The first question is whether surgery is the right answer.
Dr. Robert M. Friedlander is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon with decades of experience at leading academic medical centers. He specializes in complex cranial conditions, including Chiari malformation, brain tumors, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and cavernous malformations.
Patients come to Dr. Friedlander for initial evaluations and second opinions, particularly when the diagnosis is uncertain, surgery has been recommended, or previous treatment has not resolved the problem. His approach begins with understanding each patient’s individual circumstances and determining whether surgery is appropriate—and, when it is, the best approach.
Dr. Friedlander also welcomes referrals from physicians seeking experienced neurosurgical evaluation of complex or previously treated cases.
Training & Education
Brandeis University
1984-1987
BA (Biochemistry) · MA (Biochemistry)
Harvard Medical School
1987-1991
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Neurosurgery Residency
1991-1998
Massachusetts General Hospital
Areas of Expertise
Focused expertise in adult Chiari care, including complex and revision cases.
Individualized surgical strategies balancing tumor control and neurological function.
Multidisciplinary management using surgical, endovascular, and radiosurgical approaches.
Comprehensive evaluation and personalized decision-making for observation or treatment.
Careful evaluation and surgical management when appropriate.
Research and Academic Medicine
Dr. Friedlander has authored more than 200 scientific publications spanning clinical neurosurgery and neuroscience. His research has included Chiari malformation, cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, Huntington’s disease, ALS, and mechanisms of neuronal cell death.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions about diagnosis, treatment options, or scheduling a consultation, our team is here to help. Please contact the office for further information or personalized guidance.
Dr. Friedlander has extensive experience in adult Chiari malformation, including primary and revision surgery. He has performed hundreds of Chiari decompression surgeries, published “Congenital and Acquired Chiari Syndrome” in the New England Journal of Medicine, and now leads the Friedlander Chiari Center at the Institutes for Specialized Surgery.
Getting started is simple. Reach out to our team by calling 845•764•4353 or fill out the form here to schedule a consultation or second opinion with Dr. Friedlander, who will personally review your case, answer your questions, and walk you through your options — so you can make the best decision for your health with confidence.
Yes. Dr. Friedlander welcomes patients seeking a second opinion. Whether you’ve already received a diagnosis or are unsure about a recommended treatment, he will personally review your case and provide an honest, expert perspective so you can move forward with confidence. Feel free to reach out using this form.
Not every neurological condition requires surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Friedlander will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, imaging, and medical history to determine whether surgery is the right path for you — and if so, exactly what that would involve.
