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Our Team

Brian McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

I am a board certified Neurosurgeon focusing on all aspects of spinal surgery. I have fellowship training in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal oncology, and Scoliosis surgery in both children and adults.

After completing my residency at Yale University I was the ‘John Cobb’ Fellow in Adult and Pediatric Scoliosis at the Hospital for Special Surgery. I went on to practice in the Washington DC area and became Chief of Neurosurgery at the INOVA Alexandria hospital focusing on Complex Spine Surgery and Pain Management. My family and I, including our dog Mabel, moved to Long Island, NY, in 2019, and look forward to giving back to the community we live and work in.

In my practice, I often combine my experience in minimally invasive surgery with scoliosis/deformity surgery, to find focused solutions for conditions that are typically treated with larger surgeries.

Another interest of mine is motion-preserving surgery, namely disc replacement. This is a burgeoning field—an alternative to spinal fusion—when and where it is appropriate. I see motion preservation as the future for spine health.

It is my privilege to treat patients of all ages with all sizes of spinal pathology. I hold the mantra of Georgetown University, my alma mater, ‘cura personalis’, meaning to ‘treat the whole patient’, to heart. I take a conservative approach tailored to each patient, to maximize their goals, and only think of surgery as a last resort.

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.

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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