Maxwell B. Merkow, MD, FAANS

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Merkow is a board-certified neurosurgeon with East Bay Brain & Spine Medical Group and BASS Medical Group in Walnut Creek, California. He specializes in minimally invasive approaches for both common and complex spinal disorders as well as brain and pituitary tumors, including stereotactic radiosurgery and laser ablation. Dr. Merkow is an expert in surgical navigation, which he finds enhances surgical precision and improves patient outcomes.

After receiving his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Merkow completed a seven-year residency in neurological surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a clinical fellowship at Wellington Public Hospital in New Zealand. Dr. Merkow has published research on memory, brain rhythms, and brain stimulation in such journals as Science and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Merkow has extensive experience caring for the gamut of spine and brain issues. He takes pride in providing excellent, individualized neurosurgical care in the community setting. Dr. Merkow ensures his patients understand the reasoning behind his recommended course of action, whether that be for surgery or non-operative treatment. His goal is to get his patients back to their lives as quickly as possible.

Dr. Merkow practices in Walnut Creek, California and has full privileges at John Muir Medical Center and the BASS ambulatory surgery center. He serves as the Neurosurgical Division Chair, Neurosurgical Medical Director, and Spine Program Consultant at John Muir Medical Center.