Peer-nominated honor places Dr. McHugh among fewer than ten percent of physicians nationwide
Long Island, NY — January, 21, 2026 — McHugh Neurosurgery today announced that Brian McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS, has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor® for 2026, a prestigious national recognition honoring physicians for clinical excellence, leadership, and peer-recognized achievement.
Castle Connolly Top Doctors® are selected through a rigorous, physician-led nomination and research process that evaluates candidates based on professional qualifications, education, hospital appointments, research contributions, and disciplinary history. Fewer than ten percent of physicians nationwide earn this distinction, placing Dr. McHugh among the top tier of board-certified specialists in the United States.
Dr. McHugh’s selection reflects his nationally recognized expertise in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformity, and degenerative spine disease. He completed his neurosurgical residency at Yale University, followed by advanced fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where he served as the John Cobb Fellow in Adult and Pediatric Spinal Deformity.
“Being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust and respect of fellow physicians,” said Dr. McHugh. “I am grateful for the opportunity to care for patients and to continue advancing the field through collaboration, education, and innovation.”
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. McHugh has held senior leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as Chief of Neurosurgery at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, Director of the Spine Program at Good Samaritan University Hospital, and Section Chief of Neurosurgery at St. Joseph Hospital. His work emphasizes patient-centered, evidence-based care and the thoughtful integration of surgical innovation.
Dr. McHugh serves patients throughout the New York City metropolitan region and Long Island through McHugh Neurosurgery. He is also actively engaged in scientific communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing clinical insight to broader conversations around innovation, research, and patient outcomes.
About McHugh Neurosurgery
McHugh Neurosurgery is a specialized neurosurgical practice serving the New York City metropolitan region, focused on advanced, patient-centered treatment of complex spinal conditions. Led by Brian McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS, the practice emphasizes evidence-based care, surgical innovation, and collaboration across clinical and scientific disciplines.
About Dr. Brian McHugh
Brian McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon serving the New York City metropolitan region. He completed his neurosurgical residency at Yale University, followed by advanced fellowship training in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where he served as the John Cobb Fellow in Adult and Pediatric Spinal Deformity. Dr. McHugh specializes in the treatment of degenerative spine disease, spinal deformity, and complex spinal conditions, with a focus on patient-centered, evidence-based care.
