NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Named #1 Health System by Castle Connolly; Columbia Neurosurgery Faculty Recognized as Top Doctors
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center has been recognized as the #1 health system in the nation in the 2026 Castle Connolly Accolades, a distinction that reflects the strength of its physician leadership, patient care, and academic excellence.
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are selected through a rigorous peer-nomination and independent research process that evaluates physicians for clinical excellence, leadership, education, and patient outcomes. Only a small percentage of physicians nationwide receive this honor.
Within the Department of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, more than 15 neurosurgeons are typically recognized annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, contributing to the broader group of over 400 Columbia-affiliated physicians named to the 2026 Top Doctors list.
Columbia Neurosurgery Faculty Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Based on the most recently published list, recognized Columbia neurosurgeons include:
- Dr. Neil A. Feldstein
- Dr. Gordon H. Baltuch
- Dr. Jeffery N. Bruce
- Dr. Michael B. Sisti
- Dr. Paul C. McCormick
- Dr. Peter D. Angevine
- Dr. Guy M. McKhann
- Dr. Christopher J. Winfree
- Dr. Dean Chou
- Dr. E. Sander Connolly
- Dr. Sean D. Lavine
- Dr. Christopher E. Mandigo
- Dr. Grace K. Mandigo
- Dr. Raymond F. Sekula
These physicians represent a wide range of neurosurgical specialties including brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and facial pain treatment.
Excellence Across the Spectrum of Neurosurgical Care
The Columbia Neurosurgery faculty are internationally recognized leaders in patient care, research, and education. Their work advances treatment for complex neurological conditions such as brain tumors, spinal disorders, stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, and facial pain syndromes.
Through innovation in minimally invasive surgery, neuromodulation, endovascular techniques, and clinical research, Columbia neurosurgeons continue to shape the future of neurological care while training the next generation of neurosurgical leaders.
The Castle Connolly recognition further reflects the longstanding reputation of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center as one of the nation’s leading destinations for neurosurgical care.
About Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by physicians and selected through a comprehensive review process conducted by a physician-led research team. Criteria include professional qualifications, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, and reputation among peers.
Each year, only a small percentage of physicians nationwide receive this distinction, making it one of the most respected honors in the medical field.
