Phelps Hospital welcomed our first Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellow, Christian Ferreira, MD in Summer 2024 thanks to generous donor support from our community. We are delighted to announce that Dr. Ferreira was promoted to attending physician and we  welcomed our second fellow, Heber Ribeiro, MD.  

An interview with the Second Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellow Heber Ribeiro, MD, Former Fellow Christian Ferreira, MD & Chair of Neurosurgery, David Gordon, MD. 

Dr. Ribeiro, what are you excited to learn during your time at Phelps? 

Heber Ribeiro (HR): I am particularly excited about the opportunity to train with a team of top-level experts at a hospital equipped with cutting-edge endovascular technology. This is a golden opportunity to receive training that will enable me to provide the best possible care for my patients. 

What excites you about neuroendovascular surgery? 

(HR): What excites me most about endovascular neurosurgery is the ability to treat serious conditions—such as stroke, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and even certain tumors—through catheter-based techniques, without the need for open surgery. This approach significantly reduces operative time, shortens hospital stays, and greatly improves patient well-being and recovery. 

What impact do you hope to make on patients' lives through your work here? 

(HR): Through this training, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients by offering them state-of-the-art treatment and recovery options. Patients arriving at this hospital with acute and severe stroke can be treated immediately with endovascular techniques, which can completely restore their lives. Witnessing a patient fully recover from a life-threatening condition is incredibly rewarding and impactful. 

Dr. Ferreira, how did this fellowship prepare you for your current role as an attending physician? 

Christian Ferreira (CF): My fellowship at Phelps Hospital was a turning point in my career. It gave me the opportunity to refine advanced neuroendovascular techniques in a setting that blends the highest level of technology with a truly collaborative team culture. Training with the biplane angiography system allowed me to perform complex procedures with greater precision and confidence, while daily interactions with mentors and colleagues sharpened my decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.  

How would you describe the impact of the fellowship program on the quality of neuroendovascular care at Phelps? 

(CF): As a former fellow now serving as an attending, I see firsthand how this model attracts talented physicians, supports complex case management, and ultimately improves patient outcomes. It’s a program that benefits not just the fellows, but the entire community we serve. 

Dr. Gordon, what are your reflections on this milestone, for the fellow and for the program as a whole? 

David Gordon (DG): Christian has put our program on the map of advanced neuroendovascular programs in the country. Ultimately, however, his greatest contribution is to the well being of our community – the community that has so generously supported our fellowship program from its inception. 

What are your thoughts on the long-term impact of the fellowship on Phelps Hospital's reputation as a center of excellence in neuroendovascular care? 

(DG): The neuroendovascular fellowship, and our ability to recruit top talent like Drs. Ferreira and Rebeiro, plants a flag in the national neurosurgical and stroke community, staking our claim as a destination center for the most advanced cerebrovascular care delivered with the highest quality. And this outstanding, comprehensive care is delivered with the person-centered approach and culture that defines both Phelps Hospital and Northwell Health. 

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the continued growth and development of the neuroendovascular surgery fellowship program? 

(DG): We are so grateful for the philanthropic support of the community for this program, and for the support of hospital and regional leadership for the infrastructural resources required for growth. Dr. Ferreira set a high bar, as we knew he would, in terms of research production, technological innovation, and educational milestones. Dr. Rebeiro has hit the ground running and will most certainly continue to advance this impact. Ultimately our collective goal is to become the destination center for complex cerebrovascular and neurosurgical care in the Hudson Valley. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished thus far. We are just getting started.