Paul A. Gardner, MD, a recognized leader in minimally invasive skull base surgery, has joined NYU Langone Health’s Department of Neurosurgery to head the newly established Skull Base Surgery Center. Dr. Gardner is known for developing surgical techniques that reduce invasiveness when treating tumors located at the base of the skull, including those near sensitive areas such as the ears, eyes, nose, and back of the head.
Dr. Gardner has been appointed to both the Departments of Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He will serve as vice chair of clinical innovations for the Department of Neurosurgery and director of NYU Langone’s Skull Base Surgery Center.
“Skull base surgery requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort across specialties, including otolaryngology surgeons and endocrinologists, and NYU Langone has some of the most talented leaders in each of those fields,” said Dr. Gardner. “With our talent and dedication to delivering the best possible care to our patients, we are poised to be one of the most exceptional skull-base-surgery specialty centers in the nation.” He also stated that a goal for the center is to achieve recognition as a Pituitary Center of Excellence.
Dr. Gardner’s research focuses on understanding tumor genetics and molecular origins. His work includes advancing classification systems for rare tumors like chordoma and chondrosarcoma to better determine appropriate treatments such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
“Paul is among the nation’s top skull base surgeons and his addition to the stellar talent in skull base surgery at NYU Langone will usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and patient experience across our institution,” said John G. Golfinos, MD, Gray Foundation Chair of Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “We are constantly pushing to reinvent our practice to better serve our patients. Paul’s leadership in skull base surgery will keep us moving forward.”
Umamaheswar Duvvuri, MD, PhD, Mendik Foundation Professor of Otolaryngology and chair at NYU Grossman School of Medicine added: “The recruitment of Dr. Gardner complements our storied and nationally recognized cranial base surgery program. We are excitedly looking forward to developing a collaborative program to enhance the multidisciplinary care for our patients, and to driving the clinical, research, and educational missions.”
Before joining NYU Langone Health, Dr. Gardner directed both the Center for Cranial Base Surgery and Pituitary Center of Excellence at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he was also a professor in neurological surgery and otolaryngology departments. He completed his medical training—including residency and fellowship—in Pittsburgh after earning his undergraduate degree from Florida State University.
Dr. Gardner has published over 435 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored four books on minimally invasive techniques. He is active with several professional societies including editorial roles with journals such as Journal of Neurological Surgery.
NYU Langone Health operates an integrated health system known for low mortality rates nationwide due to its focus on quality outcomes (https://www.vizientinc.com/). The system has received top rankings from Vizient Inc., holding first place among comprehensive academic medical centers nationally for four consecutive years (https://www.usnews.com/best-hospitals). U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four clinical specialties at NYU Langone as number one in the country (https://www.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ny/nyu-langone-medical-center-6213300). The organization provides care through seven inpatient locations along with more than 320 outpatient sites in New York area and Florida; it also includes two tuition-free medical schools based in Manhattan and Long Island.
