keynote, Dean Chou, MD, Chief of the Spine Division at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, challenges con...
03/02/2026

In this keynote, Dean Chou, MD, Chief of the Spine Division at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, challenges conventional thinking in adult scoliosis surgery.

Rather than defaulting to extensive reconstruction, Dr. Chou presents a clear decision-making framework for selecting fusion levels — emphasizing individualized care over one-size-fits-all correction.

Key takeaways:
• “Treat the patient, not the curve” — radiographic severity alone does not define surgical indication
• When comprehensive realignment is necessary vs. when targeted, short-segment surgery is more appropriate
• The role of dorsal root ganglion compression in concavity pain
• Long-term data supporting limited constructs in balanced patients
• Why symptom-driven surgery can be both durable and appropriate

The message: successful deformity surgery is not about achieving the most dramatic X-ray — it is about restoring function, reducing pain, and aligning the operation with the patient in front of you.

Full video in the link below.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_content=sked_69989428b658a59ac8bdc59f&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&v=Ej2qQZ5ev5s

Last month, Dr. Andrew Chan performed his 100th AI-powered, patient-specific spine implant with custom-designed cages ta...
02/27/2026

Last month, Dr. Andrew Chan performed his 100th AI-powered, patient-specific spine implant with custom-designed cages tailored to each patient’s anatomy using advanced technology.

This isn’t just incremental progress. It’s a shift toward more precise, personalized spine surgery, attracting patients from out of state to access it.

At NYP Och Spine (NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital ) , we have one of the highest volumes of this advanced technology in the world.

What began as a pioneering effort is now expanding, with other surgeons, including Dr. Dean Chou, incorporating patient-specific cages into their practice.

Dr. Chou says, "Dr. Andrew Chan has really pioneered this field, optimizing individualized patient care to each person's unique anatomy."

Proud to be leading the way! More in the link below.


https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/news/columbia-neurosurgery-marks-milestone-patient-specific-spine-implant-technology?utm_content=sked_69a0c1a088c4eb22cf7f7db3&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

On World Disease Day, we’re highlighting five of the most impactful brain and spine conditions, and how Columbia Neurosu...
02/27/2026

On World Disease Day, we’re highlighting five of the most impactful brain and spine conditions, and how Columbia Neurosurgery is advancing research, innovation, and patient care.

While the numbers are significant, so is the progress.

Through research, innovation, and clinical excellence, Columbia Neurosurgery is advancing care for patients facing complex neurological and spine disease.

Big news from our residency program.Columbia Neurosurgery PGY-4 Arjun Adapa, MD has been named a 2026 Trainee Associate ...
02/22/2026

Big news from our residency program.

Columbia Neurosurgery PGY-4 Arjun Adapa, MD has been named a 2026 Trainee Associate Membership Program Postdoctoral Pilot Award recipient by the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.

His project, “Engineered Probiotic Bacteria for Therapeutic Immune Modulation in Glioblastoma,” explores a bold new strategy for one of the most aggressive brain tumors.

By using engineered probiotic bacteria to influence the tumor’s immune environment, this work aims to expand possibilities for combination therapies and improve outcomes for patients facing Glioblastoma.

The award supports early-stage, high-impact cancer research led by trainees and helps accelerate translational discoveries across Columbia’s cancer research community.

As part of the program, Dr. Adapa will present his research through Columbia cancer forums and contribute to the HICCC trainee community through mentorship and peer review.

Congratulations to Dr. Adapa on this well-deserved recognition and on pushing the boundaries of brain tumor research.

Registration is now open for the 2026 The Facial Pain Association Virtual Conference (February 28–March 1)!This two-day ...
02/20/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 The Facial Pain Association Virtual Conference (February 28–March 1)!

This two-day virtual event connects the global facial pain community with leading experts who diagnose and treat facial pain.

We’re proud to share that Raymond Sekula, MD, of Columbia Neurosurgery, will be speaking at this year’s conference.

Learn, connect, and engage with experts advancing care for patients with facial pain!

Register below.



https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkQT4siYWSCLWe1CxdzCBLbMASXt0chE5NsYauSOH5y1kfBXgx_2~AtPnFYywnvuqLMi3p7sGEs1Ne3fWdXKHD1tI2Io63mNqZxWAopdFWmpC4g?utm_content=sked_69989041b658a59ac8bdad73&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

Columbia Neurosurgery is proud to join colleagues from around the world at in Phoenix later this month!Dr. Andrew K. C...
02/19/2026

Columbia Neurosurgery is proud to join colleagues from around the world at in Phoenix later this month!

Dr. Andrew K. Chan will serve as Course Director and Moderator for “Beyond Limits in Cervical Spine Surgery: Elevating Safety and Quality,” an in-depth session focused on advancing technique, improving safety, and translating evidence directly to the operating room.

Dr. Dean Chou will moderate “Translating Evidence to Action: How ISSG Research Has Evolved My Practice of Spine Deformity Surgery,” highlighting how large-scale research continues to shape modern deformity care. He will also present in a focused debate on primary spine tumor management, addressing the balance between oncologic control, neurologic preservation, and quality of life.

We look forward to contributing to the conversations driving innovation in spine surgery and connecting with the global spine community in Phoenix.

Learn more in the link below.


https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/news/join-columbia-neurosurgery-spine-summit-2026?utm_content=sked_699638b185240c8c187d41d5&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

Last month, Dr. Sean Lavine spoke at the 16th Annual Symposium on Neurovascular Disease, hosted by Cedars-Sinai.His pres...
02/18/2026

Last month, Dr. Sean Lavine spoke at the 16th Annual Symposium on Neurovascular Disease, hosted by Cedars-Sinai.

His presentation, Comprehensive Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Management, contributed to a day dedicated to advancing how we diagnose, treat, and think about complex neurovascular disease.

We're grateful for forums like this where multidisciplinary experts come together to share insight, challenge assumptions, and push patient care forward together.💙

Looking for a residency program with some international experience?Through the Columbia Neurosurgery residency program, ...
02/17/2026

Looking for a residency program with some international experience?

Through the Columbia Neurosurgery residency program, residents in their PGY-4 or PGY-5 year have the opportunity to complete a 6-month clinical elective at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London.

This elective offers residents exposure to a globally recognized center for neurosurgical care, while gaining clinical experience in a completely different healthcare system and academic environment.

For medical students exploring residency programs — and current residents in PGY-1 through PGY-3 planning ahead — this is one of several opportunities that reflects Columbia’s commitment to broad, rigorous, and globally connected training.

Visit the link below for more information.


https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/education/medical-student-programs/residency-program?utm_content=sked_6994b576d110aa8c2430ebe5&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

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