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https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1932468063&view=plain

Benjamin Zussman, MD

Specialties

Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Benjamin Zussman, MD

Neurosurgeon with Wellstar since 2020.

Specialties

Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Neurosurgeon with Wellstar since 2020
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly headshot of Benjamin M Zussman, MD Benjamin Zussman, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

Stroke Care

Specialties

  • Neurosurgery
  • Spine Surgery

Education & Training

  • Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • UPMC Medical Education Program

Fellowship

  • UPMC Medical Education Program

Certifications

  • American Board of Neurological Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Languages spoken

  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Alternative to Spinal Fusion
  • Disk Replacement Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
  • Motion Preservation Surgery
  • Outpatient Spine Surgery
  • Revision Spine Surgery
  • Scoliosis Surgery
  • Spinal Deformity
  • Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.9

Based on 155 patient ratings

I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

The whole experience was a very pleasant one beginning with the receptionist. The attending nurse was nice and friendly making me real comfortable. Then Dr.Zussman was outstanding showing great care and empathy explained every detail his findings and made me extremely at peace. I felt fortunate to have him as my doctor related to neurological challenges. I would strongly recommend him for any of my family and friends. May God bless him?

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman and all medical staff showed me great concern.

June 27, 2025

5

Great physician, listens to his patients. Time is very good, very courteous, the whole staff. Nothing but excellent things to say about Dr. Benjamin.

May 17, 2025

5

Benjamin Zussman, MD, FAANS was a very informative and passionate about his field. Very informative visit and had no concerns once leaving.

May 3, 2025

5

I was very pleased with everything. Just the timely manner, no waiting, and the, let's see, I don't know how to explain it, courtesy and information I received. Thank you.

April 23, 2025

5

Very pleased with everyone!

April 14, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is an AWESOME, Caring Neurosurgeon whom I am so thankful to have found. I feel blessed, as does my husband.

April 7, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman made my husband and I feel so much a part of his explanation of what was wrong with me that I finally understood what had happened.

April 3, 2025

5

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Really felt that they cared for my condition and wanted the best for me. Gave me options when it came to my treatment. Explained to and demonstrated my condition.

April 3, 2025

5

From the time we scheduled the office appointment through us leaving the office appointment with Dr Zussman all of our questions. Concerns, and more were answered beyond our expectations. Dr Zussman made my husband feel heard and care like it was a family member taking care of him.

March 26, 2025

5

Exceptionally nice staff. They welcomed me with their hearts. I almost felt like royalty! It was my first visit and I am impressed

March 23, 2025

5

Very courteous and friendly staff and doctor.Didn't rush in and out took time to listen to you

March 21, 2025

5

Fantastic

March 7, 2025

5

Excellent! The Doctor took time to explain and communicate clearly.

March 3, 2025

5

I was very well attended since I entered the establishment. The receptionist is a lovely person, the whole team. And the very attentive doctor answered all my questions and gave me confidence.

February 27, 2025

5

Doctor very easy to talk with

February 9, 2025

5

Mike really likes the doctors at WellStar and I have to say Dr. Zussman was exceptional. His bedside manner and his just we felt so incredibly comfortable with his expertise and his caring. Highly recommend him. Thank you. Bye. Bye.

February 8, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is great. He listens, gives clear explanations and instructions. I highly recommend him

January 26, 2025

5

Very helpful. Just had a long wait to see the doc.

January 12, 2025

5

Many thanks

January 1, 2025

5

Dr.Zussman is an incredibly thorough Doctor. He is very informative and helps you understand exactly what is needed for his patient's.

January 1, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is a very good listener and he cares about his patients. He shows empathy and concern. I highly recommend him.

December 26, 2024

5

Good and professional!!!

December 24, 2024

5

Dr Zussman is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. Trust him implicitly

December 20, 2024

5

Everyone was very professional including the front office, and medical assistant. Dr. Zussman was very empathetic and had an excellent bedside manner. He did a thorough assessment and explained to me his findings and recommendations clearly.

December 15, 2024

5

Dr. ZUSSMAN is kind, caring, and genuinely interested in helping me. He is down to earth. He doesn't rush you through the appointment. He asks and answers a lot of questions. He is thorough, as well as thoroughly invested in my care. I appreciate his authenticity and plain speech geared toward communicating with me about my spine and the long list of spinal conditions and ailments that I have. I am very grateful that he is my new doctor.

December 5, 2024

5

I have total confidence in Dr. Zussman. Additionally , every staff member I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable.

November 22, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is an outstanding doctor.

November 20, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman and his staff are very caring and nurturing and very professional always, at all times and I appreciate everything that they have done for me as a patient.

November 20, 2024

5

The only negative about this doctor and practice is the affiliation with North Fulton Hospital. Personal experience with this hospital on multiple occasions endangered my life and health. The hospital culture and staff competence is a risk I will avoid whenever possible.

November 18, 2024

5

The whole experience was a very pleasant one beginning with the receptionist. The attending nurse was nice and friendly making me real comfortable. Then Dr.Zussman was outstanding showing great care and empathy explained every detail his findings and made me extremely at peace. I felt fortunate to have him as my doctor related to neurological challenges. I would strongly recommend him for any of my family and friends. May God bless him?

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman and all medical staff showed me great concern.

June 27, 2025

5

Great physician, listens to his patients. Time is very good, very courteous, the whole staff. Nothing but excellent things to say about Dr. Benjamin.

May 17, 2025

5

Benjamin Zussman, MD, FAANS was a very informative and passionate about his field. Very informative visit and had no concerns once leaving.

May 3, 2025

5

I was very pleased with everything. Just the timely manner, no waiting, and the, let's see, I don't know how to explain it, courtesy and information I received. Thank you.

April 23, 2025

5

Very pleased with everyone!

April 14, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is an AWESOME, Caring Neurosurgeon whom I am so thankful to have found. I feel blessed, as does my husband.

April 7, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman made my husband and I feel so much a part of his explanation of what was wrong with me that I finally understood what had happened.

April 3, 2025

5

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Really felt that they cared for my condition and wanted the best for me. Gave me options when it came to my treatment. Explained to and demonstrated my condition.

April 3, 2025

5

From the time we scheduled the office appointment through us leaving the office appointment with Dr Zussman all of our questions. Concerns, and more were answered beyond our expectations. Dr Zussman made my husband feel heard and care like it was a family member taking care of him.

March 26, 2025

5

Exceptionally nice staff. They welcomed me with their hearts. I almost felt like royalty! It was my first visit and I am impressed

March 23, 2025

5

Very courteous and friendly staff and doctor.Didn't rush in and out took time to listen to you

March 21, 2025

5

Fantastic

March 7, 2025

5

Excellent! The Doctor took time to explain and communicate clearly.

March 3, 2025

5

I was very well attended since I entered the establishment. The receptionist is a lovely person, the whole team. And the very attentive doctor answered all my questions and gave me confidence.

February 27, 2025

5

Doctor very easy to talk with

February 9, 2025

5

Mike really likes the doctors at WellStar and I have to say Dr. Zussman was exceptional. His bedside manner and his just we felt so incredibly comfortable with his expertise and his caring. Highly recommend him. Thank you. Bye. Bye.

February 8, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is great. He listens, gives clear explanations and instructions. I highly recommend him

January 26, 2025

5

Very helpful. Just had a long wait to see the doc.

January 12, 2025

5

Many thanks

January 1, 2025

5

Dr.Zussman is an incredibly thorough Doctor. He is very informative and helps you understand exactly what is needed for his patient's.

January 1, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is a very good listener and he cares about his patients. He shows empathy and concern. I highly recommend him.

December 26, 2024

5

Good and professional!!!

December 24, 2024

5

Dr Zussman is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. Trust him implicitly

December 20, 2024

5

Everyone was very professional including the front office, and medical assistant. Dr. Zussman was very empathetic and had an excellent bedside manner. He did a thorough assessment and explained to me his findings and recommendations clearly.

December 15, 2024

5

Dr. ZUSSMAN is kind, caring, and genuinely interested in helping me. He is down to earth. He doesn't rush you through the appointment. He asks and answers a lot of questions. He is thorough, as well as thoroughly invested in my care. I appreciate his authenticity and plain speech geared toward communicating with me about my spine and the long list of spinal conditions and ailments that I have. I am very grateful that he is my new doctor.

December 5, 2024

5

I have total confidence in Dr. Zussman. Additionally , every staff member I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable.

November 22, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is an outstanding doctor.

November 20, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman and his staff are very caring and nurturing and very professional always, at all times and I appreciate everything that they have done for me as a patient.

November 20, 2024

5

The only negative about this doctor and practice is the affiliation with North Fulton Hospital. Personal experience with this hospital on multiple occasions endangered my life and health. The hospital culture and staff competence is a risk I will avoid whenever possible.

November 18, 2024

5

The whole experience was a very pleasant one beginning with the receptionist. The attending nurse was nice and friendly making me real comfortable. Then Dr.Zussman was outstanding showing great care and empathy explained every detail his findings and made me extremely at peace. I felt fortunate to have him as my doctor related to neurological challenges. I would strongly recommend him for any of my family and friends. May God bless him?

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman and all medical staff showed me great concern.

June 27, 2025

5

Great physician, listens to his patients. Time is very good, very courteous, the whole staff. Nothing but excellent things to say about Dr. Benjamin.

May 17, 2025

5

Benjamin Zussman, MD, FAANS was a very informative and passionate about his field. Very informative visit and had no concerns once leaving.

May 3, 2025

5

I was very pleased with everything. Just the timely manner, no waiting, and the, let's see, I don't know how to explain it, courtesy and information I received. Thank you.

April 23, 2025

5

Very pleased with everyone!

April 14, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is an AWESOME, Caring Neurosurgeon whom I am so thankful to have found. I feel blessed, as does my husband.

April 7, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman made my husband and I feel so much a part of his explanation of what was wrong with me that I finally understood what had happened.

April 3, 2025

5

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Really felt that they cared for my condition and wanted the best for me. Gave me options when it came to my treatment. Explained to and demonstrated my condition.

April 3, 2025

5

From the time we scheduled the office appointment through us leaving the office appointment with Dr Zussman all of our questions. Concerns, and more were answered beyond our expectations. Dr Zussman made my husband feel heard and care like it was a family member taking care of him.

March 26, 2025

5

Exceptionally nice staff. They welcomed me with their hearts. I almost felt like royalty! It was my first visit and I am impressed

March 23, 2025

5

Very courteous and friendly staff and doctor.Didn't rush in and out took time to listen to you

March 21, 2025

5

Fantastic

March 7, 2025

5

Excellent! The Doctor took time to explain and communicate clearly.

March 3, 2025

5

I was very well attended since I entered the establishment. The receptionist is a lovely person, the whole team. And the very attentive doctor answered all my questions and gave me confidence.

February 27, 2025

5

Doctor very easy to talk with

February 9, 2025

5

Mike really likes the doctors at WellStar and I have to say Dr. Zussman was exceptional. His bedside manner and his just we felt so incredibly comfortable with his expertise and his caring. Highly recommend him. Thank you. Bye. Bye.

February 8, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is great. He listens, gives clear explanations and instructions. I highly recommend him

January 26, 2025

5

Very helpful. Just had a long wait to see the doc.

January 12, 2025

5

Many thanks

January 1, 2025

5

Dr.Zussman is an incredibly thorough Doctor. He is very informative and helps you understand exactly what is needed for his patient's.

January 1, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is a very good listener and he cares about his patients. He shows empathy and concern. I highly recommend him.

December 26, 2024

5

Good and professional!!!

December 24, 2024

5

Dr Zussman is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. Trust him implicitly

December 20, 2024

5

Everyone was very professional including the front office, and medical assistant. Dr. Zussman was very empathetic and had an excellent bedside manner. He did a thorough assessment and explained to me his findings and recommendations clearly.

December 15, 2024

5

Dr. ZUSSMAN is kind, caring, and genuinely interested in helping me. He is down to earth. He doesn't rush you through the appointment. He asks and answers a lot of questions. He is thorough, as well as thoroughly invested in my care. I appreciate his authenticity and plain speech geared toward communicating with me about my spine and the long list of spinal conditions and ailments that I have. I am very grateful that he is my new doctor.

December 5, 2024

5

I have total confidence in Dr. Zussman. Additionally , every staff member I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable.

November 22, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is an outstanding doctor.

November 20, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman and his staff are very caring and nurturing and very professional always, at all times and I appreciate everything that they have done for me as a patient.

November 20, 2024

5

The only negative about this doctor and practice is the affiliation with North Fulton Hospital. Personal experience with this hospital on multiple occasions endangered my life and health. The hospital culture and staff competence is a risk I will avoid whenever possible.

November 18, 2024

5

The whole experience was a very pleasant one beginning with the receptionist. The attending nurse was nice and friendly making me real comfortable. Then Dr.Zussman was outstanding showing great care and empathy explained every detail his findings and made me extremely at peace. I felt fortunate to have him as my doctor related to neurological challenges. I would strongly recommend him for any of my family and friends. May God bless him?

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman and all medical staff showed me great concern.

June 27, 2025

5

Great physician, listens to his patients. Time is very good, very courteous, the whole staff. Nothing but excellent things to say about Dr. Benjamin.

May 17, 2025

5

Benjamin Zussman, MD, FAANS was a very informative and passionate about his field. Very informative visit and had no concerns once leaving.

May 3, 2025

5

I was very pleased with everything. Just the timely manner, no waiting, and the, let's see, I don't know how to explain it, courtesy and information I received. Thank you.

April 23, 2025

5

Very pleased with everyone!

April 14, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is an AWESOME, Caring Neurosurgeon whom I am so thankful to have found. I feel blessed, as does my husband.

April 7, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman made my husband and I feel so much a part of his explanation of what was wrong with me that I finally understood what had happened.

April 3, 2025

5

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Really felt that they cared for my condition and wanted the best for me. Gave me options when it came to my treatment. Explained to and demonstrated my condition.

April 3, 2025

5

From the time we scheduled the office appointment through us leaving the office appointment with Dr Zussman all of our questions. Concerns, and more were answered beyond our expectations. Dr Zussman made my husband feel heard and care like it was a family member taking care of him.

March 26, 2025

5

Exceptionally nice staff. They welcomed me with their hearts. I almost felt like royalty! It was my first visit and I am impressed

March 23, 2025

5

Very courteous and friendly staff and doctor.Didn't rush in and out took time to listen to you

March 21, 2025

5

Fantastic

March 7, 2025

5

Excellent! The Doctor took time to explain and communicate clearly.

March 3, 2025

5

I was very well attended since I entered the establishment. The receptionist is a lovely person, the whole team. And the very attentive doctor answered all my questions and gave me confidence.

February 27, 2025

5

Doctor very easy to talk with

February 9, 2025

5

Mike really likes the doctors at WellStar and I have to say Dr. Zussman was exceptional. His bedside manner and his just we felt so incredibly comfortable with his expertise and his caring. Highly recommend him. Thank you. Bye. Bye.

February 8, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is great. He listens, gives clear explanations and instructions. I highly recommend him

January 26, 2025

5

Very helpful. Just had a long wait to see the doc.

January 12, 2025

5

Many thanks

January 1, 2025

5

Dr.Zussman is an incredibly thorough Doctor. He is very informative and helps you understand exactly what is needed for his patient's.

January 1, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is a very good listener and he cares about his patients. He shows empathy and concern. I highly recommend him.

December 26, 2024

5

Good and professional!!!

December 24, 2024

5

Dr Zussman is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. Trust him implicitly

December 20, 2024

5

Everyone was very professional including the front office, and medical assistant. Dr. Zussman was very empathetic and had an excellent bedside manner. He did a thorough assessment and explained to me his findings and recommendations clearly.

December 15, 2024

5

Dr. ZUSSMAN is kind, caring, and genuinely interested in helping me. He is down to earth. He doesn't rush you through the appointment. He asks and answers a lot of questions. He is thorough, as well as thoroughly invested in my care. I appreciate his authenticity and plain speech geared toward communicating with me about my spine and the long list of spinal conditions and ailments that I have. I am very grateful that he is my new doctor.

December 5, 2024

5

I have total confidence in Dr. Zussman. Additionally , every staff member I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable.

November 22, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is an outstanding doctor.

November 20, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman and his staff are very caring and nurturing and very professional always, at all times and I appreciate everything that they have done for me as a patient.

November 20, 2024

5

The only negative about this doctor and practice is the affiliation with North Fulton Hospital. Personal experience with this hospital on multiple occasions endangered my life and health. The hospital culture and staff competence is a risk I will avoid whenever possible.

November 18, 2024

5

The only negative about this doctor and practice is the affiliation with North Fulton Hospital. Personal experience with this hospital on multiple occasions endangered my life and health. The hospital culture and staff competence is a risk I will avoid whenever possible.

November 18, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman and his staff are very caring and nurturing and very professional always, at all times and I appreciate everything that they have done for me as a patient.

November 20, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is an outstanding doctor.

November 20, 2024

5

I have total confidence in Dr. Zussman. Additionally , every staff member I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable.

November 22, 2024

5

Dr. ZUSSMAN is kind, caring, and genuinely interested in helping me. He is down to earth. He doesn't rush you through the appointment. He asks and answers a lot of questions. He is thorough, as well as thoroughly invested in my care. I appreciate his authenticity and plain speech geared toward communicating with me about my spine and the long list of spinal conditions and ailments that I have. I am very grateful that he is my new doctor.

December 5, 2024

5

Everyone was very professional including the front office, and medical assistant. Dr. Zussman was very empathetic and had an excellent bedside manner. He did a thorough assessment and explained to me his findings and recommendations clearly.

December 15, 2024

5

Dr Zussman is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. Trust him implicitly

December 20, 2024

5

Good and professional!!!

December 24, 2024

5

Dr. Zussman is a very good listener and he cares about his patients. He shows empathy and concern. I highly recommend him.

December 26, 2024

5

Dr.Zussman is an incredibly thorough Doctor. He is very informative and helps you understand exactly what is needed for his patient's.

January 1, 2025

5

Many thanks

January 1, 2025

5

Very helpful. Just had a long wait to see the doc.

January 12, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is great. He listens, gives clear explanations and instructions. I highly recommend him

January 26, 2025

5

Mike really likes the doctors at WellStar and I have to say Dr. Zussman was exceptional. His bedside manner and his just we felt so incredibly comfortable with his expertise and his caring. Highly recommend him. Thank you. Bye. Bye.

February 8, 2025

5

Doctor very easy to talk with

February 9, 2025

5

I was very well attended since I entered the establishment. The receptionist is a lovely person, the whole team. And the very attentive doctor answered all my questions and gave me confidence.

February 27, 2025

5

Excellent! The Doctor took time to explain and communicate clearly.

March 3, 2025

5

Fantastic

March 7, 2025

5

Very courteous and friendly staff and doctor.Didn't rush in and out took time to listen to you

March 21, 2025

5

Exceptionally nice staff. They welcomed me with their hearts. I almost felt like royalty! It was my first visit and I am impressed

March 23, 2025

5

From the time we scheduled the office appointment through us leaving the office appointment with Dr Zussman all of our questions. Concerns, and more were answered beyond our expectations. Dr Zussman made my husband feel heard and care like it was a family member taking care of him.

March 26, 2025

5

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Really felt that they cared for my condition and wanted the best for me. Gave me options when it came to my treatment. Explained to and demonstrated my condition.

April 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman made my husband and I feel so much a part of his explanation of what was wrong with me that I finally understood what had happened.

April 3, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman is an AWESOME, Caring Neurosurgeon whom I am so thankful to have found. I feel blessed, as does my husband.

April 7, 2025

5

Very pleased with everyone!

April 14, 2025

5

I was very pleased with everything. Just the timely manner, no waiting, and the, let's see, I don't know how to explain it, courtesy and information I received. Thank you.

April 23, 2025

5

Benjamin Zussman, MD, FAANS was a very informative and passionate about his field. Very informative visit and had no concerns once leaving.

May 3, 2025

5

Great physician, listens to his patients. Time is very good, very courteous, the whole staff. Nothing but excellent things to say about Dr. Benjamin.

May 17, 2025

5

Dr. Zussman and all medical staff showed me great concern.

June 27, 2025

5

The whole experience was a very pleasant one beginning with the receptionist. The attending nurse was nice and friendly making me real comfortable. Then Dr.Zussman was outstanding showing great care and empathy explained every detail his findings and made me extremely at peace. I felt fortunate to have him as my doctor related to neurological challenges. I would strongly recommend him for any of my family and friends. May God bless him?

July 3, 2025

Publications and Articles

A healthcare provider holds the hand of her patient to encourage and comfort her

KatieCare

When Katie Fox walked into Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center nearly a year after her devastating car crash, she felt the weight of the full-circle moment.

Across the atrium stood the people who had helped save her life—doctors, nurses and first responders who had seen her at her most critical and were now seeing her fully herself.

Katie had no memory of the three weeks she spent at Wellstar North Fulton—but her family remembered everything. So did her care team, who had been there through emergency surgery, intensive care, multiple procedures and round-the-clock support.

Now, just 10 months later, Katie was back—walking, smiling and thriving—thanks to her own resilience, an unwavering support system and the highly skilled trauma team at Wellstar North Fulton.

The crash that changed everything

Katie was involved in a car accident on Georgia State Route 400 that sent her to Wellstar North Fulton in critical condition. She had suffered a traumatic brain injury, a lacerated spleen and multiple fractures—including to her ribs, left ankle and pelvis.

Wellstar North Fulton is specially equipped to care for patients like Katie. Designated a Level II Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health and American College of Surgeons, the hospital serves the Northeast Atlanta community with immediate surgical intervention, 24/7 trauma coverage and seamless coordination across specialties.

“When they first brought her in, she was obviously severely injured in multiple areas,” said Dr. Stephen McBride, a trauma and general surgeon at Wellstar. “She had a large scalp laceration that was bleeding. We also noticed significant internal bleeding from her spleen and multiple pelvic fractures.”

A CT scan revealed a buildup of fluid in Katie’s abdomen, likely blood. She was taken straight to the operating room for what Dr. McBride called a “damage control operation.”

“We opened her abdomen and took her spleen out, which was very severely injured,” he said. “Then it was a matter of getting her stable.”

The surgery was a success—but it was only the beginning. Katie spent the next 10 days on a ventilator in the ICU. During her 19-day stay, she underwent multiple procedures and received care from a collaborative, multidisciplinary team: trauma surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, therapy and nursing.

Finding clarity and compassion

Katie’s parents, Mary Lou and Jeff Fox, flew in from Virginia as soon as they learned about the accident—first alerted by a message from Katie’s smart watch.

Jeff recalls speaking with Dr. McBride before takeoff and again after landing. “He was keeping us updated with what was going on with Katie from the start,” he said.

At Wellstar North Fulton, the couple were met with empathy and reassurance under unthinkable circumstances.

“When we got in, they took us straight to Katie,” Jeff said. “I didn’t know what to expect. It was probably the hardest moment of my life—seeing my baby there.”

Katie was unconscious and on a ventilator, but her care team made space for both expert treatment and emotional support. Jeff remembers nurses and even the front desk team checking on them constantly—offering updates, comfort and prayer.

One quiet act of compassion stood out. “The night of Katie’s accident, we stayed in the room with her,” said Mary Lou. “But her boyfriend, her roommate and a friend stayed in the waiting room. We don’t know who it was, but one of the caregivers placed blankets over each of them while they slept.”

That moment—and so many others—confirmed they were in the right place. “I’ll never forget the love and care we received,” Mary Lou said.

Milestones that mattered

Amid the uncertainty of Katie’s condition, small moments brought glimmers of hope. From the way her vital signs responded to blood transfusions to the subtle movements that followed, each step forward reminded her care team and loved ones that she was still fighting.

One emotional turning point came when her boyfriend, Will Henley, sat with her for the first time since the accident.

“I started talking to her about my day, and she opened her eyes,” he said. “I immediately asked her nurse if she had done that for anyone else and she said no. It wasn't much, but it was all I needed to keep my faith.”

Even while unconscious, Katie’s team spoke to her directly. “That was very special,” Mary Lou said. “Her doctors always included her in conversations about her care.”

Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman became one of her biggest cheerleaders, celebrating every sign of progress.

“We were exhausted and reality was beginning to set in,” Mary Lou said. “His enthusiasm helped us so much.”

Slowly, Katie began following motion with her eyes. At one point, she mouthed lyrics to Taylor Swift songs when Will played them at her bedside.

Throughout her time in the ICU, Katie’s care extended far beyond medicine. Nurses Sarah Kozarcanin and Sydney Dawson spent hours gently washing Katie’s hair to carefully clean around her head wound.

“That was an act of love that was above and beyond to me,” Jeff recalled.

Care united by purpose

As Katie came off the ventilator and slowly regained strength, the therapy team stepped in to help her sit up and begin basic movements. Her parents saw how seamlessly everyone worked together.

Dr. McBride credits the hospital’s collaborative approach. “Our hospital does a great job having the appropriate consultants available—neurosurgeons for severe brain injury, orthopedic surgeons for severe musculoskeletal injury and, of course, trauma surgeons, physician assistants (PA) and nurse practitioners who care for our patients from start to finish,” he said. “And then there are the therapists, social workers and case managers—all of whom play a key role in recovery.”

Jeff especially appreciated how the team included him and Mary Lou in the process. “Every morning, all the departments involved in Katie’s care would meet,” he said. “They’d always ask, ‘Do you want to join us?’ They valued our input.”

Looking ahead with hope

Katie was discharged and transferred to inpatient rehabilitation, where her memory gradually returned. She and her family celebrated every milestone—especially the day she no longer needed a wheelchair.

“Walking again felt like I gained a lot of freedom back,” Katie said.

Just over four months later, she was back to work, driving and living independently. She credits her recovery to her care team, family and Will—now her fiancé.

“His unwavering support and love during those months showed me that he would be the perfect husband,” Katie said. “If he could be my anchor and love me through that, I knew he would love me through anything.”

Katie also discovered a new sense of purpose. “This confirmed every desire I had to become a PA,” she said. “I think it will give me a different connection to patients.”

In the months after her discharge, Katie returned to the ICU several times to meet the people she had heard so much about—but hadn’t been able to remember.

“Each time we visited, they’d say, ’You can go in the back way—you’re like family now,’” Mary Lou said with a smile.

For Katie’s family, the hospital’s trauma survivor reception brought closure and gratitude. “We had always wanted to meet the first responders who got her out of the car and to the hospital,” said Jeff. "It was awesome that we finally had that opportunity.”

“Seeing good outcomes is the best part of my job, without a doubt,” said Dr. McBride, who attended the event. “For someone like Katie—young, healthy and just in the wrong place at the wrong time—it’s rewarding to see her get her life back.”

Katie’s story is a testament to the power of expert trauma care, teamwork and hope.

“I will forever be grateful for the care, kindness and love the people at Wellstar North Fulton gave my family and me,” Katie said. “We will never forget any of them.”

Learn more about trauma services at Wellstar.

KatieCare
Continue reading this article
Cindy cutting vegetables in her home kitchen

CindyCare

To say Cindy Mejia is “busy” is an understatement. 

She’s constantly crunching numbers as an accounting manager for a large research institute, trying out new recipes in her kitchen at her Roswell home, or trying to keep up with her little granddaughter (who just discovered how much fun it is to run).

But one Wednesday in September, Cindy woke up and reached for her computer, trying to get an early start to her workday. She felt a little groggy and couldn’t remember her password but didn’t immediately realize something was wrong.

Then she stood up. Her right arm and leg weren’t functioning, and that’s when Cindy knew what was happening—she was having a stroke.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘I need to get to Wellstar North Fulton right away,’” Cindy said. “I knew the hospital was nearby and has a good reputation.”

That decision ultimately saved her brain and life.

For Cindy, the critical care she needed was close to home, too—she lives four miles from Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. There, her care team sprang into action, bringing her the treatment and peace of mind in a moment of crisis.

“From then on, I felt well taken care of,” Cindy said. “I was relieved, and I knew I was going to be OK.”

 

Cindy's close-to-home 'pit crew'

When a patient has a stroke, every second matters. Each minute that ticks by could be the difference between a permanent stroke and a return to routine. So at North Fulton, Cindy’s care team assembled quickly to save her brainpower.

“We’re like the pit crew on a NASCAR team,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton. “We have our emergency stroke care response down to a science. Everyone knows their role and works together to act quickly.”

Cindy was one of the first patients at Wellstar North Fulton to benefit from the hospital’s new addition to its stroke program. While the hospital has been a primary stroke center for years, the introduction of thrombectomies at the hospital gives patients a close-to-home, life-saving option for stroke care—saving them both time and brainpower.

A thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to unclog an artery, restoring blood flow to the brain and preventing further damage. It does not involve cutting of the brain but instead starts with the insertion of a catheter through the patient’s groin.

“Recently, we’ve developed our own capability right here in the North Fulton area to pull the clot out of the brain. That’s a giant leap forward,” Dr. Malcom explained. “It's good for the whole state because there's only a handful of hospitals that do that, and it's good for the residents that live in that North Fulton area to have a hospital so close. They don't have to take a helicopter ride somewhere to get that procedure done. It saves time.”

For Cindy, having that procedure just a few miles from her home, right when she needed it, helped save her brain function.

“If Cindy would have gone to a different hospital that didn't provide this care, then it would have been a long time before she was able to have blood flow restored to the brain,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said, explaining how critical each section was when it came to Cindy’s care. “The delay could have been 30 minutes or even an hour, and it's possible that she would have had permanent stroke, permanent damage to her brain instead of making the recovery she did.”

Offering thrombectomies at Wellstar North Fulton has brought long-needed stroke services to the area north of Atlanta, so patients like Cindy don’t have to travel into the city through busy traffic to get the treatment they need. 

Proximity to care is especially important for critical situations like strokes, said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke care at Wellstar.

“Any disease that is time-sensitive where patients need to get to the hospital quickly, get treated quickly—the geography is everything, particularly in bad weather when helicopters cannot fly,” he said, explaining how logistics can impact life-saving stroke care. “We need to be able to provide services in the communities the patients reside and the North Fulton program is uniquely positioned to do that.”

Signs of a stroke can include a loss of balance, dizziness, blurry vision or sudden vision loss, drooping in the face, arm or leg weakness, and difficulty speaking. Patients who experience any of those symptoms should call 911 and seek medical care right away. 

Cindy said she is glad she got to the hospital as soon as she could—“I am so thankful that I took quick action and that I had Wellstar so close.” At Wellstar North Fulton, she not only received the highest level of stroke care. Wellstar takes a multidisciplinary approach to stroke care, including specialists such as critical care specialists, neurologists, neurointerventionalists and physical therapists on the care team. 

“When you're feeling pretty healthy, you don't think a stroke can happen to you. It happens so quickly. You don't necessarily get a warning,” Cindy said, sharing the importance of listening to your body’s signals when it comes to health. “You can feel one way one day or one minute, and the next minute, it changes.”

Continue reading this article
For adults with severe cases of degenerative scoliosis, spinal deformity correction may be necessary due to significant pain, limited movement or deformity.

Wellstar Offers Life-Changing Adult Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. It can develop in adults, often due to changes in the spine, such as disc degeneration, arthritis or osteoporosis. While many adults with scoliosis may not need treatment, surgery may be necessary in severe cases where the curve causes significant pain, limits movement or leads to deformity.

This type of surgery, called spinal deformity correction, is a complex procedure performed by a neurosurgeon. The goal is to realign the spine from the neck to the hips, both front-to-back and side-to-side. Dr. Ben Zussman, a Wellstar neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, is one of the few specialists in Georgia who performs this life-changing surgery.

When scoliosis surgery is recommended

“Adult degenerative scoliosis often develops slowly, causing someone with a previously straight spine to become increasingly crooked,” Dr. Zussman explained. 
Common signs that might lead to considering surgery include:

  • Uneven shoulders or waistline
  • Protruding shoulder blades
  • A hump on the back
  • Severe low back pain or leg pain
  • Leg weakness
  • Stooped posture

These symptoms occur because the spine's unnatural curve forces the body to adjust, which can change posture and make it hard to stay upright. “Without a good center of gravity, your body begins to lean, which is exhausting,” says Dr. Zussman. When pain and limited mobility significantly affect daily life, scoliosis surgery can help improve movement and quality of life.

Moving forward with treatment

By age 50, Cynthia Clark’s spine had become so crooked that she could no longer stand upright. A CT scan taken just eight years earlier showed a straight spine, but degenerative scoliosis had progressed quickly, causing intense pain and difficulty walking.

Headshot of Cynthia, a woman who needed to have spine scoliosis correction surgery related to degenerative scoliosis.

Dr. Zussman offered Cynthia surgery to relieve her severe symptoms, explaining the complexity and long recovery process. Although she was nervous, Cynthia reached a point where she felt she couldn’t continue living in such pain.

Before surgery, Dr. Zussman referred her to an endocrinologist to strengthen her bones, ensuring she was physically and mentally prepared. When she was ready, Cynthia underwent the procedure.

Undergoing complex spinal surgery

Cynthia’s surgery was extensive, lasting eight hours and involving a long incision down her back. Dr. Zussman used advanced imaging techniques to guide the placement of 17 levels of screws with precision. He removed damaged discs and relieved pressure from pinched nerves. The screws were then connected by long, strong rods to realign her spine, restoring its shape and function.

After spinal deformity correction, post-operative X-rays show a patient standing up straight. The screws, rods and spacers help to brace their skeleton internally and maintain their posture.

Post-operative X-rays show Cynthia standing up straight. The screws, rods and spacers help to brace her skeleton internally and maintain her posture.

Recovery is ‘like a miracle’

Cynthia’s recovery was remarkable. She began walking within two days after surgery—far surpassing expectations. Her quick progress allowed her to be discharged without needing inpatient rehab, and she completed a shorter-than-usual course of outpatient therapy.

“Cynthia now walks completely straight without a cane,” said Dr. Zussman. “Even people at her grocery store notice the drastic difference and give her hugs.”

Cynthia credits Dr. Zussman and his team with giving her life back. “I’m so happy I can move and do stairs—it’s like a miracle,” she shared.

Life-changing scoliosis surgery

Wellstar’s neurosurgery team addresses complex brain and spine conditions, including adult spinal deformity. In severe cases, scoliosis correction surgery requires a dedicated team of 10 to 15 medical professionals working together to realign the spine.

“This type of surgery can be totally life-changing,” Dr. Zussman shared.

Only a few neurosurgeons in Georgia perform this extensive surgery. Wellstar offers this advanced level of scoliosis care at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. Reach out to a location near you to schedule an appointment:

  • Neurosurgery in Austell
  • Neurosurgery in Marietta
  • Neurosurgery in Roswell
  • Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Augusta 

 

Learn more about spine surgery at Wellstar.

 

Continue reading this article
Benjamin Zussman, MD
Neurosurgeon with Wellstar since 2020
Rating
4.9
Specialties
Neurosurgery , Spine Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
Residency
UPMC Medical Education Program
Fellowship
UPMC Medical Education Program
Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/benjamin-zussman-md
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For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

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