Robert P. Naftel, MD

Dr. Naftel is assistant professor of Neurological Surgery. He comes to Vanderbilt from the University of Pittsburgh where he served as a fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery. His clinical and research interests include pediatric hydrocephalus, epilepsy surgery, spine surgery, brain tumors and pediatric vascular disorders. He has trained in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for the treatment of hydrocephalus, brain tumors and spinal disorders. His research also focuses on patient satisfaction, patient education, and the use of technology and social media for patient outreach.

Education:

Dr. Naftel received his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree (Chemistry) from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

Postgraduate Training:

Dr. Naftel completed his residency in Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama, as well as a fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh. While in residency, he received the Resident Leadership Award and the James A. Nobles Neurosurgery Book Award. In 2011, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons honored him with the Sherry Apple Resident Travel Scholarship for his research on the role of neuroendoscopy in the treatment of hydrocephalus.