Dimitris G. Placantonakis, MD, PhD

When I was in high school, I became fascinated with the genetic code built into our DNA and the exquisite complexity of the brain. Early on, I knew that I wanted to care for patients who had disorders of the brain and work to improve treatment options to increase people’s comfort during and after treatment.

As a neurosurgeon–scientist, I have dedicated my career to surgically treating people who have brain tumors, researching brain tumor biology, and designing new therapies. I specialize in surgery to remove gliomas, glioblastomas, pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases. Using minimally invasive techniques, I am able to minimize the impact of surgery on the brain.

Through my work designing and running clinical trials, I am also able to offer people opportunities to participate in research aimed at advancing new treatments, techniques, and medications that can prolong people’s lives. I am dedicated to advancing the scientific knowledge of complex brain tumors, and I train and mentor future scientists and physician–scientists.

I am honored to have been recognized by Super Doctors and The Leading Physicians of the World many times. It’s gratifying to receive this recognition, but I most cherish the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my patients and their families. A brain cancer diagnosis can be the most difficult and stressful period in a person’s life. I am privileged to be a part of the solution and grateful to be able to form powerful emotional bonds with my patients and their families during these difficult times.