Neurosurgery Residency
14
neurosurgery residents
22
active clinical trials
52
neurosurgery faculty with academic appointments
92
peer-reviewed publications in 2023
About Our Residency
The Neurosurgery Residency Program is a seven-year program with extensive exposure to surgical techniques, neurology, neuropathology and neuroradiology. It prepares residents for clinical practice and academic careers. The large case volume at Houston Methodist contributes to making our residents outstanding surgeons.
The Department of Neurosurgery places a strong emphasis on achieving academic excellence. Our program is a seven‑year training program with 14 residents total—two residents in each training level. Our goal is to train the next generation of neurosurgical leaders and to provide the highest standard of care while integrating top‑level research and leading‑edge technology into every layer of education.
We perform over 5000 neurosurgical cases each year, and believe in early operative exposure for all residents. The program provides extensive exposure to advanced operative techniques including awake craniotomy, complex vascular and skull base surgery, intraoperative imaging, and intraoperative neurophysiological technology. Our faculty also has a large spine practice and routinely perform complex deformity correction surgery, and have two intraoperative O‑Arms to aid with teaching techniques. There is also extensive exposure to the specialties of neuropathology, neurology, and neuroradiology, and advanced surgical simulation technology. In addition, the program includes a full year of protected research, rotations in pediatric neurosurgery, and an opportunity to complete a six‑month elective rotation in London, England – providing residents a unique exposure to a different system of medical care.
Our residents finish the program with surgical skills that most do not have until well after fellowship training, and significant clinical and basic research experience and credentials equivalent or better than most junior neurosurgical faculty at other institutions.
We perform over 5000 neurosurgical cases each year, and believe in early operative exposure for all residents. The program provides extensive exposure to advanced operative techniques including awake craniotomy, complex vascular and skull base surgery, intraoperative imaging, and intraoperative neurophysiological technology. Our faculty also has a large spine practice and routinely perform complex deformity correction surgery, and have two intraoperative O‑Arms to aid with teaching techniques. There is also extensive exposure to the specialties of neuropathology, neurology, and neuroradiology, and advanced surgical simulation technology. In addition, the program includes a full year of protected research, rotations in pediatric neurosurgery, and an opportunity to complete a six‑month elective rotation in London, England – providing residents a unique exposure to a different system of medical care.
Our residents finish the program with surgical skills that most do not have until well after fellowship training, and significant clinical and basic research experience and credentials equivalent or better than most junior neurosurgical faculty at other institutions.
Curriculum
Institutions
PGY-1
The PGY-1 residents will spend a total of six months in neurocritical care, three months on the neurosurgery service participating in surgical cases, and three months of basic clinical neurosciences (neurology, neuro-ophthalmology and neuro radiology).
The six months in the Neuro-ICU will allow each resident to track toward completing an enfolded fellowship in neurocritical care by the end of their residency training.
PGY-2
The first full year of neurosurgery is one of rapid learning of the basics of neurosurgical disease, of operative anatomy and technique, and of patient care.
During this year, the residents will perform ventriculostomies, place lumbar drains, open and close craniotomies, perform peripheral nerve explorations, and perform decompressive cervical and lumbar laminectomies and discectomies.
By the end of this year, the residents will have experience with the full range of neurosurgical procedures and will be competent to manage critically ill patients.
PGY-3
The PGY-3 residents spend three months on the pediatric neurosurgical service at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, six months in the neurosurgery service, six weeks of neuroradiology and six weeks of neuropathology.
PGY-4
The PGY-4 residents perform more advanced procedures and assume more administrative responsibility. By the end of this year, the resident is able to be the primary surgeon on most neurosurgical procedures.
PGY-5 Research Year
The entirety of the fifth year is dedicated to laboratory or clinical research chosen by the resident, to be approved on an individual basis. Residents are also encouraged to submit abstracts for oral presentations at national neurosurgical meetings.
Residents working with our faculty have been able to complete research projects in the areas of intracranial pressure and blood flow monitoring, ischemia protection, brain tumor biology and treatment, and gene therapy for brain tumors. Support is available for study design, biostatistics and manuscript presentation.
PGY-6
During this year, the PGY 6 residents will have an exciting opportunity to complete a six-month elective rotation at St. George’s University in London under the direction of Mr. Timothy Jones. This rotation will give the residents an opportunity to experience a unique exposure to a different system of medical care.
The PGY-6 residents will also spend three months on a combined pediatric and trauma rotation at Dell Children’s Hospital and the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin. The last three months of this year will be spent on the neurosurgery service at Houston Methodist.
PGY-7 Chief Resident
The final year of neurosurgical training is spent as chief resident. The Chief Resident is responsible for coordinating the operative schedule, mentoring senior and junior residents and medical students, organizing clinical and basic material presented at conferences, including tracking and presentation of morbidity and mortality data, and selection of articles for presentation at Journal Club.
All rotations take place at Houston Methodist Hospital unless otherwise specified.
For more information about the residency program, contact Corina Gutierrez at cmgutierrez2@houstonmethodist.org.
Institutions
The inaugural creation of the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2005 was the result of a commitment and mission to pioneer the translation of advances in basic science into meaningful therapies for neurological conditions while providing an environment that fosters the education and training of post-doctoral fellows, residents and students to develop into preeminent physicians and scientists of tomorrow.
The Neurological Institute is part of the Houston Methodist Research Institute which is a cornerstone of Houston Methodist Hospital's strategic vision for its future as a top-ranked academic medical center. It supports a collaborative atmosphere for senior and young investigators in various fields. The Institute’s founding chairs, Robert Grossman, MD, and Stanley H. Appel, MD who represent a broad spectrum of expertise and have led their departments at Houston Methodist for more than 25 years. They lead a core group of more than 50 neurologists, neurosurgeons and dozens of neuro-specialist staff, all collaborating to make the Neurological Institute the nation’s model for neurological diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials and research.
The neurosurgery residents will spend most of their time on service and on research at Houston Methodist. All neurosurgery clinics take place on the 9th floor of the Scurlock Tower.
The Pediatric Neurosurgery Service at Texas Children's Hospital is a hospital-based academic pediatric. It is among the largest and most experienced pediatric neurosurgery units in the United States with more than 950 operations annually for a broad range of neurosurgical disorders. The pediatric neurosurgeons at Texas Children's Hospital are committed to setting the standard for the surgical treatment of infants and children with neurologic disease and to pioneering innovative therapies for the developing nervous system.
In addition, Texas Children's Hospital Neurosurgery was the first pediatric center in Texas to use the NeuroPace RNS device to treat seizures.
Texas Children's Hospital is consistently named as a top program in Texas and the entire southwest region and ranked #4 in the country by the U.S. News & World Report’s.
Each PGY3 neurosurgery resident will spend three months on the pediatric neurosurgery service at TCH.
Each PGY6 neurosurgery resident will spend three months at Seton in both pediatric and trauma neurosurgery.
The department provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, skull, spine and nervous system for patients from across the south of England, and has a rich history of training and education. As a national center of excellence and the heart of the South West London and Surrey Neurology Network, the department treats patients with the most complex conditions from across the country.
St George's Hospital is the only hospital in the UK to be located on the same site as a university – the prestigious St George's University of London, the only university in the country dedicated solely to medicine.
This is a 6-month elective rotation (optional) for all PGY6 residents.
The Neurological Institute is part of the Houston Methodist Research Institute which is a cornerstone of Houston Methodist Hospital's strategic vision for its future as a top-ranked academic medical center. It supports a collaborative atmosphere for senior and young investigators in various fields. The Institute’s founding chairs, Robert Grossman, MD, and Stanley H. Appel, MD who represent a broad spectrum of expertise and have led their departments at Houston Methodist for more than 25 years. They lead a core group of more than 50 neurologists, neurosurgeons and dozens of neuro-specialist staff, all collaborating to make the Neurological Institute the nation’s model for neurological diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials and research.
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston Methodist Hospital, the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, is located in the Texas Medical Center. For more than 90 years, Houston Methodist Hospital has served the Houston community and the world with the highest quality patient care in a spiritual environment. Affiliated with the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Houston Methodist continues its longstanding commitment to improving the community’s health and well-being. Houston Methodist is consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list. The 2014 issue named Houston Methodist among the country’s top hospitals in 11 specialties — more than any hospital in Texas. U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital No. 1 in the metro area and No. 1 hospital in Texas.
The neurosurgery residents will spend most of their time on service and on research at Houston Methodist. All neurosurgery clinics take place on the 9th floor of the Scurlock Tower.
Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX. It is the first hospital in the world to use real-time MRI-guided thermal imaging and laser technology to destroy lesions in the brain that cause epilepsy and uncontrollable seizures.
The Pediatric Neurosurgery Service at Texas Children's Hospital is a hospital-based academic pediatric. It is among the largest and most experienced pediatric neurosurgery units in the United States with more than 950 operations annually for a broad range of neurosurgical disorders. The pediatric neurosurgeons at Texas Children's Hospital are committed to setting the standard for the surgical treatment of infants and children with neurologic disease and to pioneering innovative therapies for the developing nervous system.
In addition, Texas Children's Hospital Neurosurgery was the first pediatric center in Texas to use the NeuroPace RNS device to treat seizures.
Texas Children's Hospital is consistently named as a top program in Texas and the entire southwest region and ranked #4 in the country by the U.S. News & World Report’s.
Each PGY3 neurosurgery resident will spend three months on the pediatric neurosurgery service at TCH.
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas is a new teaching hospital and the centerpiece of a new health district in downtown Austin. At this new Seton hospital and three existing ones (Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Shoal Creek Hospital and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas), doctors train other doctors, conduct groundbreaking research and implement new treatments.
Each PGY6 neurosurgery resident will spend three months at Seton in both pediatric and trauma neurosurgery.
St George’s University Hospital, London
The St George’s Hospital neurosurgery department has been renowned around the world as a center of excellence for brain and spinal surgery since it was established at its original site at Atkinson Morley Hospital in 1869.
The department provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, skull, spine and nervous system for patients from across the south of England, and has a rich history of training and education. As a national center of excellence and the heart of the South West London and Surrey Neurology Network, the department treats patients with the most complex conditions from across the country.
St George's Hospital is the only hospital in the UK to be located on the same site as a university – the prestigious St George's University of London, the only university in the country dedicated solely to medicine.
This is a 6-month elective rotation (optional) for all PGY6 residents.
Eligibility and Application
The neurosurgery program at Houston Methodist has been approved for 14 residency positions, offering two positions annually through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applications must be submitted through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). All candidates must be registered for the match with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and will be scheduled by invitation only.
International Medical Graduates (IMG) must meet the qualifications listed above, in addition to completing USMLE Steps 1 and 2, with a minimum score of 240 and having a valid ECFMG Certificate.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following:
- Must complete the ERAS application and include a personal statement
- Must have a dean’s letter and three letters of recommendation; all LOR should be current (preferably from other academic neurosurgeons)
- Must have taken and passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 with a minimum score of 240 with no more than two attempts. We will consider COMLEX in lieu of USMLE for DO students
- Must have graduated medical school within the last 5 years
International Medical Graduates (IMG) must meet the qualifications listed above, in addition to completing USMLE Steps 1 and 2, with a minimum score of 240 and having a valid ECFMG Certificate.
Drug & Tobacco Screening: Applicants will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If an applicant tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Applicants wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
If the applicant tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
Background Check: Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.
Interviews will be conducted in person for the 2024-25 application cycle.
Completing the rotating learner application does not guarantee a formal rotation. All students are selected by the program director.
Interview Days
Interviews will be offered on select days beginning the week of October 21, 2024 thru December 18, 2024.
Clerkship/Medical Student Rotation
The Houston Methodist Neurosurgery Residency Program offers medical student rotations for third and fourth-year medical students interested in pursuing a neurosurgery surgery residency. Rotations are offered in April through December. Students who are interested in participating as a visiting sub-I may submit applications through the AAMC Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) but will also be required to submit the rotating learner application. In order to apply for the rotation, you must contact our residency coordinator expressing interest and include your CV (resume). Once selected, the student will be forwarded to our graduate medical education (GME) office for credentialing and processing.
Completing the rotating learner application does not guarantee a formal rotation. All students are selected by the program director.
Our Residents
Jaime Guerrero, MD - Chief Resident - PGY7
University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio
Marcus Wong, MD - PGY7
Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine
Dorian Mambelli, MD - PGY6
Drexel University College of Medicine
Sibi Rajendran, MD - PGY6
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Suraj Sulhan, MD - Chief Resident - PGY6
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
John D. Patterson, MD - PGY5
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Lindsey Schwartz, MD - PGY5
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Audrey Demand, MD - PGY4
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
Ryan Farrell, MD - PGY3
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Dominic Kizek, MD - PGY3
Baylor College of Medicine
Lauren Culver, MD - PGY2
Wayne State University
Vitaliy Davidov, PhD, MD - PGY2
Texas A&M University
Ismail Mohiuddin, MD, PhD - PGY2
Texas Tech University
Matthew Goldman, MD - PGY1
University of Florida College of Medicine
Alumni
Class of 2024
• Samuel Asante, MD
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Current Position: Neurosurgeon at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, South Carolina
Class of 2023
• Jonathan Lee, MD
Medical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Complex Spine Surgery at Barrow Neurologic Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Current position: Neurosurgeon at Maxim Health, Morristown, NJ
• Ryan Austerman, MD
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Functional Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Class of 2022
• Saeed Sadrameli, MD
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Current Position: Neurosurgeon at Orlando Neurosurgery, Orlando, FL
• Amanda Jenson, MD
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Tampa, FL
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery at Duke University
Class of 2020
- Zain Boghani, MD
Medical School: UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Spine Surgery at Brown University, Providence, RI
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Northeast Georgia, Gainesville, GA
- Virendra Desai, MD
Medical School: UT Medical School, San Antonio
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurosurgery at Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Current Position: Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Epilepsy and Functional Surgeon at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- William J. Steele III, MD
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Complex Spine Fellowship, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgical Group of Texas, Houston, TX
Class of 2019
- Meng Huang, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Complex Spine Fellowship, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Class of 2018
- Sean M. Barber, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Spine Surgery at Brown University, Providence, RI
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
- Robert A. Scranton, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Skull Base Surgery Fellowship at Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgery Associates of Lubbock, LLP
Class of 2017
- Brandon D. Liebelt, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Current Position: Cerebrovascular/Skull Base Fellowship, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Fellowship: Cerebrovascular/Skull Base Fellowship, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, The University of Vermont Medical Center
Class of 2016
- Blake N. Staub, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Spine Fellowship, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Texas Back Institute, Plano, TX
Class of 2015
- Taylor L. Gist, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgical Group of Texas, Houston, TX
Class of 2014
- Andrew D. Livingston, MD
Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Neurological and Spinal Surgery, Lincoln, NE
- Chandan Krishna, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
- Leonardo Rangel-Castilla, MD
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Facultad de Medicina, México
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Fellowships: Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellowship, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York; Cerebrovascular/Skull Base Fellowship, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Current Position: Neurosurgeon, Mayo Clinic
Get In Touch
Program Contact
Corina Gutierrez, MBA
Department of Neurosurgery
6560 Fannin, Suite 944
Houston, TX 77030
Email: cmgutierrez2@houstonmethodist.org
Department of Neurosurgery
6560 Fannin, Suite 944
Houston, TX 77030
Email: cmgutierrez2@houstonmethodist.org
Program Director
Upcoming Academic Events
Grand rounds, tumor boards, regularly scheduled series and case presentations are offered in multiple clinical disciplines and Houston Methodist locations.
NIH Research Performance Progress Reports
Dorothy Lewis, PhD, and Israel Ramirez, MS
Dec 03 @ 11AM
See Details
Institutional Review Board Seminar
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Bevin Lopez, MS, CEP, CCRP
Dec 04 @ 12PM
See Details55
Grand Rounds conducted in 2023
These educational events are held according to varying schedules by departments and divisions within the Houston Methodist Academic Institute
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