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Residency Program

Neurological Surgery Residency Program

Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center & Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates

For more than 85 years, Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA) has been a trusted leader in neurosurgery and spine care in Charlotte, North Carolina. In partnership with Atrium Health, part of Advocate Health, we are shaping the future of neurological care and education — advancing innovative treatments, research, and training that prepare the next generation of neurosurgeons.

With nearly 300 teammates, seven Charlotte-area clinic locations, and a team of more than 70 physicians and advanced practice providers, CNSA and Atrium Health deliver expertise in:

  • Spine surgery – including minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion, and treatments for herniated discs and spinal stenosis

  • Brain surgery and neurological care – from tumor treatment and stroke care to peripheral nerve disorders

  • Non-surgical spine treatments – including physical medicine, pain management, and innovative therapies

  • Comprehensive neurosurgery services – spanning routine procedures to complex, life-enhancing surgeries

This strong clinical foundation provides an exceptional environment for resident education and hands-on training. Together, CNSA and Atrium Health have built one of the Southeast’s most comprehensive neurosurgery programs — where advanced patient care, academic excellence, and surgical innovation intersect every day.

This partnership also supports landmark initiatives such as SpineFirst, the Carolina Center for Specialty Surgery, and the Carolinas Medical Center Neurological Surgery Residency Program, which together elevate the standard of brain and spine care across the region.

Note: CNSA’s Greensboro and Kernersville offices are not part of this enhanced partnership and will continue providing independent, trusted care to their local patients.

Residency Overview

The Neurological Surgery Residency Program at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), in partnership with CNSA, develops highly skilled, compassionate neurosurgeons through an intensive, subspecialty-based training model.

Residents benefit from:

  • Exceptional surgical case volume

  • Mentorship from nationally recognized faculty

  • Access to world-class facilities and technology

  • Integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation

Each year, residents gain exposure to:

  • 3,500+ operative neurosurgical procedures at CMC

  • 1,700+ additional cases at the adjacent Carolina Center for Specialty Surgery

This breadth ensures mastery in both complex and minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques.

Training Environment

Inpatient Training – Carolinas Medical Center (CMC)
 CMC serves as the region’s premier tertiary referral center and the main training site for residents. Facilities include:

  • 32-bed neurosurgical unit

  • 22-bed step-down unit

  • 4-bed neuro-monitoring unit

  • 14-bed pediatric ICU

  • 28-bed neurological ICU

  • Five inpatient neurosurgical ORs

  • Two outpatient neurosurgical ORs

  • Bi-planar neuro-angiography suite

Outpatient Training – Carolina Center for Specialty Surgery
 A high-volume outpatient facility where residents gain experience in minimally invasive spine procedures, including:

  • Spinal injections

  • Cervical and lumbar decompression/fusion

  • Endoscopic spine surgery

  • Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty

  • Peripheral nerve decompression

  • Shunt, pump, and stimulator insertions

Outpatient Training – Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA)
 Founded in 1940, CNSA is one of the nation’s largest and most respected private neurosurgical practices. Faculty provide mentorship in:

  • Pediatric neurosurgery

  • Complex and minimally invasive spine surgery

  • Neurovascular and skull base surgery

  • Pituitary and peripheral nerve surgery

CNSA’s culture of innovation and clinical excellence allows residents to actively participate in ongoing research and clinical trials that advance neurosurgical care.

Curriculum Overview

This seven-year program (PGY-1 to PGY-7) offers progressive responsibility, comprehensive exposure, and depth across all neurosurgical subspecialties.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Early and consistent operative experience

  • Rotations in spine, vascular, tumor, pediatrics, functional, and trauma neurosurgery

  • Training in advanced robotic and endoscopic spine techniques

  • Longitudinal outpatient clinic experience

  • Structured didactic curriculum and research opportunities

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration across Atrium Health

Graduates emerge equipped to lead in clinical practice, research, and education — continuing the legacy of innovation established by CNSA and Atrium Health.

Application Information

The Neurological Surgery Residency Program participates exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Requirements

  • Dean’s Letter

  • Three letters of recommendation (including one from your Department of Neurological Surgery Chair or designee)

  • Completed ERAS application

Contact your medical school for guidance on submitting your ERAS materials.

Sub-Internships for 4th-Year Medical Students

Fourth-year medical students may apply for a Sub-Internship to gain immersive, month-long exposure to our faculty, residents, and clinical environment. Students participate in clinics, rounds, conferences, and the operating room.

While not required to match into the residency program, many current residents found this experience invaluable in building surgical skills and understanding the program’s collaborative culture.