UNC Department of Neurosurgery

08/14/2026

Recently, Dr. Cheerag Upadhyaya served as invited faculty for the NREF MIS and Emerging Technology Course for Senior Residents at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, joining an exceptional faculty roster teaching 27 senior neurosurgery residents from programs across the country. This invitation-only course paired didactic lectures with hands-on, case-based instruction covering state-of-the-art open and MIS management of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disorders — including treatment of traumatic, degenerative, and neoplastic spine conditions, as well as more complex cases such as spinal deformity. The curriculum also delved into surgical anatomy, implant design and selection, and open versus MIS fusion techniques.

Thanks to Dr. Praveen Mummaneni and Dr. Juan Uribe for directing, and to the AANS/NREF for supporting the training of the next generation of spine surgeons!

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Carlos David, MD, on his appointment as President of the Society of University Neurosurgeons (SUN)! We're proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition of his ongoing leadership in the field of academic neurosurgery.

UNC Health is proud to recognize Carlos David, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, on his appointment as the next President of the Society of University Neurosurgeons (SUN). Dr. David has long been a respected leader in academic neurosurgery, known for his commitment to clinical excellence, resident educ...

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

UNC Health neurosurgeon Dr. Vibhor Krishna is leading a clinical trial exploring focused ultrasound as a noninvasive treatment for epilepsy. This technology targets the brain tissue responsible for seizures without incisions or implanted devices, offering a potential new option for patients who have not responded to medication. Learn more about this research below.

Vibhor Krishna is pioneering a noninvasive approach to epilepsy that uses ultrasound to reduce seizures without surgery or implanted hardware.

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Sonya Lester, RN, our 2026 Nurse Manager of the Year! 🎉

Sonya’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to her team and patients make a lasting impact every day.

“I’m honored by this recognition, but it truly belongs to the team I work with every day.”

https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/sonya-lester-rn-named-2026-nurse-manager-of-the-year/

04/28/2026

New Faculty Opportunity at UNC Neurosurgery

Neurosurgical Oncology – Open Rank. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC School of Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery are seeking a full-time Physician Scientist to lead the Neurosurgical arm of our Neuro-Oncology program. https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/316896

Please visit the Careers at Carolina website to view available neurosurgery job listings within the School of Medicine including research, faculty, and staff opportunities: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/search?utf8=✓&query=Neurosurgery&query_v0_posted_at_date=&1826=&1827=&query_position_type_id=&526=&query_organizational_tier_3_id=2334&query_organizational_tier_2_id=any&commit=Search

04/24/2026

The UNC Neurosurgery Innovation Summit kicks off today — and we're looking forward to hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Kurt Yaeger of Houston Methodist.

Dr. Yaeger is a dual-trained endovascular neurosurgeon specializing in vascular disorders of the brain and spine, known for his work with cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive procedures.

If you're a resident or student interested in where neurosurgical innovation is heading, this is a talk you won't want to miss.

There’s still time to stop by —
Thurston Bowles Building, Suite 3100
4:00–6:30 PM.

See you there!

04/23/2026

This Friday, UNC Neurosurgery hosts its 2nd Innovation Summit from 4:00 to 6:30 PM in the Thurston Bowles Building, Suite 3100.

Designed for trainees, faculty, and collaborators interested in the future of neurosurgical innovation, the event offers a focused look at emerging tools and techniques shaping the field.

Join us in the skills lab for hands-on access to the latest neurosurgical technology, featuring exhibitors including Aesculap, Medtronic, and Stryker, with a focus on advances in brain tumor treatment and neurosurgical care.

We are also pleased to welcome keynote speaker Kurt A. Yaeger of Houston Methodist.
No registration required. See you there! 🧠

Friday, April 24th
4:00 PM - 6:30pm
Thurston Bowles bldg Suite 3100
104 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill NC 27599

04/22/2026

If you’re looking for a strong educational resource on vertebral column tumors, UNC Neurosurgery’s Dr. Michael Galgano was recently invited to lecture for Congress of Neurological Surgeons’ CNS 100 series, a core platform in neurosurgical education.

When our faculty contribute at the national level, our residents learn directly from those helping define current practice. Worth adding to your study list.

https://youtu.be/nKlT6rMAAK4?si=iKFekHBz73tidcKR

5 likes, 1 comment. "CNS Neurosurgery 100: Management of Primary Vertebral Column Tumors"

04/10/2026

After nearly 25 years, UNC Neurosurgery is saying a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Eldad Hadar.

Dr. Hadar joined UNC in 2001 following fellowship training in epilepsy surgery and functional neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Over the course of his career here, he served as vice chair, residency program director for 16 years, and director of the epilepsy and functional neurosurgery program, earning 14 Teacher of the Year awards along the way.

For those of us in training, it’s difficult to overstate his impact. He pushed residents to achieve more than he had himself, and his record reflects how seriously he took that responsibility.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been the ability to teach and mentor young, aspiring physicians.”

Thank you, Dr. Hadar, for everything you’ve given to this department and to the physicians you helped shape. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter.

Read more: https://www.med.unc.edu/neurosurgery/eldad-hadar-farewell/

UNC School of Medicine’s Eldad Hadar, MD, helped shape the Department of Neurosurgery while advancing clinical innovation at UNC Health. Eldad Hadar, MD, clinical professor and vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the UNC School of Medicine, is stepping down from UNC Health after nearly...