Atlantic Brain and Spine

04/17/2026

Dr. Geoffrey Stricsek reunites with his patient one year after a devastating e-bike crash in Surf City that left him with life threatening injuries.

The patient, known locally as Surf City’s “lobster guy,” survived the 2025 accident thanks to rapid, expert care and complex treatment led by Dr. Stricsek and the team at Atlantic Brain and Spine. His recovery has been a long journey marked by resilience, rehabilitation, and a powerful return to everyday life.

At Atlantic Brain and Spine, a dedicated team works every day to deliver advanced neurological care when it matters most, helping save and transform lives across the community.

Watch the video to see their emotional reunion and hear his story one year later.
https://www.wect.com/2026/04/17/surf-citys-lobster-guy-reunites-with-surgeon-who-saved-his-life-one-year-after-e-bike-crash/

A Surf City restaurant owner marked the one-year anniversary of a crash that nearly killed him by thanking the surgeon who saved his life.

03/19/2026

A big step forward for spine care in Wilmington 👏

On Tuesday, Dr. Thomas performed the first awake endoscopic spine surgery in the area, offering patients a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional procedures.

By avoiding anesthesia, patients can experience:
- Faster recovery
- Fewer side effects like nausea or confusion
- Reduced risk of complications (breathing, cardiovascular stress, & adverse drug reactions)
- No intubation or airway intervention
- Lower overall cost

This approach is especially beneficial for patients with existing medical conditions or a history of anesthesia-related complications.

This is another way Atlantic Brain and Spine is bringing advanced, patient-first care to our community.

02/24/2026

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners at Novant Health as they dedicate the Novant Health Deloris P. Jordan Neurosciences Institute — a powerful step forward for advanced neurological care in our region.

This institute represents more than a name. It reflects a deep commitment to expanding access to leading-edge treatment, innovative technology, and compassionate, patient-centered neuroscience care close to home. We’re honored that ABS’s Dr. Beecher was part of this meaningful moment.

This dedication represents our practice's guiding principle that world class neurological care belongs right here in our community.

Read more: www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-dedicates-novant-health-deloris-p-jordan-neurosciences-institute

01/14/2026

Neurosurgeon Alex Thomas, MD, has completed his 50th ultra–minimally invasive spine surgery using the Arthrex Endoscopic Spine System. Performed through an incision about the width of a pencil tip, this approach supports less tissue disruption, reduced pain, and faster recovery—helping expand what’s possible in minimally invasive spine surgery.
🔗 Read more: https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/atlantic-brain-spine-surgeon-alex-thomas-md-completes-50th-ultra-minimally-invasive-procedure-using-arthrex-endoscopic-spine-technology/

11/26/2025

We’re inspired by Michael Jordan’s incredible generosity in honoring his mother with a $10 million gift to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. This meaningful contribution will advance research, innovation, and access to life-changing neurological care right here in southeastern North Carolina. We’re grateful for the continued support that helps improve brain and spine health for our community.
Read More: https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/releases-20251118?fbclid=IwY2xjawOUJxFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzTGltUUliWW9NNFZqVGhLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlRhm1digkuEphMUvSK8gzkaBgtT7eHCIaLW-cAsM2Vm68LjMw_OoSGWgMTb_aem_8htCcBEX9dCfhn-tdzOeYw

Philanthropist and basketball legend Michael Jordan is honoring his mother with a $10 million gift to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. In recognition, the medical center’s neuroscience institute will be named the Novant Health Deloris Jordan Neuroscience Institute.

As a comprehensive stroke center, patients seeking care at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center have access to specially trained doctors, advanced technology and an array of leading-edge services that can have a life-changing impact for those dealing with stroke, brain tumor, spine injury and more. This gift will further advance research and innovation in brain health, making state-of-the-art neurological care more accessible across southeastern North Carolina.

To learn more, visit: https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/releases-20251118

11/18/2025

Endoscopic Spine Surgery offers big results with small incisions, delivering less pain and faster recovery. This is a highly precise treatment for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
Learn more in our latest blog and learn how this advanced technique could help you!
➡https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/endoscopic-spine-surgery-minimally-invasive-maximum-results/

10/28/2025

We're looking for a full-time Physician Assistant to join our team of dedicated professionals. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the area's leading neurosurgeons in a collaborative, patient-focused environment.
📩 To apply, send your resume to [email protected] or visit https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/careers/

10/20/2025

Congratulations to the research team and co-authors including Dr. J. Alex Thomas from Atlantic Brain and Spine for their valuable work on advancing the future of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)!

Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

10/17/2025

🎉 INCREDIBLE NEWS! 🎉
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our own Dr. J. Alex Thomas has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Leading Doctors 2025 in spine surgery!
Out of over 1 million licensed physicians in the US, only 2,845 specialists were selected across 15 critical fields. Dr. Thomas earned this recognition through rigorous evaluation including peer assessments, procedure performance data, and comprehensive surveys. Our whole team is honored to be a part of this success.
Thank you to our incredible patients, referring physicians, and team members who make achievements like this possible. Read the whole story on the Atlantic Brain and Spine blog 👇
https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/a-tremendous-honor-for-atlantic-brain-spine/

10/14/2025

🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Patient Care!
We're thrilled to share that Novant Health has received Gold Plus awards in TWO critical areas: stroke awareness and heart failure care! Read more: ➡ https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/novant-health-receives-a-in-stroke-awareness/
Dr. Jeffrey Beecher, Interim Institute Leader for Neurosciences, credits the entire Novant Health team for the achievement, which he says validates what this exceptional care staff does every day: "What this award lets us know is that we are doing a great job taking care of these stroke patients, it's an award referring to the outcomes that they're having and it's showing us that we're doing exactly what we thought we were doing, which is a great job for our community."
John Rommel, Director of Heart Failure for Novant Heart and Vascular, adds: "It's a great way to get rewarded for the hard work that so many of our teammates are doing on a day-to-day basis, providing great heart failure care in the hospital and in the community."
These awards reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional cardiovascular and neurological care to our community. Thank you to all our dedicated team members who make this possible! 💙

09/03/2025

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a common source of lower back pain that is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Dr. Thomas explains how careful evaluation, including diagnostic injections, can confirm whether the SI joint is the true source of discomfort. Once identified, treatment options may include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections, or minimally invasive surgical approaches when necessary. By addressing the root cause, patients can achieve meaningful pain relief and improved mobility.

▶️ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THSEzLt12c
📖 Read more: https://atlanticbrainandspine.com/ifuse/