ONS Physician Spotlight on Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon

Get to know neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon and learn what drives his personal approach to caring for patients. Dr. Simon is Board-Certified in neurosurgery and specializes in the treatment of spinal disorders including operative and non-operative treatment of spine deformity and scoliosis. He sees patients at ONS in Stamford, CT.

What is your own practice philosophy?

I’m a big believer in the power of empathy. An empathic doctor will always go the extra mile and take more time to listen to their patients and think about how they can best help them. Following this philosophy encourages me to see each patient as an individual and reject a cookie cutter approach to their treatment.

What made you chose to become a neurosurgeon?

I loved the detective work involved in what I do. More than any other field, I feel neurosurgery allows for the diagnosis to be made just by listening to and examining the patient. Diagnostic imaging is often just confirmation of what I am thinking. I enjoy figuring out what brought the patient into my office and how I can best diagnosis their problem. Then I can come up with a plan to treat that patient’s particular problem given their own unique situation. Often, this treatment plan does not involve surgery.  I only recommend surgery when a patient’s problem has failed other non-surgical interventions.

What trends in your specialty area do you see emerging?

There has been an explosion of innovation in neurosurgery. From robotics to augmented reality to biologics. However, it is important that we not gravitate towards what sounds new and exciting until it’s safety and efficacy has been proven. It is important to make sure that innovation is being driven by clinical need and not finding a clinical use for the sake of using an innovation or technique.

How do you stay current in your field?

Neurosurgery demands constant learning through reading journal articles, attending meetings and courses and sharing knowledge with one’s colleagues and trainees. I particularly find teaching and giving lectures an excellent learning experience.

Outside of work, what are your personal interests? 

I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, swimming, mountain biking & cooking. I particularly love having a great cup of coffee with my wife in the morning.