Dr. Alexander A. Khalessi, MD, MBA, MS, a distinguished neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health, has been named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the second consecutive year, placing him among an elite group where only about 7 percent of licensed U.S. physicians receive this annual honor in their specialties and regions. This peer-nominated recognition, selected by a physician-led research team, underscores the high regard Dr. Khalessi holds within the medical community and validates his consistent excellence in neurosurgical practice. His expertise spans a comprehensive range of neurological conditions including brain cancer, stroke, and various vascular disorders, with a skill set that encompasses both complex cranial surgery and minimally invasive, catheter-based endovascular neurosurgery.
This versatility enables Dr. Khalessi to treat diverse and complicated neurological issues such as primary and metastatic brain tumors, cavernomas, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), Moyamoya disease, and carotid artery disease. His approach to patient care emphasizes personalization and long-term relationships, recognizing the anxiety that often accompanies neurological diagnoses. Dr. Khalessi explains his philosophy: 'We want to support them in that journey and make it clear we are in a great position to get them back to their life before they needed a neurosurgeon. That starts by listening to their concerns and meeting them in the moment.' This patient-centered methodology combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with compassionate care, making him a valuable asset to both UC San Diego Health and the broader medical community.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Khalessi holds significant leadership positions at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, serving as chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, holding the Don and Karen Cohn Chancellor's Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery, and serving as professor of neurological surgery, radiology, and neurosciences. These roles highlight his substantial contributions to medical education and academic leadership alongside patient care. His educational background is equally distinguished, with a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a seven-year residency in neurological surgery at USC University Hospital, and a fellowship in advanced clinical endovascular neurosurgery at SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine-affiliated hospitals. Additionally, Dr. Khalessi holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and an MS in health services research from Stanford University School of Medicine.
The recognition comes at a critical time when advancements in neurosurgical techniques are rapidly evolving. Dr. Khalessi's proficiency in both traditional and minimally invasive procedures positions him at the forefront of these developments, potentially offering patients access to the most advanced and effective treatments available. His repeated Top Doctor designation, along with multiple 'Top Doc' recognitions from San Diego Magazine, reinforces his standing as a world-class practitioner. As neurosurgical interventions continue to progress, Dr. Khalessi's ongoing recognition suggests that patients in San Diego and beyond have access to exceptional neurological care, with his commitment to clinical excellence and academic leadership indicating a promising future for neurosurgical advancements and patient outcomes at UC San Diego Health.
