Dr. Justin Michael Thomas, MD

Justin Michael Thomas, MD, FACS, FAANS, is vice chair of neurosurgery and president of the medical board at South Shore University Hospital (formerly Southside Hospital). Trained as a general neurosurgeon, he has developed a clinical practice with a focus on primary and metastatic brain tumors, degenerative spine disease, Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus. Dr. Thomas leads quality review and performance improvement for the neurosurgery department. Additionally, as trauma liaison for the neurosurgery department, he is responsible for assessing the neurosurgical needs of patients with brain and spine trauma and facilitating their care. His work supports the continued growth and evolution of the trauma-specific capabilities of South Shore, currently a Level II Trauma Center.A Long Island native raised in Islip, Dr. Thomas has both a professional and a personal commitment to the department's mission of providing the highest quality of neurosurgical care, including the full spectrum of …services required for tertiary care, to the people of South Shore's community. He places a special emphasis on thorough and compassionate conversation with his patients and makes it a practice to discuss both operative and non-operative options in depth so that they can make the decision that is best for them. He works collaboratively with the team of neurosurgeons at South Shore to ensure the best care for the most complex conditions. Dr. Thomas is an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and is dedicated to the education of the next generation of neurosurgeons. He provides guidance to residents, physician assistants and nurse practitioners through grand rounds and other teaching sessions. He is also a nationally recognized faculty instructor for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Goodman Oral Board Preparation Course, which is attended by more than 90% of U.S. board-eligible neurosurgeons. Dr. Thomas has a robust basic science research background, is a published author and served as a theme issue co-editor of "AMA Journal of Ethics." In addition to being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Dr. Thomas is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the New York Society for Neurosurgery, the New York Neurotrauma Consortium and the Medical Society of the State of New York. Dr. Thomas graduated from the New York University School of Medicine with honors in Physiology and Neuroscience and completed his residency in neurosurgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo.