Alumni
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Steve Monk, MD |
Steve Monk, MD
Residency graduate 2025
Current position: Neurosurgeon, The NeuroMedical Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
What makes this program unique among neurosurgery residencies? The combination of case volume and complexity, operative autonomy, and supportive faculty makes this the best program in the country.
How do you carry forward the culture or values of the program in your current work? I strive to treat every patient like I would want my family treated.
What advice would you give current neurosurgery residents? You owe it to your patients to become the best surgeon and physician you can be. Never stop perfecting your craft.
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David Peters, MD |
David Peters, MD
Residency graduate 2024
Current position: Neurosurgeon at University of Colorado Health, Colorado Springs, CO. Sub-specialties: Skull Base, Neuro-oncology, and Open Cerebrovascular
What makes this program unique among neurosurgery residencies? 1.The operative experience is second to none. I am certain this program gives the best operative experience in the country. There is both a high quantity and quality of cases, with the appropriate amount of surgeon guidance and oversight for your skill level. 2. The unselfishness of the faculty. During my time in the program, when faced with decisions, our leadership consistently made choices that unselfishly prioritized resident education over their own personal benefit, which is probably the single biggest thing leadership can do to boost resident morale throughout training. My mentors made me feel like a valued co-worker and not cheap labor.
How do you carry forward the culture or values of the program in your current work? Self-confidence is an essential requirement of neurosurgery and a core value of CMC/CNSA that I carry forward. During residency, my confidence greatly grew through watching faculty navigate complex, high-stakes situations and then by being placed in those same situations. When I made mistakes or needed help, they responded with perspective rather than harsh criticism. Those interactions were critical in my development, along with the high clinical volume and autonomy, to build belief in myself and gain the confidence needed to make decisions and manage difficult cases independently. Equally important is the collaborative culture. CMC/CNSA emphasizes teamwork and shared ownership over a rigid top-down, hierarchical structure. I work to foster that same environment in my current practice by prioritizing open communication, mutual respect, and a team-first approach so that everyone feels valued and empowered to speak up.
What advice would you give current neurosurgery residents? Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions if something isn't making sense. You’ll learn much faster and improve patient care by asking questions—even if it means risking looking foolish in the moment.
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Vincent Rossi, MD
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Vincent Rossi, MD
Residency graduate 2023
Current position: Neurosurgeon and Faculty at Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
Sub-specialties: Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy, Motion Preservation, Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement, Lumbar Artificial Disc and Facet Replacement, Robotic Spine Surgery, Outpatient Spine Surgery
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Jonathan Parish, MD
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Jonathan Parish, MD
Residency graduate 2022
Current position: Neurosurgeon and Faculty at Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
Sub-specialties: Minimally invasive spine surgery, Treatment of Stroke, Brain Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations, Skull Base Brain Tumors, Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery, Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Tyler Atkins, MD
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Tyler Atkins, MD
Residency graduate 2021
Current position: Neurosurgeon Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN