The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at the University of South Florida sponsors a fully ACGME accredited residency training program in neurological surgery. Our program began in 1987 under the auspices of the founding chairman Dr. David W. Cahill. Dr. Cahill set the precedence for the quality resident education and patient care this program provides. We accept two residents annually, for a total of fourteen residents, whose educational curriculum involves rotations through our four affiliated sites as part of their training.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Neurological Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of South Florida is to produce highly competent and technically skilled surgeons, capable of treating a wide spectrum of disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. In conjunction with USF Morsani College of Medicine, we strive to create a scholarly environment that fosters excellence in the lifelong goals of education, research activity, and compassionate patient care. Residents will finish their training with a strong foundation of knowledge and skill in all neurosurgical sub-competencies, prepared to enter independent practice or pursue further focused fellowship training, and ultimately go on to become board-certified members of the healthcare community.

Program Aims

• Produce competent and independent practicing neurosurgeons capable of providing comprehensive care for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Train and prepare residents to be competitive applicants for advanced fellowships and/or independent practice.
• Develop well-rounded, resilient neurosurgeons prepared for and capable of balancing the demands of their career with their personal goals. The ultimate intent being is to create a mutually beneficial relationship in which providers who are satisfied and fulfilled by their chosen profession will go on to provide the best possible care to patients for years to come.
• Residents will model professionalism through their interactions with patients and colleagues. They will continuously demonstrate respect for others, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to patients and colleagues of diverse backgrounds.
• Residents will effectively collaborate with all members of the healthcare team, working as part of a multi-disciplinary cohort in order to provide the best possible care for patients.
• Residents will develop and apply practice-based learning to critically review outcomes, question current practices, discuss current advancements, and ultimately identify opportunities to continuously improve patient standards of care.
• Residents will be able to recognize how one's individual practice affects the larger context and system of healthcare, and in turn incorporate effective and efficient habits into their own practice in a manner that provides high-quality care that benefits the individual patient, and the system of healthcare.

Program Leadership

Harry van Loveren, MD
Department Chair

Mark Greenberg, MD
Residency Program Director

Kunal Vakharia, MD
Assistant Residency Program Director

Michelle Campbell, MHA
Residency & Fellowship Program Administrator