EDUCATION & TRAINING

Dr. Ryan is a highly trained board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in both cranial and spinal procedures. He started his journey at North Carolina State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. As a double major, he graduated at the top of his class as valedictorian. He also received Minors in both Genetics and English. While at NC State, Dr. Ryan had the pleasure of participating in a study abroad program at The University of Oxford with a focus on British Art & Literature.

Dr. Ryan obtained his medical degree from The University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. Upon finishing medical school, he then matched at one of the top neurosurgery programs in the country and relocated to our Nation’s Capitol. Dr. Ryan completed his internship and residency in Neurological Surgery at the respected Georgetown University Hospital located in the heart of Washington, DC. It was here that Dr. Ryan underwent extensive neurosurgical training in all areas of spinal & cranial surgery. He also worked directly with pioneers in the field to master minimally-invasive spine surgery techniques that are now standard and being taught in programs around the country.

Minimally-invasive spine surgery utilizes natural tissue planes to decrease disruption of the natural anatomical structures. This includes muscle-splitting approaches with tubular dilators for decompressions (for spinal stenosis, disc herniation, etc.) as well as for spinal fusions. It also includes lateral lumbar fusions, anterior lumbar fusions, and percutaneous posterior instrumentation. These approaches decrease blood loss, postoperative pain, and length of stay in the hospital. Dr. Ryan uses a patient-specific approach to deciding a treatment strategy and uses minimally-invasive approaches when they are appropriate.

While Dr. Ryan’s subspecialty expertise is in minimally-invasive spine surgery, the breadth of his clinical skills spans a wide field from complex cranial operations to complex spinal fusions. His clinical approach involves comprehensive evaluation with detailed explanations about the anatomy, disease process, procedures, and treatment plan in a way that is easy for the patient to understand. He takes a non-operative approach when surgery can be avoided and utilizes treatment modalities such as physical therapy and pain management when appropriate.

PERSONAL LIFE

As a North Carolina native, Dr. Ryan grew up taking advantage of the outdoors from hiking the Appalachian Trail to swimming the shores of the outer banks. As a child he always had an affinity for animals and nature, learning the responsibility and compassion of taking care of pets of all kinds. Dr. Ryan still has a green thumb and loves to garden at home, growing as many fruits & vegetables per square foot that his garden will allow. He also has been known to home brew his own beers, putting his Bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Biological Sciences to personal use. Dr. Ryan is an advocate for community and loves supporting local businesses & artisans on Long Island and throughout the State of New York. You can find him running races like the great cow harbor 10K, wine tasting along the north fork wine trail, or taking road trips up to the Hudson Valley with Lucy, his little cairn terrier (Toto from the Wizard of Oz). There’s no place like home.