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I joined Wellstar in August 2010, after spending three years as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University. I attended medical school at Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. I completed my internship in general surgery at Loyola University Medical Center, where I was named Resident of the Year in 2001. I completed my six year neurosurgery residency at Loyola University Medical center. I have specialty training in complex spinal disease, adult spinal deformity, and spinal oncology. I have training In advanced neuro-oncology techniques for removing brain tumors safely, and In some patients, without making a large incision. I use high definition scopes and video to remove some tumors through small "key-hole" openings in the skull or sinuses. My approach to neurosurgery is best described as patient-centered. I spend time with my patients, and I talk to them, not at them.
Areas of Focus
Spinal Disease
Complex spinal disease
Degenerative spinal disease
Degenerative adult spinal deformity
Advanced spinal surgery using motion preservation technologies and dynamic spinal stabilization
Image-guided and minimally invasive spine surgery
Spinal tumors
Spinal trauma
Neuro-oncology
Brain tumors
Spinal tumors
Advanced image-guided (computerized) brain and spine surgery
Advanced endoscopic (minimally invasive) brain surgery
Endoscopic (minimally invasive) pituitary surgery
Awake craniotomy and advanced brain mapping (brain surgery) for tumor removal
Adult spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)
Stereotactic Radlo~surgery (Cyber-Knife)
Neuro-trauma
Neuro Care at Wellstar
Specialties
Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery
Education & Training
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Loyola University Medical Center
Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
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
4.8
Based on 319 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Earned my trust
Shared the right amount of information
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
I completely trust Dr. Benedict with my care.
April 16, 2025
5
I have always been treated with respect, dignity, whenever I have been seen by any provider at Wellstar Healthcare system.
April 14, 2025
5
I will say it took me a little over a month to get in to see Dr. Benedict, but he's taking really good care of me in the past. He's an excellent physician. Whatever you're paying him, it's probably not enough. I'll never forget the first time I met him when I came into the trauma center with a broken neck and he woke me up nicely and told me not to move. My neck was broken. I have that memory from almost 10 years ago. When I was told I needed to see a neurosurgeon, that was the doctor I wanted a recommendation to. Yes, he's a very good doctor. Thank you for the good care. Dr. Benedict.
April 6, 2025
5
The doctor took the time to listen and explain the medical condition to us. He explained risks vs benefits and recommended a treatment plan that was in our daughter's best interest. I appreciated the consult and trust my daughter in his care.
March 26, 2025
5
I was pleased with my appointment.
March 22, 2025
5
Very informative and listened to everything we had to say. On time also... Very nice experience
March 22, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was great, explained everything thoroughly and very patient.
March 16, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was very attentive, familiar with my medical history and showed concern about my situation! Went above and beyond to provide me with the kind of help I needed! Appreciate all your help
March 12, 2025
5
Epic is a pain to use. Redundant paperwork and questionnaires are exceedingly tiresome and wasteful of time.
March 12, 2025
4
Dr. Benedict Jr. is a very knowledgeable doctor. I have taken his advice to heart the past two years. Thank you for sharing your experience and opinions with me today.
March 5, 2025
5
Both my doctor and his nurse were wonderful.
February 28, 2025
1
He needs to learn to show compassion and empathy to patients. As a wellstar employee, I am appalled at how he treated and spoke to me!
February 28, 2025
3
I didn't appreciate him talking to us like we made a mistake. We did what his staff told us to do. Disappointed
February 24, 2025
5
Excellent encounter. Better than First Class all the way around. Thank you.
February 21, 2025
5
Dr.Benedict shared so much compassion and knowledge towards my husband and his medical situation. We both felt beyond confident that his skills and experience will benefit us in situation we are dealing with.
February 19, 2025
4
doc was easy to speak to
February 19, 2025
5
I felt comfortable during and after my visit and that's very important to me. The Dr. Was very knowledgeable.
February 16, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very attentive, understanding of my concerns and willing to explain any instructions about my treatment
February 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, extremely talented, extremely insightful, and he's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. You're lucky to have him.
February 14, 2025
5
Right on time.
February 13, 2025
5
We absolutely love Dr Benedict and his NP Fernanda . They both are incredibly empathetic to my mother's painful situation. We love both Dr B's and Fernanda's highest levels of perfectionism and integrity. We could. It be more pleased with our outcomes and we trust them with my mothers care!
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is God sent for us with spinal cord and vertebrae problems.
February 12, 2025
5
Checking in was very easy and the receptionists were very nice
February 7, 2025
5
Dr was very professional and very helpful to me.
February 4, 2025
5
Teleconference was good. However, trying to get someone in the office was impossible.
February 4, 2025
5
professional, competent and caring staff.
January 18, 2025
5
Best dr for brain and spinal surgery!
January 18, 2025
5
Excellent service
January 11, 2025
5
I have been immensely impressed with the responsiveness & patient care provided. Not enough praises or good words to describe my experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Great experience. Informative and felt that there was true concern regarding my well being.
January 5, 2025
5
I completely trust Dr. Benedict with my care.
April 16, 2025
5
I have always been treated with respect, dignity, whenever I have been seen by any provider at Wellstar Healthcare system.
April 14, 2025
5
I will say it took me a little over a month to get in to see Dr. Benedict, but he's taking really good care of me in the past. He's an excellent physician. Whatever you're paying him, it's probably not enough. I'll never forget the first time I met him when I came into the trauma center with a broken neck and he woke me up nicely and told me not to move. My neck was broken. I have that memory from almost 10 years ago. When I was told I needed to see a neurosurgeon, that was the doctor I wanted a recommendation to. Yes, he's a very good doctor. Thank you for the good care. Dr. Benedict.
April 6, 2025
5
The doctor took the time to listen and explain the medical condition to us. He explained risks vs benefits and recommended a treatment plan that was in our daughter's best interest. I appreciated the consult and trust my daughter in his care.
March 26, 2025
5
I was pleased with my appointment.
March 22, 2025
5
Very informative and listened to everything we had to say. On time also... Very nice experience
March 22, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was great, explained everything thoroughly and very patient.
March 16, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was very attentive, familiar with my medical history and showed concern about my situation! Went above and beyond to provide me with the kind of help I needed! Appreciate all your help
March 12, 2025
5
Epic is a pain to use. Redundant paperwork and questionnaires are exceedingly tiresome and wasteful of time.
March 12, 2025
5
Both my doctor and his nurse were wonderful.
February 28, 2025
5
Excellent encounter. Better than First Class all the way around. Thank you.
February 21, 2025
5
Dr.Benedict shared so much compassion and knowledge towards my husband and his medical situation. We both felt beyond confident that his skills and experience will benefit us in situation we are dealing with.
February 19, 2025
5
I felt comfortable during and after my visit and that's very important to me. The Dr. Was very knowledgeable.
February 16, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very attentive, understanding of my concerns and willing to explain any instructions about my treatment
February 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, extremely talented, extremely insightful, and he's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. You're lucky to have him.
February 14, 2025
5
Right on time.
February 13, 2025
5
We absolutely love Dr Benedict and his NP Fernanda . They both are incredibly empathetic to my mother's painful situation. We love both Dr B's and Fernanda's highest levels of perfectionism and integrity. We could. It be more pleased with our outcomes and we trust them with my mothers care!
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is God sent for us with spinal cord and vertebrae problems.
February 12, 2025
5
Checking in was very easy and the receptionists were very nice
February 7, 2025
5
Dr was very professional and very helpful to me.
February 4, 2025
5
Teleconference was good. However, trying to get someone in the office was impossible.
February 4, 2025
5
professional, competent and caring staff.
January 18, 2025
5
Best dr for brain and spinal surgery!
January 18, 2025
5
Excellent service
January 11, 2025
5
I have been immensely impressed with the responsiveness & patient care provided. Not enough praises or good words to describe my experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Great experience. Informative and felt that there was true concern regarding my well being.
January 5, 2025
4
Dr. Benedict Jr. is a very knowledgeable doctor. I have taken his advice to heart the past two years. Thank you for sharing your experience and opinions with me today.
March 5, 2025
4
doc was easy to speak to
February 19, 2025
3
I didn't appreciate him talking to us like we made a mistake. We did what his staff told us to do. Disappointed
February 24, 2025
1
He needs to learn to show compassion and empathy to patients. As a wellstar employee, I am appalled at how he treated and spoke to me!
February 28, 2025
1
He needs to learn to show compassion and empathy to patients. As a wellstar employee, I am appalled at how he treated and spoke to me!
February 28, 2025
3
I didn't appreciate him talking to us like we made a mistake. We did what his staff told us to do. Disappointed
February 24, 2025
4
Dr. Benedict Jr. is a very knowledgeable doctor. I have taken his advice to heart the past two years. Thank you for sharing your experience and opinions with me today.
March 5, 2025
4
doc was easy to speak to
February 19, 2025
5
I completely trust Dr. Benedict with my care.
April 16, 2025
5
I have always been treated with respect, dignity, whenever I have been seen by any provider at Wellstar Healthcare system.
April 14, 2025
5
I will say it took me a little over a month to get in to see Dr. Benedict, but he's taking really good care of me in the past. He's an excellent physician. Whatever you're paying him, it's probably not enough. I'll never forget the first time I met him when I came into the trauma center with a broken neck and he woke me up nicely and told me not to move. My neck was broken. I have that memory from almost 10 years ago. When I was told I needed to see a neurosurgeon, that was the doctor I wanted a recommendation to. Yes, he's a very good doctor. Thank you for the good care. Dr. Benedict.
April 6, 2025
5
The doctor took the time to listen and explain the medical condition to us. He explained risks vs benefits and recommended a treatment plan that was in our daughter's best interest. I appreciated the consult and trust my daughter in his care.
March 26, 2025
5
I was pleased with my appointment.
March 22, 2025
5
Very informative and listened to everything we had to say. On time also... Very nice experience
March 22, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was great, explained everything thoroughly and very patient.
March 16, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was very attentive, familiar with my medical history and showed concern about my situation! Went above and beyond to provide me with the kind of help I needed! Appreciate all your help
March 12, 2025
5
Epic is a pain to use. Redundant paperwork and questionnaires are exceedingly tiresome and wasteful of time.
March 12, 2025
5
Both my doctor and his nurse were wonderful.
February 28, 2025
5
Excellent encounter. Better than First Class all the way around. Thank you.
February 21, 2025
5
Dr.Benedict shared so much compassion and knowledge towards my husband and his medical situation. We both felt beyond confident that his skills and experience will benefit us in situation we are dealing with.
February 19, 2025
5
I felt comfortable during and after my visit and that's very important to me. The Dr. Was very knowledgeable.
February 16, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very attentive, understanding of my concerns and willing to explain any instructions about my treatment
February 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, extremely talented, extremely insightful, and he's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. You're lucky to have him.
February 14, 2025
5
Right on time.
February 13, 2025
5
We absolutely love Dr Benedict and his NP Fernanda . They both are incredibly empathetic to my mother's painful situation. We love both Dr B's and Fernanda's highest levels of perfectionism and integrity. We could. It be more pleased with our outcomes and we trust them with my mothers care!
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is God sent for us with spinal cord and vertebrae problems.
February 12, 2025
5
Checking in was very easy and the receptionists were very nice
February 7, 2025
5
Dr was very professional and very helpful to me.
February 4, 2025
5
Teleconference was good. However, trying to get someone in the office was impossible.
February 4, 2025
5
professional, competent and caring staff.
January 18, 2025
5
Best dr for brain and spinal surgery!
January 18, 2025
5
Excellent service
January 11, 2025
5
I have been immensely impressed with the responsiveness & patient care provided. Not enough praises or good words to describe my experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Great experience. Informative and felt that there was true concern regarding my well being.
January 5, 2025
5
I completely trust Dr. Benedict with my care.
April 16, 2025
5
I have always been treated with respect, dignity, whenever I have been seen by any provider at Wellstar Healthcare system.
April 14, 2025
5
I will say it took me a little over a month to get in to see Dr. Benedict, but he's taking really good care of me in the past. He's an excellent physician. Whatever you're paying him, it's probably not enough. I'll never forget the first time I met him when I came into the trauma center with a broken neck and he woke me up nicely and told me not to move. My neck was broken. I have that memory from almost 10 years ago. When I was told I needed to see a neurosurgeon, that was the doctor I wanted a recommendation to. Yes, he's a very good doctor. Thank you for the good care. Dr. Benedict.
April 6, 2025
5
The doctor took the time to listen and explain the medical condition to us. He explained risks vs benefits and recommended a treatment plan that was in our daughter's best interest. I appreciated the consult and trust my daughter in his care.
March 26, 2025
5
I was pleased with my appointment.
March 22, 2025
5
Very informative and listened to everything we had to say. On time also... Very nice experience
March 22, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was great, explained everything thoroughly and very patient.
March 16, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was very attentive, familiar with my medical history and showed concern about my situation! Went above and beyond to provide me with the kind of help I needed! Appreciate all your help
March 12, 2025
5
Epic is a pain to use. Redundant paperwork and questionnaires are exceedingly tiresome and wasteful of time.
March 12, 2025
4
Dr. Benedict Jr. is a very knowledgeable doctor. I have taken his advice to heart the past two years. Thank you for sharing your experience and opinions with me today.
March 5, 2025
5
Both my doctor and his nurse were wonderful.
February 28, 2025
1
He needs to learn to show compassion and empathy to patients. As a wellstar employee, I am appalled at how he treated and spoke to me!
February 28, 2025
3
I didn't appreciate him talking to us like we made a mistake. We did what his staff told us to do. Disappointed
February 24, 2025
5
Excellent encounter. Better than First Class all the way around. Thank you.
February 21, 2025
5
Dr.Benedict shared so much compassion and knowledge towards my husband and his medical situation. We both felt beyond confident that his skills and experience will benefit us in situation we are dealing with.
February 19, 2025
4
doc was easy to speak to
February 19, 2025
5
I felt comfortable during and after my visit and that's very important to me. The Dr. Was very knowledgeable.
February 16, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very attentive, understanding of my concerns and willing to explain any instructions about my treatment
February 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, extremely talented, extremely insightful, and he's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. You're lucky to have him.
February 14, 2025
5
Right on time.
February 13, 2025
5
We absolutely love Dr Benedict and his NP Fernanda . They both are incredibly empathetic to my mother's painful situation. We love both Dr B's and Fernanda's highest levels of perfectionism and integrity. We could. It be more pleased with our outcomes and we trust them with my mothers care!
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is God sent for us with spinal cord and vertebrae problems.
February 12, 2025
5
Checking in was very easy and the receptionists were very nice
February 7, 2025
5
Dr was very professional and very helpful to me.
February 4, 2025
5
Teleconference was good. However, trying to get someone in the office was impossible.
February 4, 2025
5
professional, competent and caring staff.
January 18, 2025
5
Best dr for brain and spinal surgery!
January 18, 2025
5
Excellent service
January 11, 2025
5
I have been immensely impressed with the responsiveness & patient care provided. Not enough praises or good words to describe my experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Great experience. Informative and felt that there was true concern regarding my well being.
January 5, 2025
5
Great experience. Informative and felt that there was true concern regarding my well being.
January 5, 2025
5
I have been immensely impressed with the responsiveness & patient care provided. Not enough praises or good words to describe my experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Excellent service
January 11, 2025
5
Best dr for brain and spinal surgery!
January 18, 2025
5
professional, competent and caring staff.
January 18, 2025
5
Teleconference was good. However, trying to get someone in the office was impossible.
February 4, 2025
5
Dr was very professional and very helpful to me.
February 4, 2025
5
Checking in was very easy and the receptionists were very nice
February 7, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is God sent for us with spinal cord and vertebrae problems.
February 12, 2025
5
We absolutely love Dr Benedict and his NP Fernanda . They both are incredibly empathetic to my mother's painful situation. We love both Dr B's and Fernanda's highest levels of perfectionism and integrity. We could. It be more pleased with our outcomes and we trust them with my mothers care!
February 12, 2025
5
Right on time.
February 13, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, extremely talented, extremely insightful, and he's a wonderful, wonderful doctor. You're lucky to have him.
February 14, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very attentive, understanding of my concerns and willing to explain any instructions about my treatment
February 15, 2025
5
I felt comfortable during and after my visit and that's very important to me. The Dr. Was very knowledgeable.
February 16, 2025
5
Dr.Benedict shared so much compassion and knowledge towards my husband and his medical situation. We both felt beyond confident that his skills and experience will benefit us in situation we are dealing with.
February 19, 2025
4
doc was easy to speak to
February 19, 2025
5
Excellent encounter. Better than First Class all the way around. Thank you.
February 21, 2025
3
I didn't appreciate him talking to us like we made a mistake. We did what his staff told us to do. Disappointed
February 24, 2025
1
He needs to learn to show compassion and empathy to patients. As a wellstar employee, I am appalled at how he treated and spoke to me!
February 28, 2025
5
Both my doctor and his nurse were wonderful.
February 28, 2025
4
Dr. Benedict Jr. is a very knowledgeable doctor. I have taken his advice to heart the past two years. Thank you for sharing your experience and opinions with me today.
March 5, 2025
5
Epic is a pain to use. Redundant paperwork and questionnaires are exceedingly tiresome and wasteful of time.
March 12, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was very attentive, familiar with my medical history and showed concern about my situation! Went above and beyond to provide me with the kind of help I needed! Appreciate all your help
March 12, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was great, explained everything thoroughly and very patient.
March 16, 2025
5
Very informative and listened to everything we had to say. On time also... Very nice experience
March 22, 2025
5
I was pleased with my appointment.
March 22, 2025
5
The doctor took the time to listen and explain the medical condition to us. He explained risks vs benefits and recommended a treatment plan that was in our daughter's best interest. I appreciated the consult and trust my daughter in his care.
March 26, 2025
5
I will say it took me a little over a month to get in to see Dr. Benedict, but he's taking really good care of me in the past. He's an excellent physician. Whatever you're paying him, it's probably not enough. I'll never forget the first time I met him when I came into the trauma center with a broken neck and he woke me up nicely and told me not to move. My neck was broken. I have that memory from almost 10 years ago. When I was told I needed to see a neurosurgeon, that was the doctor I wanted a recommendation to. Yes, he's a very good doctor. Thank you for the good care. Dr. Benedict.
April 6, 2025
5
I have always been treated with respect, dignity, whenever I have been seen by any provider at Wellstar Healthcare system.
April 14, 2025
5
I completely trust Dr. Benedict with my care.
April 16, 2025
Publications and Articles
StephenCare
Stephen Nowlin became unexpectedly paralyzed one day when preparing for a Fourth of July celebration with friends. A flight EMS team was called to transport him when the flight nurse on call, Hannah Carr, recognized the address of the accident—her childhood home. She flew her father to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, where he could have the fastest, most comprehensive trauma response—and a chance at full recovery.
When routine yard work went wrong
Preparing for his annual Fourth of July party, Stephen mowed his 13-acre property in Waco, Georgia. The routine chore took a terrifying turn when his mower flipped. Trapped underneath, he realized he was paralyzed. His friend soon discovered him lying there and called 911.
Meanwhile, Stephen’s daughter, Hannah, was working that day as a flight nurse for a local air ambulance company. When the call came in about a 60-year-old man in a tractor accident, paralyzed, at her parents' address, she instantly knew who it was. Hannah and her air ambulance service partner were on their way.
In good hands: first responders act fast
The local fire department and EMS arrived quickly, carefully removing the mower without moving Stephen. They transported him to a nearby landing zone where Hannah and her flight partner waited. As Stephen was loaded onto the helicopter, he told his daughter, “I just hope they can fix me.”
Hannah and her partner did a thorough, head-to-toe assessment for life-threatening injuries.
“I knew I was in good hands,” Stephen said. “She's going to take care of me better than anybody else would.”
On the flight to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, Hannah communicated with the hospital ahead of arrival. In emergency situations, it’s important the team is assembled and ready to perform care as fast as possible. Because of their collaboration, not a minute was wasted.
Looking at Zac DiGiorgio today, you wouldn't know he almost lost his life — twice.
Like any typical guy in his early 20’s, Zac was always on the move. He liked to keep himself busy and lead an active lifestyle.
So naturally, when his parents needed their shutters replaced, Zac was the first to volunteer. With a drill in hand, he climbed up the ladder to replace the old hardware and change out the shutters.
Moments later, everything changed in the blink of an eye.
A terrifying crash sounded from outside the home. Zac’s father, Chris DiGiorgio, rushed out the front door to see a parent’s worst nightmare: his 23-year-old son face down in the driveway, having a seizure.
After shouting to his wife to call 911, Chris was at his son’s side. He cradled Zac on the concrete driveway, trying to steady his body from the convulsions.
“I really didn't know what was happening,” Chris recalled. “I knew he was having a seizure, but I didn't know if he had any other injuries or anything else going on.”
But one thing was clear: Zac had plummeted to the ground from the top of the ladder, smacking the right side of his head hard on the concrete.
The severity of the fall triggered a seizure, often characterized by body spasms or unconsciousness. However, these episodes can also have cognitive and emotional effects, such as fear or anxiety.
In Zac’s case, he became extremely agitated. After waking from the initial seizure, he argued with his dad and fought against his hold. Even when the first responders arrived, he refused to get on the stretcher and instead walked himself to the ambulance.
With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the ambulance raced towards Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. On the way, Zac complained of pain in his shoulder from a broken collar bone. But after experiencing another seizure on the short eight-minute drive, it was clear much more was going on inside his body.
After being admitted, it would be weeks before Zac awoke again in the hospital — with no memory of the accident.
