Building the Future of Neurological Care Scale, Specialization, and Innovation at Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care
Neurological disease is one of the fastest-growing drivers of disability and complexity in modern medicine—demanding not only advanced procedural capabilities, but also tightly integrated teams, rapid access, and subspecialty depth.
Across South Florida, Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care is strengthening a clinically integrated neuroscience enterprise that unites two flagship institutes—Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute and Marcus Neuroscience Institute—to expand expertise, accelerate innovation, and improve outcomes across the region.
Michael W. McDermott, M.D..
Two institutes. One integrated strategy.
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care is anchored by Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, led by Michael W. McDermott, M.D., and Marcus Neuroscience Institute, led by Warren R. Selman, M.D. Together, the institutes align on a shared mission: deliver advanced neurological and neurosurgical care through multidisciplinary collaboration, faster access to specialized expertise and a platform for continued growth in education, research and innovation.
Miami Neuroscience Institute: subspecialty depth, research growth, and a stronger training pipeline
Miami Neuroscience Institute continues to expand specialty care—particularly in epilepsy, functional neurosurgery, and complex neurological disease—supported by multidisciplinary teams and advanced technology.
A major milestone was the recruitment of Aviva Abosch, M.D., Ph.D. as Deputy Director, Director of Epilepsy Surgery, and Co-Director of Functional Neurosurgery, adding significant depth in advanced epilepsy and functional neurosurgical care.
Warren R. Selman, M.D.
Miami Neuroscience Institute’s Epilepsy Program is accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 epilepsy center (highest level), supported by the Institute’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and comprehensive epilepsy care pathways.
New for this year: Miami Neuroscience Institute has accelerated its academic footprint in ways that matter to the future of the specialty. From a neurology research perspective, the team launched the SASS research program with residents and secured approvals for multiple clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies—reflecting strong collaboration with FIU and partner sites.
The Institute is also proud of major education milestones, including the successful launch of the FIU/Baptist Health Neurology Residency Program (program start July 2025).
Internal program performance reviews through the Clinical Competency Committee and Program Evaluation Committee have reflected resident and faculty excellence, while the broader educational mission has reached 150+ college and medical students—helping shape the next generation of physicians in South Florida.
Marcus Neuroscience Institute: expanding access, comprehensive spine care, and community-impact innovation
At Marcus Neuroscience Institute, progress has been driven by clinical certification, technology adoption, and strategic investment designed to expand what’s possible for patients in Palm Beach County and beyond.
Recent momentum includes:
- The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, reinforcing a comprehensive spine program built for complex cases and consistent outcomes.
- NAEC Level 3 epilepsy accreditation, strengthening access to advanced epilepsy evaluation and treatment in Palm Beach County.
- Stroke care recognition, including designation as the first DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center in Palm Beach County, supported by ongoing process innovation.
- Expanded functional care options, including HIFU for essential tremor, bringing advanced treatment closer to home.
- Participation in CMS’s GUIDE Model to strengthen dementia care coordination and caregiver support.
A Vision for the Future of Neuroscience
Driving these clinical and educational advancements is a system-wide commitment to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care across Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care. With two flagship institutes—Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute and Marcus Neuroscience Institute—the system is designed to expand access to subspecialty expertise, foster groundbreaking research, and deliver integrated care across the region.
“The future of neuroscience lies in our ability to combine cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach to care,” said Michael McDermott, M.D. “By investing in research, education, and collaboration, we’re building a foundation that will transform outcomes for generations to come.”
To explore Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care’s full scope of programs and specialty services, visit BaptistHealth.net/Neuroscience.
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