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Our Neurosurgeons
With 12 neurosurgeons Practicing Together In One Group, Neurosurgical Associates Is One Of The Largest Neurosurgical Practices In The State Of Tennessee.
Richard Boyer
MD, FAANS
Dr. Richard P. Boyer is a board-certified neurosurgeon with a special interest in spine surgery and deep brain stimulation. He has been published on these subjects in various publications. Dr. Boyer is associated with the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine.
Dr. Boyer earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed his residency at the University of Missouri, Columbia Hospital and Clinics. As a member of professional organizations such as the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgery, Tennessee Medical Association, and American Medical Association, Dr. Boyer has given several lectures on presentations on different neurosurgery topics. He also recently served as president of the Tennessee Neurosurgical Society. Dr. Boyer has practiced neurosurgery in Knoxville since 1998.
Todd B. Abel
MD, FAANS
Dr. Todd B. Abel joined our team in 2005 after serving three years as a neurosurgeon in the US Air Force. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and associated with the University of Tennessee Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine.
Dr. Abel earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed his residency at Indiana University. His special interests are in spine surgery and tethered cord syndrome, and has completed research, presentations, and published writing on these topics. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Abel’s military background brings a new perspective to our practice.
Christopher P. Gallati
MD, FAANS
Dr. Christopher Gallati is a board-certified neurological surgeon who graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine and completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and The Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He joined Neurosurgical Associates in August of 2015.
He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester Simon Graduate School of Business. Dr. Gallati has co-authored articles on neurotrauma and vascular neurosurgery. He has also made several presentations on topics related to vascular neurosurgery and spinal surgery.
Dr. Gallati enjoys practicing the full spectrum of neurosurgery with special interests in spine surgery and brain tumors.
Carter Gerard
MD, FAANS
Carter Gerard, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his residency in neurological surgery at Rush University in Chicago. Gerard completed two fellowships in stereotactic, functional, and epilepsy neurosurgery, one under the instruction of Ryder Gwinn MD at Swedish Neuroscience Institute (Seattle) and the other with Prof. Steven Gill at Southmead Hospital-National Health Service(University of Bristol England). He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Stereotactic and Functional Surgery(ASSFN) in addition to the AANS/CNS Section of Pain. Gerard’s clinical interests include deep brain stimulation, Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, microvascular decompression, trigeminal neuralgia, temporal lobectomy, vagal nerve stimulation, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, cervical myelopathy, hydrocephalus, and general neurosurgery.
Alexander Golovlev
MD, FAANS
Dr. Alexander Golovlev holds a dual board certification in both Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine from the American Board of Anesthesiology. He understands that a precise diagnosis and an individualized treatment approach is the key to a successful outcome and the resolution of pain. To achieve this end, Dr. Golovlev utilizes a wide range of treatment options including epidural steroid injections, targeted nerve blocks and ablations, and advanced therapies such as spinal cord stimulation and vertebral augmentation. His interests include central and peripheral neuromodulation, advanced interventional therapies for back and peripheral pain, and craniofacial pain syndromes.
An Oak Ridge native, Dr. Golovlev completed his undergraduate education at Emory University in Atlanta, his doctorate of medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and his residency training in Anesthesiology at the Medical University of South Carolina. After practicing general anesthesiologist in Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Golovlev went on to complete his fellowship training in Pain Medicine at Stanford University where he was elected the Chief Fellow.
James A. Killeffer
MD, FAANS
Dr. James Killeffer has practiced neurosurgery in Knoxville since 1997. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He grew up in Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee with Honors in 1987. He completed medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, completed a general surgery internship at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, and completed his neurosurgical residency at West Virginia University, where he joined their faculty as an Instructor in Neurosurgery. He returned to Knoxville to join his father in practice at University Neurosurgery, PC.
Dr. Killeffer became a full-time member of the faculty of the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine in 2006. His duties there as Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Assistant Professor of Surgery include directing resident and medical student education and participating in neurosurgery-related research.
He has published articles on numerous topics including cervical spine anatomy, spinal imaging, intracranial subdural hematoma, brain tumors, spinal anomalies, intravenous nutrition, and the socio-economic aspects of neurosurgery. Currently, he is collaborating with members of the Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee and with engineers in the private sector in research involving cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics and the kinematics of brain trauma. He also is working with engineers to develop implants to improve the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders.
Dr. Killeffer’s clinical practice includes treatment of a broad spectrum of adult neurosurgical problems including the brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery. Special interests include minimally invasive techniques in brain and spinal surgery, endoscopic pituitary surgery, trigeminal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasm, and surgical neuro-oncology, including brain and spinal stereotactic radiosurgery. He practices at an academic teaching hospital to give his patients access to the state-of-the-art comprehensive care of neurosurgical problems.
Stephen Lowe
MD, FAANS
Dr. Stephen Lowe is a board-certified neurosurgeon who joined Neurosurgical Associates in 2021. He attended Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in 2013, where he graduated 5th in his class and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He subsequently completed his neurosurgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where he served a year as chief resident. He subsequently completed specialized fellowship training in Neurosurgical Oncology at the H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. During his training, Dr. Lowe has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and textbook chapters.
Dr. Lowe's clinical interests include the entire spectrum of neurosurgical oncology, including primary brain tumors, metastatic disease, pituitary tumors, acoustic neuromas, skull base surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery, including Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Dr. Lowe also enjoys a wide range of spine surgery, including spinal oncology, and peripheral nerve surgery. He is a member of the AANS/CNS joint section on brain tumors.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Lowe is the proud son of Robert and Christine Lowe. He moved to Knoxville with his fiancee Caitlin, a Knoxville native, and looks forward to being a productive member of the community for years to come.
Joel Ragland
MD, FAANS
Dr. Joel Ragland has a conservative practice style and understands many patients do not need surgery to successfully treat their condition. He strives to educate his patients and discusses all treatment options. While surgery is appropriate, he utilizes the latest technology and information available to give his patients the best opportunity for recovery.
Dr. Ragland has practiced neurosurgery in Knoxville since 1994. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and stays current by participating in their recertification program. This is a rigorous educational and evaluation process requiring continual expansion of current neurosurgical techniques and knowledge. He is also certified in Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Dr. Ragland attended medical school at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, The American Medical Association, The Tennessee Medical Association, and the Tennessee Neurosurgical Association.
Leonardo R. Rodriguez-Cruz
MD, FAANS
Dr. Leonardo R. Rodriguez-Cruz is originally from New York City. Graduated from both New York Ivy League institutions he completed his neurosurgical training at a third, the University of Pennsylvania.
He went on to serve in the US Army as a neurosurgeon with postings around the world.
A national search led him to Middle Tennessee where he has honed his clinical skills in a very busy practice. He has taken on a wide variety of clinical entities, concentrating and expanding in the most up-to-date spinal surgical techniques.
In his limited off time Dr. Rodriguez-Cruz concentrates on his wife and three sons and his love for all aspects of outdoor life.
At present, he has been board certified for over 20 years and is a member of the American Association of Neurosurgery, the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Spine, and has certification in Advanced Trauma and Life Support.
Kent Sauter
MD, FAANS
Dr. Kent Sauter joined University Neurosurgery in 2004. He is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1980. He completed medical school at the University of South Alabama in 1989 where he served as President of AΩA Honor Medical Society. Dr. Sauter subsequently completed his residency in Neurological Surgery in 1995 at the West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Dr. Sauter was in academic practice at the University of South Alabama Department of Neurosurgery in Mobile from 1995 to 2004, where he served as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery with a primary focus on spinal trauma. He was selected to join the practice of Drs. Fred and James Killeffer in neurosurgery at Knoxville in 2004. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Sauter has taught medical students and residents the general aspects of neurosurgical diseases and has authored peer-reviewed neurosurgical literature in areas including neuroanatomy, hydrocephalus, spinal implants, subarachnoid hemorrhage, tumors, encephalitis, and functional neurosurgery.
Dr. Sauter’s current practice includes treatment of a broad spectrum of adult neurosurgical problems including the brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery. Special interests include minimally invasive techniques in brain and spinal surgery, complex spinal surgery, radiosurgery, and kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. He has based his practice at a university teaching hospital to give his patients access to comprehensive multi-disciplinary care of neurosurgical problems.
Dr. Sauter’s interests outside of medicine include amateur radio, photography, and flying. He holds an Advanced Class Amateur Radio License and a Private Pilots Certificate. He is active in the amateur radio Hospital Network providing emergency radio communications between hospitals.
Jennifer G. Savage
MD, FAANS
Dr. Jennifer Gentry Savage is a board-certified neurological surgeon and is fellowship-trained in pediatric neurosurgery. She has joined Neurosurgical Associates in September 2014. Currently, Dr. Savage is associated with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Dr. Savage earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center. She completed her residency at University of Texas Health Science Center and her fellowship at University of Indiana School of Medicine. Dr. Savage’s writing has been published in books, journals, and abstract pieces. She is also a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgery. Neurosurgical Associates is proud to have her as a member of our staff.
William E. Snyder
MD, FAANS
Dr. William E. Snyder is a board-certified neurosurgeon with a special interest in spine surgery, brain tumors, aneurysms, and trauma. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Indiana University Hospital. He is an assistant professor with the Graduate School of Medicine.
Dr. Snyder’s clinical interests include spine surgery, neuro-oncology, and trauma. He is the neurosurgical liaison to the Trauma Center at UT Medical Center and he is the team neurosurgeon for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Athletic Department.
For the past 12 years, Dr. Snyder has served as faculty for the Goodman Neurosurgery Oral Board Preparation Course. This is a highly interactive course that simulates the neurosurgery board examination given by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). It is the premier neurosurgical oral board review course with over 90 percent of candidates attending at least once prior to taking the exam.
Dr. Snyder is a member of several professional organizations such as the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons.
James Wike
MD, FAANS
Dr. James S. Wike is a board-certified anesthesiologist who is also board certified by the
American Board of Pain Medicine. In addition to these certifications, he is a member of the
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and a founding member of Tennessee
Pain Society. Dr. Wike has focused on interventional pain medicine since 1993.
Dr. Wike completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee. He proceeded to
obtain a Master’s Degree in Pharmacology/Physiology from Auburn University before attending
the University of South Alabama Medical School. He returned to Knoxville to complete his
anesthesiology residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Dr. Wike uses multitiered approaches in helping patients with acute and chronic pain.
Procedures include, but are not limited to: epidural steroid injections, joint injections, nerve
ablations, and spinal cord stimulation.
Jonathan York
MD, FAANS
Dr. Jonathan York is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive and complex spinal deformity surgery. Dr. York was born and raised in Crossville, TN. After graduating from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville Honors Program Summa Cum Laude, Dr. York attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He completed his neurosurgical training at the University of Cincinnati / Mayfield Clinic. Dr. York completed a complex spine fellowship at St. Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Dr. York is one of the few fellowship-trained spinal surgeons with dual neurosurgery and orthopedic backgrounds.
Dr. York believes that his training in spinal deformity has made him a better minimally invasive spine surgeon and vice-versa. His philosophy is to maximize all non-surgical measures first and rehabilitate the whole person. When necessary, he pursues the least invasive option possible that still corrects the pathology. Dr. York also treats brain tumors, spinal tumors, and peripheral nerve disorders.