MEET DR. PETER A. ZAHOS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon | 30+ Years of Expertise A Nationally Recognized Leader in Neurosurgery

Peter A. Zahos, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a nationally recognized, board-certified neurosurgeon with more than three decades of experience treating complex spine and cranial conditions. Known for his meticulous technique, thoughtful bedside manner, and commitment to evidence-based care, Dr. Zahos has built a reputation as one of the region’s most trusted neurosurgical experts.

Patients choose Dr. Zahos not only for his unparalleled training and credentials, but also for his calm, clarity, and confidence in even the most challenging diagnoses. His philosophy is simple:

Provide the highest level of neurosurgical expertise while treating every patient with honesty, compassion, and respect.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Yale-Educated. Einstein-Trained. Nationally Recognized.

Dr. Zahos began his academic journey at Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts before attending the George Washington University School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree. He completed his surgical internship, neurosurgery residency, and chief residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center—one of the nation’s premier neurosurgical training programs.

His training continued through an observational fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotactic Radiosurgery at UCLA, expanding his expertise in advanced surgical technologies.

Leadership Across America’s Top Neurosurgical Centers

Over the last 30 years, Dr. Zahos has held leadership and attending positions at some of the most respected hospitals and academic institutions in the nation, including:

Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery – Cleveland Clinic Florida
Medical Director, Brain Tumor Institute – Cleveland Clinic Florida
Director, Movement Disorder Surgery – JFK Medical Center
Director, Brain Tumor Program – Geisinger Health System
Chief, Division of Neurosurgery – Jacobi Medical Center
Associate Clinical Professor – UCSF School of Medicine
Assistant Professor – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

He has also served as an attending neurosurgeon at leading hospitals across NJ, NY, CA, FL, and MI, consistently selected for high-acuity, complex surgical programs throughout his career. Today, he continues to serve patients as a Chief of Neurosurgery in his personal practice, Level One Neurosurgery, LLC, while also holding part-time faculty and attending roles in New Jersey and New York.

Current Academic Appointment

Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery

New York Medical College
2016 – Present

This appointment reflects the trust placed in Dr. Zahos to train future neurosurgeons, contribute to academic development, and uphold the highest standards of neurosurgical education.

Board Certification & Professional Credentials

Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS)
Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Member, FAANS
Licensed in New Jersey and New York

These certifications demonstrate lifelong dedication to meeting the strictest national standards in neurosurgical practice.

A Leader in Neurosurgical Innovation

Dr. Zahos is not only a clinician—he is an innovator. He holds numerous U.S. patents related to intervertebral disc repair, neurosurgical implants, hydrogels, craniotomy closure systems, and biologic therapies for disc degeneration. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and showcased at international neurosurgical conferences, demonstrating his commitment to advancing surgical science and patient outcomes.

Specialties & Clinical Focus

Dr. Zahos specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of:

Spine Conditions

Herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Radiculopathy / sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Cervical myelopathy
Spondylolisthesis
Compression fractures
Complex spinal deformity & kyphosis
Multi-level cervical & lumbar instability

Spine Surgery Procedures

Minimally invasive spine surgery
Cervical Fusion (ACDF)
Lumbar laminectomy & microdiscectomy
Navigation-guided instrumentation
Multi-level reconstructive fusion surgery

Brain & Cranial Surgery

Brain tumors
Minimally invasive cranial procedures
Functional neurosurgery
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

His broad clinical scope allows patients to receive comprehensive care under a single highly experienced neurosurgeon.

A Teacher, Researcher, and Innovator

Throughout his career, Dr. Zahos has served as faculty at major medical schools—including UCSF, Seton Hall, the University of Miami, and New York Medical College—where he lectured on topics such as:

Brain tumor management
Cervical disc disease
Neurosurgical technology
Deep Brain Stimulation
Minimally invasive surgery techniques

His record of invited presentations spans national and international conferences, underscoring his respected voice in neurosurgical advancement.

A Surgeon Patients Trust

What truly sets Dr. Zahos apart is not only his technical mastery, but his approach to patient care.

Patients describe him as:

Thorough
Compassionate
Calm
Honest
Detail-focused
A surgeon who explains complex issues with clarity

His philosophy blends rigorous academic standards with individualized, patient-centered decision making. He offers surgery only when necessary and ensures every patient fully understands their condition and options.

Listen to Dr. Zahos on the Podcast

Dr. Zahos is the host of The Life Medical Podcast, a series exploring the people, experiences, and stories behind the medical profession. Through candid conversations with physicians and other healthcare professionals, the podcast examines the realities of medicine from the challenges of patient care and life in the operating room to medical innovation, personal journeys, and the experiences that shape those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

A Life Dedicated to Neurosurgery

Dr. Zahos has been continuously involved in neurosurgical practice, research, and leadership since 1990. His contributions span:

Academic medicine
Clinical leadership
Neurosurgical research
Technological innovation
Medical education
Patient care across five states

Few neurosurgeons bring this level of depth—and even fewer combine it with personal warmth and accessibility.

Meet Dr. Zahos in Person

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to your spine or nervous system, or if you want a trusted second opinion, you can meet with Dr. Zahos at Level One Neurosurgery.

He will review your imaging, explain your diagnosis clearly, and guide you toward the safest and most effective treatment path—always with your long-term health at the center.