Dr. James Stephen

James H. Stephen, MD, Medical Director at the Colorado Chiari Institute.

Dr. James Stephen, Medical Director, has always been energized by solving complex problems and directly helping others. With his interests in understanding mechanical systems and human physiology, he studied mechanical and biomedical engineering at The University of Michigan. Dr. Stephen completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania with the goal of working collaboratively to fix problems that directly benefit peoples’ lives. Neurosurgical rotations at Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania and an extra year of basic science research investigating spinal fusion confirmed his dedication to neurosurgical training. Dr. Stephen completed his neurosurgical residency training at the University of Pennsylvania and also a fellowship in spinal deformity correction at the Philadelphia Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Dr. Stephen appreciates the privilege and monumental responsibility of taking care of patients with neurosurgical diseases. His clinical focus is Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia, and tethered spinal cord. He has been performing Chiari surgery on patients age 16 and older since 2019 and was mentored by Dr. John Oro’ for 2 years. He strives to treat every patient as if they were a family member, patiently listening to their goals and concerns, explaining the treatment options, and guiding patients through the process to help them achieve the best possible outcome. Combining the precise, meticulous practice of neurosurgery with the art of individualized medicine is a strength of Dr. Stephen’s and a calling he finds incredibly rewarding.