Neurosurgery

Meet our subspecialists

Larry Benowitz, PhD Dir, Children's Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery

Darren B. Orbach, MD, PhD Dir, Neurointerventional Radiology Program

Meet our nursing specialists

Mary Poyner Reed, RN, MSN, CNRN, ANP Director, Inpatient Neurosciences Nursing Program

Patricia “Tish” Reidy, RN, CS, PNP Director, Outpatient Neurosciences Nursing Program

Neurosurgery caregiver glossary

Here are some of the caregivers you and your child may meet in our Neurosurgery Department:

• neurosurgeons
  specially trained surgeons who perform operations on the brain and spine (learn more about common neurosurgical procedures)
   
• neuropsychologists
  psychologists who are trained to assess cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social functions in children with neurological diseases and disorders (learn more about neuropsychology at Children's)
   
• neurophysiologists
  physicians who focus on understanding the nervous system’s many biological processes 
   
• nurse practitioners
  registered nurses with advanced training in pediatrics and the neurosciences; they oversee treatment plans, prescribe medications and consult with neurosurgeons and other clinicians to find the best course of care
   
• neuroscience nurses
  registered nurses who specialize in caring for children with neurological diseases and disorders
   
• registered EEG technologists/certified long-term-monitoring technologists
  experts in the use of instruments like electroencephalograms (EEG) that can record electrical activity within the brain and nervous system
   
• neuroradiologists
  physicians who use imaging technologies to diagnose and study disorders and diseases of the brain, spine, head, neck and nervous system
   
• radiation oncologists
  physicians trained in the use of radiation therapy to treat specific cancers, including brain tumors
   
• anesthesiologists
  physicians who oversee and administer the usage and effects of anesthesia before, during and after a patient’s surgery
   
• surgical care coordinators
  registered nurses who facilitate all surgical appointments and testing for neurosurgery patients
   
• social workers
  licensed professionals who offer counseling to patients and their families, and help recommend other resources for emotional, educational and community support
   
• Child Life specialists
  specially trained professionals who teach patients to express their fears and concerns through play, and help them be more comfortable in the hospital environment
   
• administrators
  staff members who help coordinate all appointments and testing, and facilitate communication between families and caregivers

Welcoming Dr. Alan Cohen, new neurosurgeon-in-chief

Boston Children's Hospital is thrilled to welcome our new neurosurgeon-in-chief, Alan Cohen, MD, FACS, FAAP. Dr. Cohen comes to us from University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was chief of Pediatric Neurological Surgery and surgeon-in-chief.

Read the full press release about Dr. Cohen's appointment.

Learn more about Dr. Cohen.

Celebrating the career and contributions of Dr. Michael Scott

R. Michael Scott, MD, is stepping down as neurosurgeon-in-chief and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Boston Children's Hospital after 23 years in both positions. He will, however, continue to see patients at Children's for the foreseeable future.

Read more about Dr. Scott's historic achievements.

Watch Dr. Scott discussing the game-changing surgery he developed to treat Moyamoya disease.