Zubair Ahammad, DO
Dr. Zubair Ahammad is a board-certified neurosurgeon and has cared for patients at Mercy Health for 6 years. He serves as the chair of the department of Neurological Surgery and is deeply committed to leading and advancing the program. He is well known for complex spinal revision and reconstructive surgery including utilization of cutting-edge technology for customized approaches for everything from spinal tumors to infections. He also has extensive experience in cranial surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and neurotrauma.
Dr. Ahammad attended medical school at Michigan State University. He completed his internship in General Surgery as well his Neurological Surgery residency at OhioHealth Grant and Riverside Hospitals in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Ahammad is actively involved in clinical research with multiple active clinical trial involving spinal cord injury and brain trauma, demonstrating his commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in medical practice and research.
Dr. Ahammad grew up in East Lansing, Michigan and is proud to serve the Toledo community while remaining close to family. He is an avid international traveler enjoying immersion in other cultures, languages and cuisines. He also enjoys cooking when able and exploring new recipes.
The most rewarding aspect of practicing as a neurosurgeon: “The variety of pathologies treated in neurosurgery means we have the ability to offer not only life-saving treatments like in trauma or brain bleeds but also life-changing interventions for people that are in debilitating pain or have disabling weakness or other neurological impairments.”
Brian Hoeflinger, MD
Dr. Brian Hoeflinger is a board-certified neurosurgeon who has been caring for patients in the Toledo area for more than 25 years. He is very passionate about educating his patients to give them the best understanding of, and involvement in their own medical care. He is primarily recognized for his expertise in spinal cord and vertebral column surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. His other clinical interests include disorders affecting the brain and nervous system disorders. His commitment to technical excellence and compassionate patient care makes him a trusted partner for patients faced with neurological challenges.
After completing medical school at the Medical College of Ohio, Dr. Hoeflinger pursued a research fellowship at Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He continued his training in general surgery and neurological surgery through an internship and residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Demonstrating his ongoing dedication to the field, Dr. Hoeflinger is a respected member of multiple medical associations such as the North American Spine Society and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Hoeflinger takes pride in educating and sharing his expertise with the Toledo community. Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through exercising, golfing, swimming, and scuba diving.
The most rewarding aspect of practicing as a neurosurgeon: “Having a patient tell me how drastically I have changed their life for the better. It makes me realize what a privilege it is to serve and help patients in need.”
David Lewis, MD
Dr. David Lewis has been proud to serve Toledo and the surrounding communities for nearly 10 years. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and treats a wide range of conditions including hydrocephalus, disc herniation, tumors and nervous system disorders. He is dedicated to same-day and minimally invasive surgical techniques that minimizes patient recovery time, while maximizing surgical precision. Dr. Lewis also has extensive experience and a special interest in treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Dr. Lewis obtained his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. Following medical school, he completed his internship in General Surgery and his residency in Neurological Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Lewis’ dedication to continued education is displayed through his membership in multiple professional organizations such as the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Lewis enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys boating on Lake Erie and exploring new destinations when traveling to visit extended family.
The most rewarding aspect of practicing as a neurosurgeon: “I enjoy neuroscience and being able to see direct results from surgical care. It is very rewarding to help someone by removing a brain tumor, treating a head injury, or reducing pain with a carefully chosen spine surgery.”
Xin Sean Xin, DO
Dr. Xin is a board-certified neurosurgeon with a specialization in neurosurgical oncology and has been with Mercy Health for the past 4 years. Dr. Xin is dedicated to achieving the best possible surgical outcomes for every patient using tailored patient-specific approaches, meticulous surgical techniques, and cutting-edge technologies including advanced AI-driven brain mapping. His expertise encompasses complex brain tumor surgery, ultra minimally invasive robotic--assisted spine surgery, epilepsy surgery, motion preservation and restoration spine surgery, peripheral nerve surgery and cerebrovascular surgery.
Dr. Xin earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences. He then completed his neurosurgery residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Xin pursued additional training through a fellowship in neurosurgical oncology at City of Hope, focusing on the treatment of both benign and malignant brain and spine tumors.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Xin enjoys traveling, photography, and fishing. Originally from a small town in Shanxi, China, Dr. Xin is honored to bring his expertise to Mercy Health and call Toledo his home.
The most rewarding aspect of practicing as a neurosurgeon: “To be able to a make dramatic difference in relieving the suffering of patients, whether to restore neurologic function or to relief debilitating pain through surgery. I understand the fear and anxiety when a patient is confronted with the possible need for surgery and I take a holistic approach and partner with patients so they can make the best treatment decision, in alignment with their goals of care and values.
Outpatient
- Jennifer Fender, PA
- Marguerite Flath-Yerkes, CNP
- Danah Jacks, CNP
Inpatient
- Andrea Adams, CNP
- Rachel Kempa, PA-C
- Rebecca Morris, CNP
- Andrea Thiede, CNP
- Anthony Ignatovich, PA-C