Semmes Murphey Neurosurgeons
Madison Michael, Co-Medical Director
Title and Roles
L. Madison Michael II, MD, FAANS, FACS
Professor and Residency Program Director
Department of Neurosurgery
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Director of Cranial Base Surgery
Methodist Brain and Spine Institute
Unified Medical Staff President
Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare
Areas of Expertise
Acoustic Neuromas
Arm Pain
Brain Aneurysms
Brain Tumors
Concussions
Meningiomas
Minimally Invasive Cranial Surgery
Pituitary Adenomas
Skull Base Surgery
Spinal Tumors
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Tic Disorders
Vascular Compression Syndromes
Vascular Neurosurgery
Biography
Dr. Michael graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He was a member of the nationally ranked tennis team, earning MVP status in 1991. He later attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He was an active member of the Medical Student Executive Committee and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha academic honor society and the Imhotep Leadership Society. Upon completion of his internship in general surgery, he began his neurosurgical residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Along with his clinical duties, he was involved in multiple research activities and published articles in respected medical journals. He served as Chief Resident of the program during his final year. Under the influence of Dr. Jon Robertson, he developed a significant interest in skull base neurosurgery and neuro-oncology. Following graduation, he completed a twelve-month international fellowship in skull base and open vascular neurosurgery in Bristol, England, under the guidance of Professor Hugh Coakham and Mr. Richard Nelson.
He has been heavily involved in resident education through the years and currently holds the title of Professor and Program Director for the neurosurgical residency program at the University of Tennessee. He is also Medical Director and Director of Cranial Base Surgery for the Methodist Brain and Spine Institute and Co-Director of the Radiosurgical Center of Memphis. Service within the field of neurosurgery is very important to him, and he is heavily involved with multiple national and international organizations at the leadership level. Recently, he was elected as the President of the Unified Medical Staff for Methodist-Lebonheur Healthcare.
He is the proud parent of three boys - Lattie, Zachary, and Madoc - who never seem to run out of energy. They share a love of the outdoors, sports, and travel.
Publications
Glomus Jugulare Tumors: Historical Overview of the Management of This Disease
Jeffery Sorenson, Co-Medical Director
Areas of Expertise
Arm Pain
Brain Aneurysms
Brain Tumors
Carpal Tunnel
Leg Pain
Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Skull Base Neurosurgery
Spinal Tumors
Spine
Tic Disorders
Tic Douloureux and Hemifacial Spasm
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Weakness
Biography
Dr. Sorenson was born and raised on the gulf coast of Texas. He attended the University of Texas, where he graduated with degrees in Physics and Mathematics. At the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, he conducted research in the neurosciences while earning his medical degree. After completing a neurosurgical residency at the University of Tennessee, he joined the Semmes Murphey Clinic. Dr. Sorenson is also the Medical Director of the Gamma Knife Center.
Among his research interests are molecular and genetic analyses of brain tumors such as meningiomas and gliomas, as well as other neurosurgical conditions.
He and his wife Katharine are the proud parents of Isabel and Alexandra Sorenson.
Publications
Dr. John Brophy
Areas of Expertise
Arm Pain
Back Pain
Brain Tumors
Carpal Tunnel
Concussions
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Head Injury
Leg Pain
Numbness
Spinal Tumors
Spine
Tic Disorders
Weakness
Workers Compensation, Including MMI/PPI Ratings
Biography
Dr. John D. Brophy is a West Point graduate, earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his neurological residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1989. His military experience and training includes commander of a neurosurgical detachment during Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm and the Army Ranger and Airborne courses. He served as Chief of Neurosurgery at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with twelve years on active duty. Dr. Brophy is a board certified neurosurgeon and has maintained a practice in Memphis since 1995. He is licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia.
Prior to joining Semmes Murphey, he and Dr. LaVerne R. Lovell were principals in the Brophy & Lovell Neurosurgical Clinic, with offices in Memphis, Germantown, Jackson, TN and Batesville, MS.
Dr. Michael Muhlbauer
Areas of Expertise
Arm Pain
Back Pain
Brachial Plexis
Carpal Tunnel
Cerebral Palsy
Leg Pain
Numbness
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Spine
Thoracic Outlet
Weakness
Biography
Dr. Michael S. Muhlbauer graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1977 with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in chemistry. He then attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas graduating in 1981. After completing a surgical internship in 1982 he began his neurosurgical residency at the University of Tennessee, Memphis under the direction of Dr. James T. Robertson. During his neurosurgical residency he returned to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and complete& d a rotation in pediatric neurology. In 1986 he went to Bristol, England where he did a 3 month rotation at Frenchay Hospital Locum Registrar in pediatric and adult neurosurgery. Additional training included several months under the direction of Dr. David Klein at Louisiana State University in the area of peripheral neurosurgery.
Upon completion of his neurosurgical residency (1987), Dr. Muhlbauer joined Semmes Murphey Clinic and began practicing pediatric neurosurgery. He became a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Memphis in 1987. He has since enlarged his practice to include adult neurosurgery as well as pediatric neurosurgery with his regional expertise in traumatic spine injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, pediatric spasticity, pediatric spine tumors and adult degenerative disc disorders.
He has 2 grown children, Michael Clayton and Anna Lee. Dr. Muhlbauer also has 2 grandchildren, Ava Elaine and Cooper Ward.
Dr. Chris Nickele
Areas of Expertise
Arm Pain
Arteriovemous Malformations/Fistulas
Back Pain
Brain Aneurysms
Brain Tumors
Carotid Stenting
Carpal Tunnel
Image Guided Surgery
Interventional Neuroradiology
Leg Pain
Lumbar & Cervical Radiculopathy
Numbness
Peripheral Nerve
Spinal Tumors
Spine
Stroke
Weakness
Biography
Dr. Chris Nickele grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated from the Honors Program. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and completed his Neurosurgical Residency at the University of Wisconsin. He completed a Fellowship in Endovascular and Open Vascular Neurosurgery at Semmes Murphey Clinic and the University of Tennessee, and is currently an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee.
As an open endovascular neurosurgeon at Semmes Murphey Clinic, Dr. Nickele specializes in carotid narrowing, strokes, disc herniations, carpal tunnel, lumbar stenosis, aneurysms, vascular malformations and brain tumors.
Dr. Nickele and his wife are happy to live in Memphis with their three children.
Dr. Jason Weaver
Areas of Expertise
Arm Pain
Back Pain
Brain Tumors
Carpal Tunnel
Cervical Spine
Complex Spine
Degenerative Spinal Disease
Disc Herniation
General Spine Including Minimally Invasive Techniques
Leg Pain
Lumbar Spine
Numbness
Radiosurgery
Scoliosis/Deformity
Spinal Revision Surgery
Spinal Tumors
Spine
Weakness
Biography
Dr. Jason Weaver obtained his Bachelor’s degree at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where he graduated top of his class, with majors in both chemistry and biology. He then went on to Saint Louis University School of Medicine where he obtained his medical degree, graduating in 2001. After internship in General Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Dr. Weaver went on to complete residency with the University of Tennessee Department of Neurosurgery and the Semmes Murphey Clinic in Memphis. He graduated from the program in 2007.
Also in 2007, Dr. Weaver completed a complex spine fellowship and neuro-oncology fellowship at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas where he worked extensively with many medical disciplines in the care of the cancer patient. Dr. Weaver joined Semmes Murphey Clinic in 2007. His interest is in any spinal disorder including degenerative, traumatic, or tumor-related conditions. He performs minimally invasive outpatient procedures. He also has an interest in neuro-oncology, managing both operative and non-operative aspects of brain of spinal tumors. He has developed a comprehensive radiosurgery program to treat brain and spine tumors
Dr. Weaver has been married to Dr. Virginia “Jenny” Weaver since 2003. She is a bariatric surgeon with Saint Francis Surgical Weight Loss Center. They have two children.
West Cancer Center & Research Institute Radiation Oncologists
Learn more about the West Cancer Center & Research Institute
Matthew Ballo, MD, FACR
An internationally recognized radiation oncologist, Matthew T. Ballo, MD, FACR, joined West Cancer Center from the University of Texas MD Anderson.
Titles and Roles
Director, Radiation Oncology, West Cancer Center
Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, West Clinic Radiation Oncology Group
Professor and Chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Ballo is a recognized academic leader in the treatment of malignant melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma, but is an experienced clinician who treats patients with cancers of any site.
Biography
Dr. Ballo has played an important role in expanding the Radiation Oncology program at West Cancer Center and advancing clinical excellence in the Mid-South. He is the founding chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and leads a department that includes six highly trained radiation oncologists, as well as a full complement of staff including radiation physicists, therapists, and dosimetrists. He is also developing a Radiation Oncology residency program. Dr. Ballo has interest in wellness and survivorship and plans to implement new programs for patients receiving radiation therapy. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Radiology, American Society of Clinical Oncologists, and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
Education and Training
Dr. Ballo earned his M.D. from the top-rated Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, in 1995. He completed his clinical internship at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland in 1996 and finished his clinical residency at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2000, where he then rose to Professor of Radiation Oncology. In 2006, Dr. Ballo was asked to serve as MD Anderson’s Director of Radiation Oncology services within the regional care centers, where he was responsible for physician promotion and career development, operations, and expanding its research and educational components.
Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha, Honor Medical Society, 1995
Ivan E. Shalit Prize for Excellence in Patient Care, 1995
Anderson Associates Travel Grant Award, 1998
First Prize Gilbert H. Fletcher Award, Gilbert H. Fletcher Society, 1998
First Prize Gilbert H. Fletcher Award, Gilbert H. Fletcher Society, 1999
Excellence in Cancer Patient Education Award, Cancer Patient Education Network, 2011
Research
To learn more about the Radiation Oncology Research Program and its areas of focus, click here.
Publications
To view Dr. Ballo’s recent publications, click here.
Nilesh V. Dubal, MD
Nilesh V. Dubal, MD, is a Radiation Oncologist with West Cancer Center who specializes in thoracic, gastrointestinal and lung cancers.
Areas of Expertise
Thoracic cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Lung cancer
Biography
Dr. Dubal is board certified in both Radiation Oncology and Internal Medicine. He has practiced for more than 15 years as a Radiation Oncologist, with 13 years here in Memphis. After his residency with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served as a Radiation Oncologist with Laurinburg Cancer Center in Laurinburg, NC, followed by three years at the Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Center. He then moved to Memphis, where he served as a Radiation Oncologist with Memphis Radiological. Subsequently, he joined West Cancer Center’s family. Dr. Dubal is a member of the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.
Education and Training
Dr. Dubal received his medical degree from Wake Forest University. He completed a three-year internal medicine residency at the University of Vermont, followed by his radiation oncology residency and an additional fellowship year at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Todd Stockstill, MD
Titles and Roles
Todd F. Stockstill, MD, is a Radiation Oncologist with West Cancer Center.
Areas of Expertise
Head and Neck cancer
Biography
Dr. Stockstill is an American Board of Radiology certified Radiation Oncologist with West Cancer Center in Memphis, TN. After his residency at Allegheny General Hospital, he served as an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for 5 years. He then moved to Memphis, where he was employed as a Radiation Oncologist with Memphis Radiological for 19 years. In 2004, Dr. Stockstill joined the West Cancer Center family. He is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Stockstill is married with four children, and in his free time he enjoys fly fishing, hiking, and rooting for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Education and Training
Dr. Stockstill completed his undergraduate education at the University of Virginia. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He completed his training in Therapeutic Radiation Oncology with his residency at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
Lillian Rinker, MD
Titles and Roles
Assistant Professor, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine
Areas of Expertise
Gynecologic Cancer
Breast Cancer
Biography
Dr. Rinker is an American Board of Radiology certified radiation oncologist with West Cancer Center. After her fellowship with the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, she served as a radiation oncologist with Memphis Radiological Professional Corporation for 16 years. She then joined West Cancer Center’s team in 2014. Dr. Rinker is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Radiology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and sits on the Methodist University Hospital Cancer Committee. Every month, she participates in or presents at multidisciplinary conferences to stay up to date on the latest research and procedures. She is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Brachytherapy Society, and the American College of Radiation Oncology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, playing piano, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Education and Training
Dr. Rinker completed her undergraduate education at North Carolina State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Rinker received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. She also completed her training in Radiation Oncology with an internship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, followed by her residency at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, and a fellowship in radiation oncology research in hypoxia at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
Awards
NCSU Fellows Board of Directors, 1996-1997
Chief Resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 1995
M. Robert Cooper, M.D., award for outstanding senior medical student in oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1992
Full-merit Fullerton Scholarship to Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Research
Dr. Rinker’s current research projects include:
Determination of hypoxia/hypoxic fraction and proliferation in human squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and head and neck tumors using immunohistochemistry with pimonidazole/PCNA
3D Image Registration project comparing conventional human tumor registration of CT/plain films with computerized manual tumor registration using MR/CT data
Interaction of HAM-56 monoclonal antibody with various cell lines including macrophages and mesotheliomas
Publications
Dr. Rinker has been published multiple times, with the most recent being presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting on physicians’ influence on breast conservation therapy. To view Dr. Rinker’s recent publications, click here.
Cynthia Dabney, MD
Titles and Roles
Board Certification in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology
Areas of Expertise
Gamma Radiosurgery
Biography
Active practice as part of the team for radiosurgery since inception of the Gamma Knife in 1995. Currently active in exclusive practice at the Radiosurgery Center of Memphis with Infini system. Radiation oncologist at Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare with Memphis Radiology PC
Education and Training
BA, MS University of Mississippi
MD University of Tennessee
Internship and residency in Radiology Methodist Hospitals of Memphis