UC San Diego Acoustic Neuroma Program

05/15/2026

Dr Suresh is part of our surgical team! He is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and skilled. He takes great care of our patients during surgery, in navigating their treatment decisions, and with research and patient education!

05/15/2026

Ben provides compassionate and expert care for the vestibular rehab of our patients before and after their surgery. He goes above and beyond in his work and is a source of positive energy and knowledge for our team and patients.

05/14/2026

In May of 2025, I noticed that I was not feeling myself and decided to make an appointment with my primary care physician. After examination, blood tests, and eventually an MRI, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. It was frightening to receive this news, especially since I never heard of or knew anything about this diagnosis. Once my wife and I processed this news, we set out on a mission to learn as much as we could about treatment options and long-term outcomes. After countless hours of research, we both consistently saw positive reviews on the acoustic neuroma program at UCSD including Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz. We also learned they offer free phone consultations and review of your MRI images.
Being from the east coast we were concerned that the distance and logistics of seeking treatment across the country would be difficult, but the reputation of USCD made me decide to call and set up a phone consult. I was contacted by one of two patient navigators at UCSD named Kris to set up the consult call and after our conversation, I immediately knew I had made the right choice. The phone consultation with Dr. Friedman went great and I decided that surgery was the correct choice for me. Within days I was scheduled for surgery on March 3, 2026. Kris and the team at UCSD were extremely helpful in answering my questions and helping me navigate the insurance approval process.
Before I knew it, March had arrived and my wife and I flew to San Diego on March 1st. We were lucky enough to be accepted to the LaJolla Family House where we stayed until I was cleared at my post-op appointments on March 11th. The surgery on March 3rd went exactly as Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz planned with full tumor removal. As I was deciding where to pursue my treatment, it was important to not only have great surgeons, but also a team dedicated to my recovery. Many reviews said the team approach at UCSD is second to none, and I could not agree more. Everyone involved in my care was part of a team that was compassionate and well versed in treating patients with the unique demands an acoustic neuroma diagnosis presents. One week following surgery I was able to walk on the beaches in La Jolla, what a beautiful place to recover!! Two-weeks post-op we flew back to the east coast with no trouble or discomfort and one week after I was home, I was able to drive. I cannot thank the team at UCSD enough, this is truly a world class program with a deep dedication and passion for helping patients navigate treatment.
--Ryan D, 48, Pennsylvania

05/14/2026

Tamara is an invaluable part of our clinical care team. She has a huge heart and works tirelessly to care for our patients as they undergo and recover from treatment. She is a wealth of knowledge on all things AN and we are lucky to have her as a resource and a support for our team and patients.

05/13/2026

Our audiology team is exceptional! They go above and beyond for our patients and really understand the unique challenges of hearing loss associated with an acoustic neuroma diagnosis. We are lucky to work hand in hand with such a caring, knowledgeable, and talented team. Thank you to Meghan and Madeline for sharing today and thank you to our entire audiology team - we appreciate you! 🫶🌟🦻

05/12/2026

Dorleen is front and center of our program- managing consult schedules, patient communication and always wearing many hats as she helps connect patients with our team!

05/12/2026

ICYMI Here is yesterday's Q&A with the ANA for awareness week!

05/12/2026

Next up, our amazing nurse, Michelle, who takes care of our patients in the AN clinic!🥰💙

05/11/2026

Specialized acoustic neuroma care and leading-edge cochlear implantation technology helped one musician return to his craft

"One of the most important parts of treating acoustic neuromas is helping patients understand not just what we can do, but what makes the most sense for their safety and long-term outcome," said Schwartz. "That means open conversations about hearing preservation, nerve protection, and quality of life after surgery."

Specialized acoustic neuroma care and leading-edge cochlear implantation technology helped one musician return to his craft.

05/11/2026

For this year's AN awareness week, we asked some of our team members to share a few things about themselves as well as a few San Diego recommendations for all of our out-of-town patients! Up first - Dr Rick Friedman 😍🧠👂🏄‍♂️🌅

05/10/2026

AN Awareness week kicks off today! Thank you to the Acoustic Neuroma Association for putting together another incredible week of sharing, learning, and empowering our community. Don't forget - you can catch us for a live Q&A with the ANA tomorrow at 11am PST!