Best Neurosurgeons in Thornton

Introduction to Neurosurgery in Thornton

Overview of Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a highly specialized medical field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Neurosurgeons in Thornton, Colorado, are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, from brain tumors and spinal disorders to traumatic injuries and congenital abnormalities.

The field of neurosurgery requires extensive training and expertise, as evidenced by the educational backgrounds of Thornton's top neurosurgeons, such as Dr. John Elliott and Dr. Jason McGowan, who have completed residencies and fellowships at prestigious institutions.

Importance of Choosing the Right Neurosurgeon

Selecting the appropriate neurosurgeon is a significant decision that can greatly influence a patient's treatment outcome and overall health.

The complexity of neurological procedures demands a high level of skill and experience. In Thornton, patients have access to board-certified neurosurgeons like Dr. Elliott and Dr. Buchanan, who have demonstrated their expertise through rigorous examinations and ongoing education.

Patient satisfaction is reflected in the high ratings of Thornton's neurosurgeons, with several achieving scores above 4.5 out of 5 stars based on patient reviews. This indicates a strong track record of positive outcomes and patient care.

Selecting a Neurosurgeon in Thornton

Factors to Consider

Board Certification

• Importance of American Board of Neurological Surgery certification
• Examples from Thornton: Dr. Elliott, Dr. McGowan, Dr. Buchanan

Education and Training

• Prestigious institutions represented in Thornton
• Specialized fellowships (e.g., Dr. Stephen's Pediatric Spinal Deformity fellowship)

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Significance of star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Number of reviews as an indicator of experience

Specializations Within Neurosurgery

• Importance of matching doctor's expertise to patient needs
• Example: Dr. McGowan's focus on Neurological Spine Surgery

Resources for Research

Online Platforms

• Utilization of Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Importance of verifying information across multiple sources

Local Medical Associations

• Contacting Colorado Medical Society for additional information
• Seeking referrals from primary care physicians in Thornton

Top-Ranked Neurosurgeons in Thornton

Dr. John Elliott

Education and Training

• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical School, 1988)
• University of Washington (Residency, Internship, and Fellowship, 1989-1998)

Qualifications

• Board Certified by American Board of Neurological Surgery
• Languages: English and Spanish

Patient Satisfaction

• Star Rating: 4.6/5
• Number of Reviews: 138

Dr. Jason McGowan

Education and Training

• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Fellowship, 2019)
• Georgetown University Hospital (Residency and Internship, 2013-2018)

Specializations

• Neurological Spine Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Qualifications

• Board Certified by American Board of Neurological Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

• Star Rating: 4.6/5
• Number of Reviews: 22

Contact Information

• Phone: (720) 638-7500

Dr. James Stephen

Education and Training

• University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania School of Surgery (Internship)
• University of Pennsylvania School of Neurosurgery (Residency)
• Pediatric Spinal Deformity Fellowship at Shriners Hospitals for Children

Patient Satisfaction

• Star Rating: 4.5/5
• Number of Reviews: 8

Contact Information

• Phone: (781) 534-7666

Dr. Colin Buchanan

Education and Training

• Wayne State University School of Medicine (2007)
• University of California/Los Angeles Medical Center (Internship and Residency, 2008-2013)
• Cleveland Clinic (Fellowship, 2014)

Qualifications

• Board Certified by American Board of Neurological Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

• Star Rating: 4.3/5
• Number of Reviews: 22

Additional Considerations

Physician Assistants in Neurosurgery

Role of PAs in neurosurgical care

• Overview of PA responsibilities in neurosurgery
• Benefits of PA involvement in patient care

Profile: Theresa O'Brien, PA

• Education: Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Marquette University
• Specialization in Neurosurgery
• Importance of collaborative care in neurosurgical teams

Language Accessibility

Importance of clear communication

• Impact on patient understanding and compliance
• Role in informed consent and decision-making

Availability of Spanish-speaking providers

• Dr. John Elliott's bilingual capabilities (English and Spanish)
• Potential benefits for Spanish-speaking patients in Thornton