Dr. Marc S. Schwartz, a neurological surgeon at UC San Diego Health, has been named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his eighth consecutive year receiving this peer-nominated recognition. This distinction places him among an elite group, as only about 7 percent of licensed U.S. doctors are selected annually in their specialties and regions. Dr. Schwartz specializes in treating complex cranial conditions, focusing on brain and skull base tumors such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, and tumors linked to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), along with disorders of the cranial nerves.
As co-director of the Acoustic Neuroma Program at UC San Diego Health, Dr. Schwartz has performed over 3,000 operations for patients with acoustic neuromas, representing the largest experience of any currently practicing neurosurgeon in the United States. This extensive surgical volume underscores a significant contribution to the treatment landscape for this specific condition. Beyond traditional surgery, Dr. Schwartz is at the forefront of innovative treatments. He collaborates with neurotologist Dr. Rick Friedman to place auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) in patients with deafness caused by NF2 or other conditions where conventional hearing aids or cochlear implants are ineffective. Having performed over 100 ABI procedures, Dr. Schwartz leads the nation in this specialized intervention, offering a critical option for patients with severe hearing impairments.
Dr. Schwartz's patient care philosophy is holistic and personalized, considering individual needs and discussing all available surgical and non-surgical options. This approach, combined with his technical mastery, has earned him respect from patients and peers alike. The Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition is particularly significant as it is based on peer nominations and selection by a physician-led research team, affirming his standing within the medical community. His educational background includes a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, a residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a skull-base surgery fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University. He currently serves as a professor of neurological surgery at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.
The implications of Dr. Schwartz's work and recognition extend beyond individual patient outcomes. His expertise and pioneering approaches, such as the high-volume ABI program detailed at https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/neuro/Pages/auditory-brainstem-implant.aspx, contribute to advancing the entire field of neurological surgery, potentially influencing future treatment protocols and surgical techniques. For patients facing complex cranial conditions, especially rare or challenging tumors like those associated with NF2, his repeated Top Doctor status provides assurance of access to highly specialized care. In an evolving medical landscape, the role of such dedicated specialists is increasingly crucial for achieving optimal patient outcomes in complex neurosurgical cases.
