Mark M. Souweidane, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgeon
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Areas of Expertise
My Specialties
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Brain Tumors
- Endoscopic Surgery
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About Me
- Attending Neurosurgeon
I have dedicated my life’s work to the surgical treatment of children with brain and spinal disorders. I am internationally recognized for my deep experience in challenging surgeries. These include removing tumors near the spine and in the ventricles of the brain (called intraventricular brain tumors); managing tumors in the pineal gland, also in the brain; treating congenital cysts, which are present in the body at birth; and correcting Chiari malformation, a condition in which tissue from the brain extends into the spinal canal. I perform about 300 surgeries each year; many of them are minimally invasive.
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One of the techniques I specialize in is endoscopic surgery. This method uses small cameras called scopes that are inserted through tiny incisions or the openings in the body, such as the nose and mouth. I perform this type of surgery for the conditions above, as well as for hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and colloid cysts, which form inside the ventricles of the brain. Endoscopic surgery has revolutionized the way we treat these diseases. It reduces the risk of complications and enhances recovery but is just as effective as traditional open surgery. I also use this approach to treat some adult patients, in addition to children.
In my research, my laboratory focuses on improving outcomes for children with brain tumors. We study brain tumor models and new approaches to chemotherapy.
We also study the use of very small catheters to deliver medicine to parts of the body that can’t be accessed through surgery. This technique is known as convection-enhanced delivery. Our work has paved the way for clinical trials and the chance for effective treatments for children who otherwise do not have these options.
For example, in a phase I clinical trial that I am leading in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a type of brain stem tumor, we are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of delivering different doses of a new drug directly into the tumor through convection-enhanced delivery. Find out more about this clinical trial and eligibility for enrollment by calling 212-639-2336.
In addition to my role as a neurosurgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I serve as Vice Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, Director of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, and Professor of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College. Nationally, I am Chair of the Neurosurgery Committee of the Children’s Oncology Group, and I serve on the editorial boards of several of the most prominent peer-reviewed neurosurgery journals.
I am inspired by the children I treat and the commitment of their parents. When I meet a patient for the first time, I try to gain a level of trust and confidence and provide comfort. I recognize that honesty, integrity, and humility are important components of my relationship with my patients and their parents. These virtues form the foundation of everything I do.
A pediatric neurosurgeon is a doctor with special training in surgery on the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves). They treat children and adolescents.
My Specialties
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Brain Tumors
- Endoscopic Surgery
- Pineal Tumors & Pineal Cysts
- Brainstem Tumors
- Colloid Cyst Surgery
Education
- MD, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residencies
- Neurosurgery - New York University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors
- Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentorship, Weill Cornell Medicine (2024)
- Cristian Rivera Vision of Hope Award (2023)
- Alumni Honorary Fellowship Award, Weill Cornell Medical College (2024)
- Pilot Accelerator Award, St. Baldrick's Foundation and American Cancer Society (2021)
- Pioneer Award for Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (2020)
- Super Doctors, New York Times magazine (2023)
Fellowships
- Pediatric Neurosurgery - Hospital for Sick Children
Insurance Information
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PPO, HMO, DSN
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PPO
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HMO, EPO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.
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EPO, HMO, PPO, POS
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HMO
In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
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In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
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State Government
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Current Patients
Contact and Location
Dr. Souweidane sees patients at one location.
Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.
Colleagues
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Co-Investigated by Dr. Souweidane
- A Phase 1 Study of LN-145 and LN-144 in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Solid Tumors
Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.
Search clinical trialsResearch and Publications
Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Souweidane’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
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