Johns Hopkins, Thomas Jefferson (Philadelphia), UPenn - Need doctors

[v357139]

Can someone help me with who are the acoustic neuroma surgeons at the above hospitals, or any in this general geographic area?  Excluding NYC and Mass Genl, which I have already seen.

[kmr1969]

I met with Jon David Weingart, neurosurgeon, and Howard Wayne Francis, neurologist?, when I went to Johns Hopkins.

This was my first appointment after my initial AN diagnosis by my ENT doctor.

Both seemed to be capable and experienced doctors.

Subsequently, I met with doctors at Univ of Pittsburgh, University of Virginia, and University of Maryland, but I ultimately went with Drs. Brackmann and Schwartz at House.

Ken

[kmr1969]

The other name I've heard mentioned several times at Hopkins is Tamargko.  He may have the most AN experience there.

[v357139]

I met with Jon David Weingart, neurosurgeon, and Howard Wayne Francis, neurologist?, when I went to Johns Hopkins.

Subsequently, I met with doctors at Univ of Pittsburgh, University of Virginia, and University of Maryland, but I ultimately went with Drs. Brackmann and Schwartz at House.

Ken

Thanks.  When you went to Hopkins, did Weingart propose retrosig or translab?

[v357139]

I met with Jon David Weingart, neurosurgeon, and Howard Wayne Francis, neurologist?, when I went to Johns Hopkins.

This was my first appointment after my initial AN diagnosis by my ENT doctor.

Both seemed to be capable and experienced doctors.

Subsequently, I met with doctors at Univ of Pittsburgh, University of Virginia, and University of Maryland, but I ultimately went with Drs. Brackmann and Schwartz at House.

Ken

Why did you choose House over Hopkins?

[kmr1969]

I think every surgeon I met with recommended translab due to the size of my tumor, although my hearing had barely been affected.

I choose House over Hopkins because of the experience. 

The Hopkins docs may do 1 or 2 AN surgeries each month while the House docs were doing 1 or 2 per week.

Had my insurance not covered House then I would have gone to Hopkins and feel like I still would have gotten excellent care, but I had more confidence in Dr. Brackmann at House for one reason - experience.

[Alan Goldberg]

When looking for a doctor, find one that has experience with the type of tumor you have - size and location.  Experience is often the most critical factor in choosing a doctor - you want to see someone who regularly performs the procedure you require.  While you want a couple of opinions getting too many opinions sometimes makes it more confusing.  find a doctor you "click" with, has good experience and good references.  There are a number of good teams at many of the hospitals you mentioned.  If you can find a team near our support system - great!  If not, find the team and hospital you like the best and go for it!

Think it thorough but don't drive yourself crazy

[v357139]

Thanks.  Is there a particular doctor at those hospitals who alot of people have used, and gotten good results?  Looking for some doctor names.

[Anne S B]

I am a patient of Dr. Howard Francis at Johns Hopkins.  Because I was a candidate for Cyber Knife surgery,  before treatment I also met with Dr, Kristin Redmond, who is a radiologist.  My treatment Program was chosen with the help of Dr. Howard, a neurologist, and Dr. Redmond.  I am now four months out from my three day treatment (about an hour each day).  I can't say enough about the Hopkins team.  Everyone was so helpful and kind.  While not a nice thing to undergo, they made my experience as pleasant as it could be.  Also, if you didn't already know,  Johns Hopkins was recently rated #1 in the nation in both ENT and Neurology.  Good luck.

[coinman]

At Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia, I spoke to Dr. James J. Evans ,Neurosurgery. He wll take time with you and answer all questions. I did FRS through him but when I was considering surgery he would be the one I would have picked.

[v357139]

Thanks very much.  Ended up going to House.  Very good result.