Across the Carolinas, the Novant Health Neurosciences Institute delivers advanced, coordinated care for patients with brain, spine and neurological conditions. From stroke and movement disorders to sleep and spine care, subspecialty fellowship-trained teams ensure every patient is guided to the right expert, no matter where they enter the system.

Advancing neurosurgical and spine care

Novant Health’s board-certified neurosurgeons provide a full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical spine solutions, with next-day appointments for low back pain and care pathways that move patients quickly into treatment.

“We have subspecialty fellowship trained spine surgeons who offer nuanced, personalized care for patients with novel intraoperative methods, including navigated technology and minimally invasive multiposition surgeries, which promote faster recovery times,” said Kelly Wackerle, MD, neurosurgeon at Novant Health.

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery in 2025, while Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center was named a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery by BlueCross Blue Shield, recognition of the system’s dedication to precision and outcomes.

Innovation that transforms lives

Across all regions, Novant Health is leading with technologies once limited to major academic centers. It was one of the first centers to combine Brainlab digital Neuro ORs, the Aesculap Aeos robotic digital exoscope, and a hybrid operating room, a combination that enables unparalleled visualization and surgical precision.

For patients suffering from debilitating tremor due to essential tremor or tremor-predominant Parkinson's disease, Novant Health offers deep brain stimulation as well as being a national leader in MR-guided focused ultrasound. "Focused ultrasound has markedly improved access to treatment for patients who would not be candidates for traditional surgery," said Charles Munyon, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of movement disorders, epilepsy, and complex pain. "Because it does not involve any incisions, and can be performed on an outpatient basis, focused ultrasound can help restore independence and confidence to patients who previously had no available options."

Leading neurology expertise

Novant Health neurologists provide advanced care for multiple sclerosis, headache, sleep and other conditions. In Wilmington, Sara Klein, MD, provides comprehensive multidisciplinary MS treatment, integrating the latest disease modifying therapies with coordinated patient-center care. In Charlotte, Megan Donnelly, DO, specializes in headache medicine, tailoring treatments that reduce frequency and severity for complex migraine cases and neuro-obstetrics, providing specialized care to pregnant women with neurological conditions.

Sleep medicine is another expanding focus. “Sleep impacts every aspect of brain health,” said Meredith Snapp, MD, neurologist and sleep specialist. “By diagnosing and treating disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy, we’re improving neurological outcomes and quality of life.”

Speed, skill and compassion in stroke care

With 10 certified stroke centers, three Comprehensive and seven Primary, Novant Health exceeds national benchmarks. At Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, door-to-treatment time for stroke averages just 20 minutes, less than half the national standard.

“Our teams are built for speed and precision,” said Mark Murray, MD, system physician executive for Novant Health Neurosciences Institute. “Whether a patient arrives at a community hospital or a major medical center, they receive the same high standard of timely, evidence-based care.”

A systemwide commitment to collaboration

From the South Carolina coast to the North Carolina coast, extending through the Triad and Charlotte, the Neurosciences Institute offers seamless coordination for patients and referring physicians alike. The regional model ensures patients receive subspecialized care close to home, supported by innovation, research and compassion.

“By aligning our expertise across regions, we’re breaking down barriers to care,” added Dr. Murray. “If we can get the patient into the Novant Health system, we can guide them to the right specialist, wherever that expert may be.”

Contributing Subject Matter Experts:

Sara Klein, MD

Charles Munyon, MD

Megan Donnelly, MD

Meredith Snapp, MD

Mark Murray, MD

Our Connected Care Commitment

  • Save time. One centralized eFax handles referrals to all our North Carolina specialists.
  • Accelerate care. Patients can get from referral to treatment with appointments available in as little as 48 hours.
  • Higher patient satisfaction. Our optimized schedules and workflows create more appointment options for a smoother patient experience.
  • Reduce administrative burden. Our process frees your team to focus on care, not coordination.
  • 24/7 behavioral health. Patients can call 800-718-3550 anytime, with referral outreach within 48 hours.

Our referral process is designed to save you time and improve patient care by reducing the obstacles you face every day – such as patients waiting weeks to be scheduled, repeated phone calls and unclear next steps.