For referring physicians

Streamlined referral process

I appreciate the trust you place in me when referring your patients. My team and I are committed to providing prompt consultations, clear communication, and comprehensive care coordination.

For urgent or emergent consultations, I am available 24/7 through the Cottage Hospital operator. For elective referrals, my office will work to schedule patients promptly, typically within 1 week and many times within 48 hours.

How to refer a patient

1. Fax the referral to (805) 569-7414 with recent clinic notes, the reason for referral, and insurance information.
2. Send the imaging. The actual images matter more than the report. Have the patient bring a CD or USB drive to the visit, or mail or drop it off at the office. Our staff can help at (805) 569-7820.
3. We schedule the patient, typically within one week and often within 48 hours.
4. You receive my consultation note with findings and recommendations. For complex cases, I'm glad to talk directly.

Conditions I treat

I welcome referrals for evaluation and treatment of:

• Cerebrovascular conditions: Brain aneurysms, AVMs, dural fistulas, cavernous malformations, moyamoya disease, IIH with venous sinus stenosis
• Aneurysm techniques: Flow diversion with multiple devices, intrasaccular devices (certified WEB proctor), coiling, and microsurgical clipping
• Stroke: Acute ischemic stroke (mechanical thrombectomy), hemorrhagic stroke, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, chronic subdural hematoma
• Brain & spine tumors: Meningiomas, metastases, gliomas, acoustic neuromas, spine tumors
• Functional neurosurgery: Trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm
• General neurosurgery: Hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, spine conditions, trauma

What to expect

After seeing your patient, I will provide:

• Timely consultation notes documenting findings and recommendations
• Direct communication for complex or urgent cases
• Coordination with your office regarding follow-up care
• Return of care to you once neurosurgical needs are addressed

My background

I completed my neurosurgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, followed by fellowship training in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery at UCSF and endovascular neurosurgery at University of Southern California. I am board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery with additional recognition in Endovascular Neurosurgery.

I have published over 160 peer-reviewed articles and remain active in clinical research, currently serving as Site Principal Investigator for the NIH-sponsored multi-site ASPIRE trial. I am committed to evidence-based practice and staying current with advances in the field.

As a full-time Santa Barbara resident, I provide true continuity of care. Your patients will have direct access to me throughout their treatment and recovery.