General Info

When I was a kid, I had seizures. It was difficult for us because the doctors couldn't figure out why I was having them. My mother would tell me that those seizures wouldn't stop me from being whatever I wanted to be. She would check out books from the library about the brain to help me cope, and I remember thinking, when I grow up, I'm going to be a doctor who studies the brain. \n Today my seizures are gone, and I am a neurosurgeon. My early experiences sparked a passion within me to help others who are diagnosed with cancer of the brain or spine. \n I work with my patients and the oncology team to set goals for the surgical management of tumors, whether it is to control pain, improve or maintain neurologic function, or improve the quality of life. I am also an active member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Spine Tumor Knowledge Committee and the North American Spine Society. My membership in these organizations keeps me up to date on the latest research and treatment options in the field. I'm also actively engaged in clinical research focused on using immunotherapy platforms for spine tumors and understanding the gut microbiome impact on inflammation of the nervous system, as well as endoscopic spine surgery. \n Beyond my work at the hospital and in my clinic, I believe in serving the greater good. My father was a Marine during the Vietnam conflict. He was exposed to Agent Orange, which left him with health issues. Then, during my residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Duke Medical Center, I cared for veterans. These experiences moved me to join the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2015 and serve as a medical corps officer. Most recently, I was called up to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. \n I grew up in Washington, D.C., where I played football and ran track in high school. I continued both sports in college and even briefly considered going to the NFL, but medicine won out. My wife and I moved to Charlotte in early 2021 with our three children, ages 4, 9 and 14. We wanted to be closer to family. I enjoy being a weekend warrior by coaching youth sports and mentoring at-risk youth, spending time with my wife at our kids' activities and biking in the beautiful national parks.