Congratulations to the 2025 Columbia Neurosurgery Graduating Joint Chiefs

This month marks the end of Columbia Neurosurgery’s academic year, which concludes with the graduation of two exceptionally talented residents, Dr. Travis CreveCoeur and Dr. Zachary Englander.  For over one hundred years since 1909, The Neurological Institute of New York (the first dedicated neurological hospital in the United States) has provided the finest specialized training for several generations of neurologists and neurosurgeons. It has been ranked as one of the top neurological surgery residency programs. Below are the chiefs presenting their graduation talks at the department’s weekly Grand Rounds.

Department Chair, Dr. E. Sander Connolly reflected, “We are incredibly proud of the exemplary work that Dr. CreveCoeur and Dr. Englander have completed throughout their time at Columbia Neurosurgery. Their collective contributions to our department’s research, patient care and culture will undoubtedly continue to shape our mission and the people we serve in the coming years. We look forward to seeing where their professional journeys take their medical careers and remain grateful that these two incredible colleagues have trained with our team. Thank you Travis and Zack for all your hard work, commitment and leadership.”

Says Director of the Neurosurgery Residency Program, Dr. Neil Feldstein, “I join the entire faculty and residency in wishing our graduates all the best and welcoming them into our family.  In their unique styles each has contributed greatly to our program and reputation.  The kind words spoken at the graduation dinner are a testament to the gratitude that is felt for the hard work and leadership they exhibited, not only during their chief year but throughout their residency.”

Dr. Chris Winfree, Assistant Neurosurgery Program Director also shared, “It has been such a pleasure working with Travis and Zack for the past several years. They have become outstanding neurosurgeons. I look forward to seeing them as colleagues at neurosurgery meetings (and softball games) in the future!”

Dr. Travis CreveCoeur reflects, "This program equips you with all of the tools necessary to be competent, compassionate, and skillful surgeon. I am honored to have trained with such fantastic mentors, and I will hold these last few years dear to my heart.”

He continues, “What I am most excited for is the future, this program has done an excellent job picking exceptional talent and I am excited for what the current group of rising seniors and juniors will do. They have done an incredible job taking the teachings that Zack and I have offered and made it into their own individual style. The future is certainly promising, and I am excited and privileged to be able to witness the greatness that will come from them. "

Dr. CreveCoeur will move on to complete a Pediatric Spine Fellowship at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.

Dr. Zachary Englander will be moving on to complete a neurosurgical spine fellowship at the University of Miami.

Dr. Englander shares, “I am incredibly thankful to the entire faculty here for a world-class education and feel fortunate to be a small part of a remarkable institution that has contributed and continues to contribute to the advancement of neurosurgical treatment.”

Congratulations Dr. CreveCoeur and Dr. Englander and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Please find a list of Columbia Neurosurgery’s past graduates here.