St. Luke’s introduces two new neurosurgeons who will provide advanced, compassionate care for patients with conditions of the brain and spine.
Lee Hwang, MD, is a fellowship-trained neurosurgical oncologist who treats patients with brain and spine tumors, degenerative spine diseases, epilepsy and trauma of the neurologic system.
She completed a fellowship in neurosurgical oncology of the brain and spine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City after her residency training at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Hwang earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas.
She has researched treatments for glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor) and other complex neurosurgical conditions at the National Institutes of Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
During her training, Dr. Hwang developed protocols to incorporate new technologies in neurosurgery, such as laser ablation for treatment of brain lesions and brachytherapy (radiation) for local disease control of brain tumors.
“I was fortunate to have trained at world-renowned and high-volume centers, and I am excited to be a part of the expansion of the St. Luke’s Brain and Spine Tumor Center, where I look forward to helping patients with any neurosurgical needs,” Dr. Hwang said.
Neurosurgeon Justice Agyei, MD, specializes in surgery to relieve pain in patients suffering with severe and debilitating back or neck conditions, to restore their function and improve their quality of life.
“The best part of my job is seeing a cane- or wheelchair-bound patient walk without any assistance into my clinic at post-surgical follow-up and hearing them say that they are back to living their life,” Agyei said. “That is what gets me up in the morning and that is why I chose this field; to build a relationship with my patients and work together to deliver to them the best possible care.”
Dr. Agyei completed a fellowship in Complex Spine Surgery at University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, where he trained in minimally invasive spine surgery, robotic spine surgery, adult deformity surgery and the treatment of spinal trauma, spinal tumors and other conditions. Dr. Agyei’s neurosurgery residency took place at the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery Program, after he earned his medical degree at Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
“St. Luke’s and its patients are, indeed, fortunate to have these compassionate surgeons with outstanding training, expertise and credentials join our Neurosurgical Team,” says Doron Rabin, MD, Chief of Neurosurgery. “They will be vital in helping to expand and diversify our program, bringing innovative surgical technology and techniques to this growing field.”
“As we welcome these two new members to our team, I want to recognize and thank fellow neurosurgeon and colleague Dr. Roy Hwang for his compassionate care and expertise. Dr. Hwang has made the decision to leave St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates to be with his family,” Dr. Rabin said.
