My philosophy of care is grounded in respect, compassion and partnership. I believe every patient deserves the time and space to truly understand their diagnosis and available treatment options. Because medicine can feel overwhelming, I work to make it approachable by listening carefully, explaining clearly and ensuring that every question is answered. It is a privilege to help patients, and I want everyone to feel comfortable reaching out with concerns, knowing they will always be heard and supported.
I recognize that many people come to me during some of the most stressful moments of their lives, and I strive to be a source of reassurance and guidance. I take as much time as needed to review imaging, walk through management strategies, and explore the risks and benefits of each choice, always keeping the patient’s values and goals at the center of the conversation. I enjoy getting to know my patients as people, which allows me to better understand what matters most to them as we make decisions together. My hope is that when patients leave my office, they feel cared for, confident in their plan and never alone on the journey ahead.
I grew up in Iowa and am a third-generation physician. I attended Indiana Wesleyan University, where I played basketball and later served as an assistant coach. I went on to complete medical school at the University of Iowa, graduating as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
I trained in neurosurgery at one of the busiest residency programs in the country, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. My mentors in residency were part of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, the largest private practice neurosurgery group in the country. I completed a fellowship year of subspecialty training in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, one of Europe’s leading centers. During that time, I focused on complex cranial pathologies, conducted research, taught residents in the anatomy lab and learned French. After that, I completed a second yearlong fellowship for subspecialty training in neurosurgical skull base oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, gaining further expertise in the comprehensive treatment of complex brain tumors.
My wife grew up in Colorado Springs, and we are thrilled to be a part of the community again. Outside of medicine, I enjoy all sports, exploring the outdoors, playing the piano and spending time with my family.
Locations
719.365.6300
719.365.6094Qualifications and experience
- Specialties
- Adult Neurological Surgery, Bones, Joints and Muscles - Cervical radiculopathy, Brain and Nervous System - Brain Tumors, Brain and Nervous System - Neurovascular Conditions, Brain and Nervous System - Pituitary Disorders, Brain and Nervous System - Spinal Cord Tumors, Brain and Nervous System - Trigeminal Neuralgia, Circulatory System and Blood Vessel Health - Cerebrovascular disease, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) - Acoustic Neuromas, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) - Skull Base Tumors, Spine - Cervical disc herniation, Spine - Cervical Myelopathy, Spine - Cervical spinal stenosis
- Gender
- Male
- Languages spoken
-
English
- Education
-
Neurology Fellowship
Mayo Clinic
Neurology Fellowship
University of Lausanne Hospital - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
Residency
Atrium Health - Carolinas Medical Center
Doctor of Medicine
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Bachelor of Science
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Clinical interest for patients
-
My primary clinical interest is complex cranial neurosurgery. I spent two additional subspecialty fellowship years that focused on the comprehensive management of complex cranial pathologies. I also have an interest in the management of cervical spine disease include cervical arthroplasty, fusion and minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy.
My clinical practice includes:
- Complex cranial surgery
- Brain tumors
- Minimally invasive brain surgery
- Skull base surgery including meningiomas, pituitary tumors, vestibular schwannomas
- Open cerebrovascular surgery including aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations
- Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Spine tumors
- Cervical spine disease
- Research interest for patients
-
Over 30 publications, multiple book chapters, and numerous presentations at national neurosurgery meetings focusing on innovative surgical approaches, surgical outcomes, and microsurgical anatomy.
- Insurance
- UCHealth strongly encourages you to consult with your health insurer to determine accurate information about your coverage and benefits for a particular health care service provided at a UCHealth facility. Read more here.