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Dustin Hatefi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in cerebrovascular surgery, open and endoscopic treatment of all tumors and lesions of the skull base, acoustic neuroma, primary brain and spinal cord tumors, metastatic tumors and trigeminal neuralgia. He also has extensive experience in both minimally invasive and open complex spinal procedures.

"My goal is to help guide my patients through their diagnosis and treatment plan," he explained. "I hope to communicate every aspect of the pre-operative plan, surgical procedure, and post-operative experience with my patients to empower them to make the absolute best decision for their mind and body. I use my experience and training to give all my patients the best opportunity for success and healing."

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Hatefi was chief of cranial neurosurgery at NeuSpine Institute in Tampa, Fla. He also was medical director of neurosciences at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, Fla.

Dr. Hatefi completed fellowship training in open/endoscopic skull base and cerebrovascular neurosurgery. He did his residency in neurological surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine and his Master of Public Health in epidemiology at Emory University.

Dr. Hatefi is a member of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons and the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons.

His outside interests include most sports, running and other exercise, playing guitar, photography, gardening, reading, and watching movies.