UMMC Department of Neurosurgery

UMMC Department of Neurosurgery The UMMC Department of Neurosurgery is committed to delivering high-quality patient care through research and education excellence.

We provide specialized treatment for injuries and disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. Our highly skilled neurosurgeons provide surgical care for the full range of brain, spine, and nerve conditions in adult and pediatric patients, including brain and spine tumors, aneurysm, stroke, vascular malformations, epilepsy, trauma, spine and peripheral nerve disorders. We offer t

he only Level 1 trauma center, Level 4 epilepsy center, multidisciplinary neuroendocrine tumor service and transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery, and pediatric neurosurgery services in the state. We also host the state’s only Neurosurgery Residency Program offering training in all neurosurgical subspecialties and producing the next generation of leaders in neurosurgery.

We’re proud of Dr. Robert Dambrino and Dr. Rahul Mehta of UMMC Ear, Nose and Throat for representing UMMC at this year’s...
09/03/2026

We’re proud of Dr. Robert Dambrino and Dr. Rahul Mehta of UMMC Ear, Nose and Throat for representing UMMC at this year’s North American Skull Base Society Summer Workshop, where they shared their expertise and led a hands-on surgical demonstration.

Skull base conditions can involve structures deep within the head and require highly specialized surgery. At UMMC, otolaryngology and neurosurgery work together to bring different areas of expertise to these challenging cases, providing patients with comprehensive care ❤🧠⚕

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Joaquín Hidalgo 🧠As we conclude our celebration of Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're pleased...
08/31/2026

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Joaquín Hidalgo 🧠

As we conclude our celebration of Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're pleased to spotlight Joaquín Hidalgo, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon and associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Dr. Hidalgo provides comprehensive neurosurgical care for both adult and pediatric patients, with specialized expertise in complex spine, skull base and peripheral nerve disorders. Known for his patient-centered approach, he carefully evaluates both surgical and non-surgical options to develop the most effective treatment plan for each individual.

Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Hidalgo graduated summa cm laude from medical school before coming to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he completed his neurosurgical residency. He then pursued advanced fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University, further refining his expertise in complex neurosurgical care.

Dr. Hidalgo's clinical interests include:
✅ Complex spine disorders
✅ Skull base surgery
✅ Peripheral nerve conditions
✅ Minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques
✅ Adult and pediatric neurosurgery

Using the latest advancements in neurosurgical technology and minimally invasive approaches, Dr. Hidalgo strives to provide precise treatment while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues, reducing postoperative discomfort and supporting faster recovery for patients.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hidalgo is deeply committed to advancing the field through education and research. His academic interests include cadaveric skull base dissections, spine quality improvement initiatives and outcomes research. He also values a collaborative approach to patient care, working closely with specialists across disciplines to ensure the best possible outcomes.

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Nicholas Derrico 🧠Originally from Minneapolis, Dr. Derrico earned his medical degree from the ...
08/30/2026

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Nicholas Derrico 🧠

Originally from Minneapolis, Dr. Derrico earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota before completing a year of general surgery training at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He then came to UMMC for neurosurgical residency, where he also completed an enfolded fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery. Today, he remains at UMMC as an attending neurosurgeon, providing comprehensive care to patients across Mississippi and beyond.

Dr. Derrico specializes in vascular neurosurgery and is dual-trained in both open microsurgical and endovascular techniques, allowing him to tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs.

His clinical expertise includes:
✅ Intracranial aneurysms
✅ Brain and spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
✅ Carotid artery disease
✅ Brain and spine tumors
✅ Cerebrospinal fluid disorders, including intracranial hypertension and hypotension
✅ Cranial and spinal trauma

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Derrico is actively involved in research focused on cerebrovascular disease and neurotrauma outcomes and is collaborating on a national clinical trial evaluating innovative treatment approaches for intracerebral hemorrhage.

What drew Dr. Derrico to UMMC was its mission-driven focus on education, service and patient care. Today, he continues that mission by delivering highly specialized neurosurgical care while helping advance the field through research and innovation.

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. M. Omar Chohan 🧠As we continue to recognize Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spotl...
08/29/2026

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. M. Omar Chohan 🧠

As we continue to recognize Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spotlight M. Omar Chohan, MD, director of surgical neuro-oncology and tenured professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Dr. Chohan is a board-certified neurosurgeon whose practice is dedicated to helping patients facing some of the most complex neurological conditions, including brain tumors and epilepsy. With secondary appointments in neurology and radiation oncology, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Chohan earned his medical degree from Aga Khan University in Karachi before completing his neurosurgical residency at the University of New Mexico. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in neurosurgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Weill Cornell Medical College, where he specialized in the surgical treatment of brain tumors.

Dr. Chohan's clinical expertise includes:
✅ Brain tumor surgery and neuro-oncology
✅ Epilepsy surgery
✅ Brain mapping techniques
✅ Intraoperative fluoroscopy
✅ Resective, ablative and neuromodulation procedures

Before joining UMMC, Dr. Chohan served in several leadership roles at the University of New Mexico, including director of neurosurgical oncology, co-leader of the Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Program and surgical director of the epilepsy program.

Known for combining innovative surgical techniques with a collaborative approach to care, Dr. Chohan is committed to advancing treatment options and improving outcomes for patients with complex neurological disorders.

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Zachary Smalley 🧠As we continue to celebrate Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spot...
08/28/2026

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Zachary Smalley 🧠

As we continue to celebrate Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spotlight Zachary Smalley, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Originally from Millington, Tennessee, Dr. Smalley earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in Memphis. During his training, he demonstrated a passion for education by teaching Principles of Clinical Medicine and BLS certification courses, reflecting his longstanding commitment to mentorship and academic excellence.

While completing his neurosurgery residency, Dr. Smalley also pursued an enfolded Neuroscience Intensive Care fellowship through UMMC Neurology, gaining specialized expertise in caring for critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients.

Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Smalley combines advanced clinical training with evidence-based care to help patients navigate complex spinal and neurological conditions. His focus is on delivering compassionate, individualized treatment that supports the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Smalley's dedication to excellence has earned him numerous academic honors, including the Julian G. Fleming, M.D., Scholarship Award and the University of Memphis Cecil B. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship.

Please join us in recognizing Dr. Zachary Smalley for his commitment to advancing neurosurgical care, education and innovation.

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Gustavo Luzardo🧠During Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spotlight Gustavo Luzardo,...
08/28/2026

🧠 Provider Spotlight: Dr. Gustavo Luzardo🧠

During Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we're proud to spotlight Gustavo Luzardo, MD, Director of UMMC's Endovascular Neurosurgery Fellowship Program.

Dr. Luzardo is board-certified and uniquely dual-trained in both open cerebrovascular surgery and endovascular neurosurgery, allowing him to provide comprehensive treatment for some of the most complex conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

Hailing from Maracaibo, Venezuela, Dr. Luzardo earned his medical degree from Universidad del Zulia before completing a general surgery internship at Mayo Clinic and his neurosurgery residency at UMMC. He then went on to complete advanced fellowship training in endovascular neurosurgery.

His expertise includes:
✅ Cerebrovascular disease, including aneurysms and stroke-related conditions
✅ Cranial nerve disorders
✅ Skull base surgery
✅ Cerebral tumors
✅ Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal procedures

What drew Dr. Luzardo to neurosurgery? A fascination with the connection between anatomy, function and the science behind the brain.

"I believe there should not be layers between patients and their physician. A hands-on, direct approach to care leads to faster diagnoses and ultimately better outcomes."

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Luzardo is dedicated to training the next generation of neurosurgeons, ensuring both patients and residents receive the highest level of care and education.

🧠👧 Neurosurgery Awareness Month Spotlight: Dr. Kristin Weaver 🩻This month, we're proud to recognize Kristin Weaver, MD, ...
08/27/2026

🧠👧 Neurosurgery Awareness Month Spotlight: Dr. Kristin Weaver 🩻

This month, we're proud to recognize Kristin Weaver, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurosurgery and division chief of pediatric neurosurgery at UMMC.

A board-certified neurosurgeon with dual fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric spine surgery, Dr. Weaver is dedicated to caring for children with complex brain and spine conditions. Her expertise includes the treatment of congenital spine disorders, spinal deformities, and other specialized pediatric neurosurgical conditions.

After earning both her medical degree and doctorate in anatomy from UMMC, Dr. Weaver completed her neurosurgical residency at the University of Florida and advanced fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia.

Dr. Weaver serves as director of two Children's of Mississippi multidisciplinary clinics, bringing together specialists to provide coordinated care for children with complex conditions, including spina bifida and disorders that result in spasticity.

Known for her compassionate, evidence-based approach, Dr. Weaver works closely with patients and families to deliver highly individualized care and improve outcomes for children facing complex neurological and spinal conditions.

Thank you, Dr. Weaver, for your leadership, expertise and commitment to Mississippi's youngest neurosurgery patients.

🧠 Meet Dr. Jared Marks🩻For patients facing complex spinal conditions, expert care can make all the difference.As a board...
08/26/2026

🧠 Meet Dr. Jared Marks🩻

For patients facing complex spinal conditions, expert care can make all the difference.

As a board-certified neurosurgeon and associate professor at UMMC, Dr. Jared Marks specializes in the surgical treatment of degenerative spinal disease, spinal tumors and spinal trauma. Following his residency at UMMC, Dr. Marks completed advanced fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he refined his expertise in complex spinal surgery.

Today, he combines that advanced training with a patient-centered approach focused on precision, safety and compassionate care. His work helps restore mobility, reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with challenging spinal disorders.

During Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we thank Dr. Marks for his dedication to excellence and his commitment to those he serves every day.

🧠 Meet Dr. Andrew Smith, board-certified neurosurgeon and assistant professor at UMMC.✨He earned his medical degree and ...
08/20/2026

🧠 Meet Dr. Andrew Smith, board-certified neurosurgeon and assistant professor at UMMC.✨

He earned his medical degree and completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was recognized with the Robert M. Hearin Medical Scholarship and the University of Mississippi Neurosurgical Merit Award.

Drawing on broad experience across the full spectrum of neurosurgery, Dr. Smith now specializes in spinal surgery. He is committed to providing exceptional patient care while utilizing the latest advances in spine treatment to improve outcomes and help patients return to their daily lives.

Join us in recognizing Dr. Smith for his dedication to advancing neurosurgical care in Mississippi.

05/22/2026

One year later, this message is just as important. 🧠 May is Stroke Awareness Month, and we're re-sharing what it means to be a Comprehensive Stroke Center at UMMC.

Know where to go. Know what's available. Because when seconds matter, having 24/7 experts, advanced imaging, and specialized teams all under one roof makes all the difference. 💙

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2500 N State Street
Jackson, MS
39216

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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