UPMC Welcomes New Chief of Neurosurgery in Harrisburg and Williamsport

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC recently announced the appointment of John Braca III, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., neurosurgeon, to chief of neurosurgery for UPMC Neurological Institute and hospital services in central and north central Pennsylvania. In this role, Dr. Braca will have clinical oversight of eight UPMC Neurological Institute locations serving Annville, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Spring Grove, and Williamsport.

“UPMC Neurological Institute brings together a collaborative team of highly skilled and experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists in convenient locations across the regions we serve where we offer comprehensive treatments for diseases of the brain, spinal column, nerves, and muscles,” said Robert Friedlander, M.D., professor and chair, Department of Neurological Surgery, UPMC. “Under Dr. Braca’s leadership, we will further align our services to leverage the vast expertise and innovation from across the UPMC network to ensure access to the highest quality care right in the communities we serve.”

Dr. Braca received his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y. He completed his residency training in neurological surgery with Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill., and his fellowship training in endovascular and cerebrovascular surgery with Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Carmel, Ill., and spine surgery with Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. Dr. Braca is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

“Our physicians and specialists in the region have a long history of exceptional care, service, and innovation,” said Kim Rinehart, executive administrator, UPMC Neurological Institute, UPMC in Central Pennsylvania. “Dr. Braca’s record of clinical excellence and proven leadership skills made him the ideal choice for this role, not only to continue our legacy of excellence, but to help us continue to be innovative and raise the bar for care in the region. We are excited for the expertise that he brings, and for the future of neurosurgery at UPMC.”

Dr. Braca specializes in treating patients with intracranial aneurysms, cerebral and spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, ischemic stroke intervention, endoscopic minimally invasive skull base surgery, pituitary tumors, brain tumors, spine tumors, degenerative spine disease, cervical myelopathy, motion preservation spine surgery and trigeminal neuralgia/facial pain syndromes.

Prior to joining UPMC, Dr. Braca served as a neurosurgeon with Tower Health, Reading, Pa. He also is an assistant professor with the department of neurosurgery at Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.

To learn more about Neurosurgery at UPMC, visit UPMC.com/Neurosurgery.