Donald A. Ross, M.D.

  • Professor of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Ross specializes in all aspects of general neurosurgery including minimally invasive spine surgery, neuro-oncology and brain tumors and stereotactic radiosurgery.

He works with other specialists, collaborating on patient evaluations and treatment options to ensure quality care. Dr. Ross has adopted a minimally invasive approach, tailoring treatments to each patient individually rather than recommending a one size fits all approach. He uses careful neurologic examinations, diagnostic nerve blocks, careful analysis of imaging, and other modalities to offer the least invasive solutions for patients’ symptoms. He tries to avoid spinal fusion procedures if acceptable alternatives are available.

Dr. Ross has performed over 2000 tubular access spinal surgeries, usually through incisions less than one inch long, allowing outpatient procedures in many cases and with rapid return to work or other activities for many patients. Some of these procedures have included tumors, arachnoid cysts, and dural fistulas as well as degenerative diseases. In all cases, very few nerve root or spinal cord injuries due to direct surgical trauma have resulted, and no wound infections have occurred.

Dr. Ross has written peer reviewed papers on avoidance of complications in minimal access spine surgery, O-Arm guided minimally invasive lumbar and thoracic fusion surgery, and minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy. His paper on minimal access cervical laminectomy for myelopathy is the first large series published experience from North America and the largest series in the literature to date.

Education and training

    • M.D., 1983, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Residency

    • Department of Neurological Surgery, University California at San Francisco, 1989
  • Fellowship

    • Cranial base surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1990
  • Certifications

    • Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery, 1992

Publications

Elsevier pure profile

Publications

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