Neurosurgeon Ryan Hess, M.D. Brings Advanced Expertise to FirstHealth Neurosurgery

Meet Ryan Hess, M.D.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Ryan Hess, M.D., never imagined he would one day become a neurosurgeon. Raised in a blue-collar family, he is the first in his family to earn a college degree. His path to medicine took shape during his undergraduate studies at the University of Buffalo while working alongside a neurosurgery research team, where he discovered a passion for solving complex problems and caring for patients facing some of life's most difficult diagnoses.

"Neurosurgery combines cutting-edge technology with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for patients and their families," Hess said. "That combination is what drew me to the field."

Fellowship-Trained in Brain Tumors and Neuro-Oncology

Hess went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Buffalo where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. During residency, he also earned a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

He later completed fellowship training in surgical neuro-oncology, where he specialized in the treatment of brain and pituitary tumors and other complex neurological conditions at the University of Colorado.

While he enjoys the technical aspect of neurosurgery, he said the relationships he builds with patients is what matters most.

"Patients with brain tumors are often going through one of the most challenging times of their lives," he said. "Helping them navigate that journey and providing hope is incredibly rewarding."

Advancing the Future of Neurosurgical Care

He is also excited about the future of neurosurgery and the rapid advances transforming patient care. From personalized cancer treatments guided by a patient's genetics to emerging technologies that may one day help restore function for people with neurological disabilities, he believes innovation is creating new opportunities to improve both outcomes and quality of life.

He has also helped pioneer a promising treatment that removes harmful substances from the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord while delivering medication directly where it is needed, an approach that has shown encouraging results for patients with conditions such as stroke and severe brain infections.

Bringing Advanced Brain Tumor Care to the Sandhills

When considering where to build his practice, Dr. Hess said FirstHealth stood out because of its patient-centered culture.

"Throughout the interview process, I saw that FirstHealth truly treats patients like family. That commitment to compassionate, high-quality care really resonated with me."

He is especially excited to expand access to advanced brain tumor care in the Sandhills through FirstHealth Neurosurgery's partnership with UNC, allowing more patients to receive specialized treatment closer to home instead of traveling to large academic medical centers.

Outside of the operating room, Dr. Hess enjoys traveling, cooking and learning new languages.

Conditions Treated by FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine

The neurosurgeons at FirstHealth Neurosurgery & Spine treat a variety of diagnoses involving the brain, spine and peripheral nerves, including cervical and lumbar disc disease, spinal stenosis, brain tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy & spinal fractures.

Schedule an Appointment

The office is located at 10 Aviemore Drive in Pinehurst. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (910) 715-8700.