Unity & Belonging
Discover how we foster unity and belonging in Graduate Medical Education at Corewell Health.
The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Neurological Surgery Residency is committed to producing highly qualified neurosurgeons who have the confidence to undertake their craft of clinical decision-making and surgical expertise with distinction. The program is currently a seven-year program with access to all neurosurgical sub-specialties.
Training is conducted at Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital, and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. A large array of technical assets in both diagnostic and therapeutic domains, coupled with the clinical expertise of specialty-focused staff, serve to supplement the training experience to prepare trainees for future practice.
Our program, your future
The department of neurological surgery consists of 17 senior surgeons. These surgeons are sub-specialized in the major neurosurgical fields, including neuro-oncology, functional, pediatric, vascular (open and endovascular), and spine. They are supported by 18 APPs and a large body of technical staff. Our hospitals are equipped with the latest neurosurgical technologies, advancing the training of our residents and providing the highest quality of care for our patients. These include: iMRI, hybrid angiographic suites, Leica and Zeiss operating microscopes, ROSA and Mazor robotic systems, Storz Neuroendoscopic system, Visualase LITT, NICO Myriad/Brain Path, O-arm, Starfix and Leksell stereotactic frames, Clearpoint system, StealthStation navigation systems, Artis Q biplane systems, Novalis Tx stereotactic radiosurgery system, focused ultrasound, and 3D exoscope system.
The department of neurological surgery is a subsidiary of the Corewell Health Department of Clinical Neurosciences, which incorporates neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neuropsychology, clinical psychology, and pain management, and has over 150 senior faculty and advanced practice providers. Several programs constitute the department – oncology, vascular, epilepsy, spine, movement disorder, neuromuscular, behavioral/cognitive, and immunological – bringing together an interdisciplinary team to manage conditions with the relevant expertise.
Program Aims
- Teaching technical competency in clinical and surgical neuroscience skills
- Inculcating the spirit of putting the patient’s need first by practicing evidence-based and ethical decision-making
- Incorporating a culture of teaching and innovation
- Committing to researching new age solutions to clinical problems through bedside to bench to bedside approach
The department of neurological surgery consists of 17 senior surgeons. These surgeons are sub-specialized in the major neurosurgical fields, including neuro-oncology, functional, pediatric, vascular (open and endovascular), and spine. They are supported by 18 APPs and a large body of technical staff. Our hospitals are equipped with the latest neurosurgical technologies, advancing the training of our residents and providing the highest quality of care for our patients. These include: iMRI, hybrid angiographic suites, Leica and Zeiss operating microscopes, ROSA and Mazor robotic systems, Storz Neuroendoscopic system, Visualase LITT, NICO Myriad/Brain Path, O-arm, Starfix and Leksell stereotactic frames, Clearpoint system, StealthStation navigation systems, Artis Q biplane systems, Novalis Tx stereotactic radiosurgery system, focused ultrasound, and 3D exoscope system.
The department of neurological surgery is a subsidiary of the Corewell Health Department of Clinical Neurosciences, which incorporates neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neuropsychology, clinical psychology, and pain management, and has over 150 senior faculty and advanced practice providers. Several programs constitute the department – oncology, vascular, epilepsy, spine, movement disorder, neuromuscular, behavioral/cognitive, and immunological – bringing together an interdisciplinary team to manage conditions with the relevant expertise.
Program Aims
- Teaching technical competency in clinical and surgical neuroscience skills
- Inculcating the spirit of putting the patient’s need first by practicing evidence-based and ethical decision-making
- Incorporating a culture of teaching and innovation
- Committing to researching new age solutions to clinical problems through bedside to bench to bedside approach
The educational environment at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides sufficient exposure in all neurosurgical domains. Through its resources and commitment to excellence, the program provides the means by which high-caliber graduates may be recruited within the department to perpetuate a strong academic standard and clinical performance.
Furthermore, the residents have year-round access to various facilities such as animal labs for vascular anastomosis training, cadaver labs for spine and skull base procedures, and benchside training microscope to practice and improve their surgical skills.
Research is supported by the Corewell Health Research Institute and collaborations are established with several research enterprises, including Michigan State University, Van Andel Institute, and Grand Valley State University. Opportunities exist to establish clinical and translational research projects in collaboration within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, as well as with faculty in these neighboring institutions. Departmental faculty are engaged in several clinical trials, government-supported projects, and graduate studies programs.
Didactics
There is a structured weekly didactic schedule that occurs during protected education time outside of clinical responsibilities and includes:
- Primary didactic hour: Lecture/presentation by both residents and faculty
- Secondary didactic hour: Case studies, neuroanatomy review, labs/workshops
- 1st Wednesday of the month: Duty hours, case log, & resident concerns discussed
- 1st Wednesday of the month: Morbidity and mortality discussions
Additional resident meetings:
- Monthly journal clubs held at either faculty homes or restaurants
- Monthly research/QI review meetings
- Quarterly mentor meetings with respective faculty
Simulation and skills labs:
- Skull base lab
- Microvascular anastomosis rat lab
- Endovascular lab
- Cortical topography and temporal lobe anatomy lab
- Spine anatomy/instrumentation lab
From the program director
The Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Neurological Surgery Residency program offers a premier training experience within a high-volume academic institute. Our neurosurgical training program offers comprehensive exposure to complex neurosurgical pathology across the full spectrum, in all disciplines of neurosurgery. Our program is built on the principle that exceptional neurosurgeons are trained through rigorous clinical experience, progressive operative autonomy, academic productivity, and strong mentorship. Our residents benefit from substantial operative volume beginning early in training, with graduated responsibility that prepares them for independent practice. The breadth and depth of our case volume, including complex cranial surgery, cerebrovascular and endovascular procedures, skull base surgery, neuro-oncology, spinal deformity and instrumentation, functional neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and high-acuity neurotrauma ensure that our residents develop both technical operative mastery and sound clinical acumen.
As a high-volume referral center, our institution manages advanced and challenging pathology drawn from a broad regional population. This provides residents with invaluable experience in treating rare and complex neurosurgical conditions while working alongside multidisciplinary teams dedicated to comprehensive, patient-centered care. In addition to robust clinical training, we emphasize academic growth and innovation. Residents are encouraged to engage in meaningful research, quality improvement initiatives, and national presentations. Faculty mentorship is central to our mission; our faculty surgeons are deeply invested in resident education, professional development, and long-term career success, whether in academic neurosurgery, subspecialty fellowship training, or private practice.
We are committed to fostering a collegial, supportive, and mission-driven environment. Our goal is to graduate neurosurgeons who are technically excellent, intellectually sound, compassionate in their care, and prepared to lead in the neurosurgical landscape. We invite you to explore what makes our program distinctive and to consider joining a program dedicated to excellence in neurosurgical training. We look forward to learning more about your passion for neurosurgery and your future goals.
Sincerely,
Paul Mazaris, MD
Program Director, Neurological Surgery Residency
Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Our shared commitments
Unity & Belonging
Discover how we foster unity and belonging in Graduate Medical Education at Corewell Health.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Scholarly Activity Support
Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.
Unity & Belonging
Discover how we foster unity and belonging in Graduate Medical Education at Corewell Health.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Scholarly Activity Support
Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.
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Neurological surgery residency bios
Program director
Paul Mazaris, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Cerebrovascular neurosurgery
- Fellowship: Hartford Hospital
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Paul Mazaris, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Cerebrovascular neurosurgery
- Fellowship: Hartford Hospital
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Paul Mazaris, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Cerebrovascular neurosurgery
- Fellowship: Hartford Hospital
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Paul Mazaris, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Cerebrovascular neurosurgery
- Fellowship: Hartford Hospital
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Associate program director
M. Michael Bercu, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric and functional neurosurgery
- Fellowship: New York University Medical Center (dual fellowships in pediatrics and functional neurosurgery)
- Residency: Sourasky Medical Center
M. Michael Bercu, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric and functional neurosurgery
- Fellowship: New York University Medical Center (dual fellowships in pediatrics and functional neurosurgery)
- Residency: Sourasky Medical Center
M. Michael Bercu, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric and functional neurosurgery
- Fellowship: New York University Medical Center (dual fellowships in pediatrics and functional neurosurgery)
- Residency: Sourasky Medical Center
M. Michael Bercu, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric and functional neurosurgery
- Fellowship: New York University Medical Center (dual fellowships in pediatrics and functional neurosurgery)
- Residency: Sourasky Medical Center
Core faculty
Hayden Boyce, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Deep brain stimulation and pain
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Moises Googe, DO
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Spine
- Residency: Midwestern University, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Casey Madura, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric neurosurgery
- Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Residency: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Sanjay Patra, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Epilepsy
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Todd Vitaz, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Tumors of the brain, skull base and spine
- Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Residency: University of Louisville
Hayden Boyce, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Deep brain stimulation and pain
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Moises Googe, DO
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Spine
- Residency: Midwestern University, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Casey Madura, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric neurosurgery
- Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Residency: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Sanjay Patra, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Epilepsy
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Todd Vitaz, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Tumors of the brain, skull base and spine
- Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Residency: University of Louisville
Hayden Boyce, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Deep brain stimulation and pain
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Moises Googe, DO
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Spine
- Residency: Midwestern University, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Casey Madura, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric neurosurgery
- Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Residency: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Sanjay Patra, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Epilepsy
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Todd Vitaz, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Tumors of the brain, skull base and spine
- Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Residency: University of Louisville
Hayden Boyce, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Deep brain stimulation and pain
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Moises Googe, DO
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Spine
- Residency: Midwestern University, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Casey Madura, MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Pediatric neurosurgery
- Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Residency: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Sanjay Patra, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Epilepsy
- Residency: Henry Ford Hospital Health System
Todd Vitaz, MD
Neurosurgeon
- Specialty: Tumors of the brain, skull base and spine
- Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Residency: University of Louisville
PGY 1
Andrew DeGroot, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Andrew DeGroot, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Andrew DeGroot, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Andrew DeGroot, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
PGY 2
Jeffrey Farooq, MD
USF Health Morsani
Jeffrey Farooq, MD
USF Health Morsani
Jeffrey Farooq, MD
USF Health Morsani
Jeffrey Farooq, MD
USF Health Morsani
PGY 3
Sarosh Irfan Madhani, MBBS
Aga Khan Medical College
Sarosh Irfan Madhani, MBBS
Aga Khan Medical College
Sarosh Irfan Madhani, MBBS
Aga Khan Medical College
Sarosh Irfan Madhani, MBBS
Aga Khan Medical College
PGY 4
Nina Shank, MD
Tulane University
Nina Shank, MD
Tulane University
Nina Shank, MD
Tulane University
Nina Shank, MD
Tulane University
PGY 5
Thiago Scharth Montenegro, MD
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Thiago Scharth Montenegro, MD
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Thiago Scharth Montenegro, MD
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Thiago Scharth Montenegro, MD
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
PGY 6
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Mohamed Abouelleil, MD
University of Illinois—Rockford
Mohamed Abouelleil, MD
University of Illinois—Rockford
Mohamed Abouelleil, MD
University of Illinois—Rockford
Mohamed Abouelleil, MD
University of Illinois—Rockford
PGY 7
Andres Restrepo Orozco, MD
Universidad de Antioquia
Andres Restrepo Orozco, MD
Universidad de Antioquia
Andres Restrepo Orozco, MD
Universidad de Antioquia
Andres Restrepo Orozco, MD
Universidad de Antioquia
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