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Our Team

Brian McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Dr. Brian J. McHugh is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in all aspects of spine surgery, with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal oncology, and scoliosis surgery in both children and adults.

Following his neurosurgical residency at Yale University, Dr. McHugh completed the prestigious John Cobb Fellowship in Adult and Pediatric Scoliosis at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. He subsequently practiced in the Washington, D.C. area, where he served as Chief of Neurosurgery at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, focusing on complex spine surgery and pain management.

In 2019, Dr. McHugh relocated to Long Island with his wife and three kids. Since then, he has been committed to caring for patients and contributing to the community he now calls home.

Dr. McHugh’s surgical approach combines his expertise in minimally invasive techniques with his extensive experience in scoliosis and spinal deformity surgery. Whenever possible, he seeks targeted solutions for complex spinal conditions that might otherwise require more extensive procedures.

He also has a particular interest in motion-preserving spine surgery, including artificial disc replacement. For appropriately selected patients, these procedures may offer an alternative to traditional spinal fusion while helping maintain natural spinal movement.

At the heart of Dr. McHugh’s practice is a philosophy rooted in cura personalis, the Georgetown University principle of caring for the whole person. He believes that treatment should begin with understanding each patient’s individual circumstances, concerns, and goals. His approach is thoughtful and conservative, prioritizing nonsurgical options whenever appropriate and considering surgery only when it offers a meaningful benefit.

Above all, Dr. McHugh is committed to helping patients of all ages understand their conditions, make informed decisions, and pursue the best possible quality of life.

Courtney Pendleton, MD, FAANS

Courtney Pendleton, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in peripheral nerve surgery and spinal disorders, bringing over a decade of expertise to her role at McHugh Neurosurgery. After graduating from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Pendleton completed her neurosurgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Her extensive training includes a Peripheral Nerve Surgery Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, a Sugita Fellowship at Nagoya University Hospital in Japan and advanced training in pediatric deformity at Shriners’ Hospital for Children.

Prior to joining private practice, Dr. Pendleton was the Director of the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Center at Stony Brook University and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Pendleton is one of only a few peripheral nerve trained neurosurgeons in the Northeast and looks forward to continuing to provide uniquely specialized care to patients with peripheral nerve disorders.

When not in clinic, Dr. Pendleton enjoys spending time with her family, reading mystery novels and working in her garden.

Jordan C. Iordanou, MD, PhD

Jordan C. Iordanou, MD, PhD, is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in general and functional neurosurgery with a focus on treating complex and chronic pain. As a stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon he is looking forward to bringing advanced treatment options to improve the quality of life for patients with neurological disorders on Long Island.

After obtaining his MD and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from SUNY Downstate, Dr. Iordanou completed an internship at Stony Brook University and his neurosurgical residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. His extensive training includes fellowships at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York City and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where he received advanced training in the treatment of Epilepsy Movement Disorders and Pain.

Having grown up in Manhasset, Dr. Iordanou is excited to start his practice on Long Island. He and his wife and three children currently reside in Suffolk County and look forward to giving back to their community.

Nathan Mahanirananda, PA-C

Nathan Mahanirananda is a nationally certified physician assistant who earned his Master of Science degree at Hofstra University. He began his career in orthopedic-spine surgery in 2018 after relocating to Dallas, TX, and has extensive experience managing a variety of spine conditions and assisting in surgical procedures. In 2024, he moved back to the East Coast with his wife and Goldendoodle, Riley, to be closer to family, and joined Dr. McHugh’s neurosurgical practice. In his free time, he enjoys being active outdoors, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Affiliates:

“Getting an appointment was quick and easy. The ladies I spoke with were all very professional, friendly, and helpful, whether it was a phone call or in-person visits. Being able to complete paperwork online before going to the office was convenient as well. Dr. McHugh was very professional and gave a clear and honest opinion and plan moving forward.”

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