William Christopher Newman, MD

In addition to my neurosurgery clinical work, I am a member of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Multidisciplinary Spine Tumor Center, where I collaborate with a team of radiation oncology, interventional radiology, pain medicine, rehabilitative medicine, and medical oncology specialists to provide comprehensive care to our patients. We draw on our vast experiences in cancer care to not only provide high-quality medical attention to our patients but also to develop new treatment strategies that can push the field forward. For example, by combining surgery with radiosurgery and targeted therapies, we have revolutionized the treatment of spine tumors while minimizing these treatments’ impact on patients’ quality of life.

Being diagnosed with a spine tumor can be a scary moment for many people. It is my mission to ensure that my patients and their families feel well-informed about their diagnosis, understand their treatment options, and feel confident about the treatment plan that we develop together. After meeting with me, my patients should not only understand their diagnosis and treatment options but also know that they have a clinical team that is both committed to offering compassionate care and focused on achieving the best outcome possible.

My clinical research involves the study of the biomechanics of spine tumors relative to patient outcomes. The goal of this research is to understand how spine tumors influence spinal stability and the surgeries that patients need to maintain stability and improve pain. I also study the impact of socioeconomic factors on survival and quality of life among people with cancer.

Outside of work, I spend my time with my wife, children, and our dog. We love to explore New York and travel. I also enjoy cooking, following basketball, and am an avid — albeit exceptionally average — runner.