Usf health neurosurgery

We are excited to announce the opening of another office location at Life Hope Medical Office 3000 Medical Park Drive, Suite 340 Tampa, FL 33613.
Hours are Monday - Friday 8 AM- 5 PM, closed daily 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM.

For more information or to book an appointment at this location please call (813) 396-9936. 

Neurosurgery at USF Health 

Neurosurgery requires a brilliant mind and capable hands. At USF Health, our team of neurosurgeons are specially trained in every aspect of the brain and spine surgery and takes a multidisciplinary approach in every step of patient care.  

As part of an academic medical center, USF Health Neurosurgery offers patients the most advanced surgical techniques available, taking the most challenging cases while giving patients understanding, knowledge and the confidence they seek in a neurosurgeon.

Neurosurgery is a medical discipline and surgical specialty that provides care for adult and pediatric patients in the treatment of pain or pathological processes that may modify the function or activity of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, the supporting structures of these systems, and their vascular supply. Neurosurgeons require extensive training in surgical skills,  but also significant knowledge of neurology, critical care, trauma care, and radiology.

As with many fields of medicine, recent advances in technology and research has led to astounding growth and innovation in the field of neurosurgery. Developments in minimally invasive surgical techniques have opened the door to significantly faster recovery times, reduced pain, and fewer complications for many patients undergoing neurosurgery procedures. Additionally, we are seeing increased efforts and resources being poured into researching current therapies and looking for ways to improve prevention, treatment, and management for patients suffering from neurological diseases and conditions. With these advancements, there is an ever-present reminder that education is not something that stops at any point in a neurosurgeon's career. It is a constantly evolving discipline and requires a lifelong commitment to keeping up with current literature, practices, and technologies.

Neurosurgical Education at the University of South Florida

The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair recognizes the importance of not only participating in the collaboration and application of best practices in neurosurgery but also leading the way in research and education in these cutting edge treatments. Our educational goal at The University of South Florida's Department of Neurosurgery and Brain repair is to train the next generation of neurosurgeons to provide the best possible patient care, while also contributing to the research and advancement of the field of neurosurgery, as a whole. We support medical education at all levels of training.

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Lectures by neurosurgical faculty are an integral component of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine's curriculum. Our faculty work to ensure that Morsani students have a working knowledge of the central nervous system and its proper functions, which leads to the ability to recognize deficits and conditions indicative of neurological disorders and conditions. Whether or not these students pursue a career in neurosurgery, our goal is to ensure that they will join the medical provider community having the ability to recognize patients who may benefit from neurosurgical referrals and possibly treatment.  

For students in their fourth year of medical school who are considering pursuing a career in neurosurgery, we offer sub-internship rotations and senior electives within our department.  We also participate in Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS), allowing students from outside Medical Schools to rotate with our department, whether they are just exploring interests in neurosurgery, or considering applying for our residency training program.

Click here to learn more about opportunities available to Medical Students

Residency Training

After graduating from an accredited Medical School, those who have chosen to pursue a career in neurosurgery must apply for and commit to a seven-year neurological surgery training program. The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair is proud to sponsor one of just over a hundred ACGME accredited Neurosurgery Residency Training Programs in the Country.  

Neurosurgery Residency is a seven-year commitment, during which residents train under the guidance and tutelage of our Department’s experienced faculty and surgeons. It is a strenuous training program, requiring a commitment in time, effort, and discipline on our residents’ part, but we pride ourselves on graduating top caliber neurosurgeons.

Click here to learn about the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program

Fellowship Training

Whether immediately following completion of an ACGME Residency Program, or throughout their careers, many neurosurgeons choose to dedicate themselves to further sub-specialty training. We currently offer two advanced specialty fellowships within our department: Cerebrovascular Surgery and Spinal Neurosurgery. We are also proud to be collaborating with the USF College of Nursing to develop a new, neurosurgical fellowship program for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP).

Click here to learn more about our Fellowship Training Programs

Educational Symposiums

The department also hosts two annual educational symposiums:

The "Masters' Course in Skull Base Surgery" invites neurosurgery and otolaryngology residents from around the country to learn and practice advanced skull base approaches on cadaveric specimens under the guidance of faculty gathered from institutions across the country

The "Annual David W. Cahill, M.D. Spine Symposium" originated in 2006 under the directorship of Shahin Etebar, M.D. with the goal to continue the legacy established by the former professor, chairman and founder of the Department of Neurological Surgery at USF, David W. Cahill

Additional Educational Opportunities

The department also assists in industry-sponsored training events for practicing surgeons throughout the year. Many of our faculty are members of multiple national neurosurgical organizations, and attend annual conferences as guest speakers and faculty participants. Additionally, our faculty participate in educational opportunities at other Neurosurgical Training Programs, presenting at Grand Rounds as invited guest speakers.

Commitment to Patient care, Research and Education

Under the direction of Department Chairman, Dr. Harry van Loveren, The University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair is a team comprised of highly skilled neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychologists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, faculty researchers, medical learners, and clinical and administrative support staff. Within this team, and in conjunction with other specialties at USF Health and our affiliated hospitals, we strive to provide the best possible service and care for patients in the Tampa Bay area.

At the same time, our faculty members are working behind the scenes to answer the questions of ‘Why..?’ and ‘How..?’ and ‘What if..?’, constantly seeking out ways to advance the fields of neuroscience and neurosurgery. Through research and innovation, we hope to discover new frontiers in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

Additionally, our department is committed to education at all levels. Whether it is the patient who wants to better understand their condition, the medical student who is considering their career options, the resident physician who has committed themselves to seven years of rigorous training, a fellow who is seeking additional training, or even the faculty member who is keeping up with the newest information, we believe that education is essential to high-quality healthcare. 

Improving the Patient Experience with Medical Memory

Chief Residents

Clayton Bauer, M.D., PhD

Hometown: De Land, Florida  
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Undergraduate: Wake Forrest University

Travis Dailey, M.D.

Hometown: Clearwater, Florida
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Paul Krafft, M.D.

Hometown: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Medical School/Undergraduate: J.W. Goethe-University, Germany

PGY-6 Residents

Paul McBride, M.D. 

Hometown: Albany, New York  
Medical School: University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences 
Undergraduate: Boston College

PGY-5 Residents

Angel Chinea, M.D.

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Cesar Carballo Cuello, M.D.

Previous Residency: University of Puerto Rico, Neurosurgery
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

PGY-4 Residents

Jay Kumar, M.D., M.B.A

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma

Ivo Peto, M.D.

Previous Residency: Alberts-Ludwig University,, Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany
Medical School: Charles University, Lékarská Fakulta

Keaton Piper, M.D.

Hometown: Springfield, MO
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Arkansas 

PGY-3 Residents

Gautam Rao, M.D.

Medical School: Univ. of South Florida, Morsani COM
Undergraduate: University of Maryland

Ryan Screven, M.D. 

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Undergraduate: The University of Tampa

PGY-2 Residents

Elliot Neal, M.D.

Medical School: University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Tulane University

Elliot Pressman, M.D.

Medical School: University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Miami

PGY-1 Residents

Mohammad Hassan A. Nour El Dine, MD, MSc

Hometown: Ghassanieh, Lebanon
Medical School: LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanon
Undergraduate: Lebanese American University (LAU), Beirut, Lebanon

Anthony Patrizz, M.D., PhD

Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Undergraduate: University of Connecticut

The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at the University of South Florida sponsors a fully ACGME accredited residency training program in neurological surgery. Our program began in 1987 under the auspices of the founding chairman Dr. David W. Cahill. Dr. Cahill set the precedence to the quality resident education and patient care for which this program provides. We accept two residents annually, for a total of fourteen residents, whose educational curriculum involves rotations through our five affiliated sites as part of their training.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Neurological Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of South Florida is to produce highly competent and technically skilled surgeons, capable of treating a wide spectrum of disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. In conjunction with USF Morsani College of Medicine, we strive to create a scholarly environment that fosters excellence in the lifelong goals of education, research activity, and compassionate patient care. Residents will finish their training with a strong foundation of knowledge and skill in all neurosurgical sub-competencies, prepared to enter independent practice or pursue further focused fellowship training, and ultimately go on to become board certified members of the healthcare community.

Program Aims

• Produce competent and independent practicing neurosurgeons capable of providing comprehensive care for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Train and prepare residents to be competitive applicants for advanced fellowships and/or independent practice.
• Develop well-rounded, resilient neurosurgeons prepared for and capable of balancing the demands of their career with their personal goals. The ultimate intent being is to create a mutually beneficial relationship in which providers who are satisfied and fulfilled by their chosen profession will go on to provide the best possible care to patients for years to come.
• Residents will model professionalism through their interactions with patients and colleagues. They will continuously demonstrate respect for others, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to patients and colleagues of diverse backgrounds.
• Residents will effectively collaborate with all members of the healthcare team, working as part of a multi-disciplinary cohort in order to provide the best possible care for patients.
• Residents will develop and apply practice-based learning to critically review outcomes, question current practices, discuss current advancements, and ultimately identify opportunities to continuously improve patient standards of care.
• Residents will be able to recognize how one's individual practice affects the larger context and system of healthcare, and in turn incorporate effective and efficient habits into their own practice in a manner that provides high-quality care that benefits the individual patient, and the system of healthcare.

Program Leadership

Harry van Loveren, MD
Department Chair

Mark Greenberg, MD
Residency Program Director