In Recognizing Black History Month, We Celebrate Kyle Cabbell, MD
02.28.2022
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates proudly celebrates Black History Month 2022 by sharing the story and accomplishments of CNSA neurosurgeon, Kyle Cabbell, MD.
Kyle Cabbell, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in vascular neurosurgery and neuro-oncology and member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, has served patients in the Greensboro area since 1998. Dr. Cabbell completed his undergraduate degree in Physics at Stanford University, and continued his education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He rounded out his medical education with a residency in neurological surgery at the University of Michigan.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Cabbell has used his knowledge and skills to help heal others. In addition to being well-loved by his patients and their families, Dr. Cabbell is highly-regarded among his peers in the medical community.
“In high school, I decided I wanted to be an astronaut, but then I found out I needed glasses—so the next hardest thing I figured was Neurosurgery and the rest is history.”
Childhood and Education
Dr. Cabbell, the son of a nurse and police officer, grew up in New York. When it came to his aspirations, Dr. Cabbell considers himself lucky to have received unconditional support from his parents - even when that meant pursuing the most challenging path. His lofty goals began in high school.
Dr. Cabbell was a focused, well-read and studious adolescent, always asking himself, “What is the hardest thing to do?” and then setting his sights on just that. His parents, displaying good work ethic and an example of being civil servants, set the precedent for him to accomplish what he set his mind to.
“I decided I wanted to be an astronaut,” explained Dr. Cabbell. “But then I found out I needed glasses—so I chose to be a neurosurgeon instead!”
Through his intellectually gifted program in high school, Dr. Cabbell was exposed to Ivy League opportunities and worked hard for the good grades that would get him there. He applied to and was accepted to attend Stanford University, all the way across the country on the West Coast.
While Stanford offered an array of interesting extracurriculars, Dr. Cabbell prioritized his studies.
“I knew the currency of the school was good grades,” shared Dr. Cabbell. “That was my focus. I was the minority and that was not new to me from attending an intellectually gifted high school. My drive was to produce more currency - or better grades. This philosophy served me well, and kept my mind on track to accomplishing my end goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.”
After graduating from Stanford, Dr. Cabbell moved back to New York to save enough money to purchase his own vehicle - something he had to have before attending medical school. Though his family could not financially contribute to this goal, Dr. Cabbell’s self-motivation led him to work as an engineer on the F-14 fighter aircraft. In one year, Dr. Cabbell successfully earned what he needed to accomplish his goal. He then set off to attend medical school at UCLA and continued on his journey toward becoming a neurosurgeon.
Inspiration and Determination
Dr. Cabbell credits many people for inspiring him to become a neurosurgeon. Most notably, Dr. Cabbell recognizes his mentor and friend Keith Black, MD.
“I first encountered my mentor, Dr. Keith Black, then-chief resident at UCLA, during medical school,” detailed Dr. Cabbell. “I was lucky enough to catch him in an elevator. I knew who he was, but he didn’t know me. He did know I was someone he didn’t owe anything to, but chose to give me a couple minutes of his time rather than enjoy his coffee in peace. As a result, my life was changed.”
When Dr. Cabbell seized the moment and asked Dr. Black what he’d need to do in order to become a neurosurgeon, Dr. Black offered some quick and straightforward advice: “Get some A’s and come back to talk to me your third year, and we will come up with a list of schools.”
And that was all Dr. Cabbell needed to take the next step - confirmation of the currency, and someone to believe in him.
Dr. Cabbell followed his mentor’s advice, and came back his junior year to check in with Dr. Black. He had put in the work, and was most drawn to apply to the University of Michigan for his residency.
Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, is one of the largest private neurosurgical practices in the country. Our group includes 48 board-certified or board-eligible physicians in the specialty areas of neurosurgery, physical medicine & rehabilitation, orthopaedic spine surgery and neurology. We provide advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment for the entire spectrum of brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders, including brain tumors, spine injuries, stroke, epilepsy, birth defects, concussions, neck and lower back pain, and pituitary tumors.
During his first year of residency at Michigan, Dr. Cabbell met Tony Asher, MD, who would later become a Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates colleague. Dr. Cabbell also crossed paths and became friends with Joseph Stern, MD - who would eventually welcome Dr. Cabbell to his practice after completing his residency in 1998. Dr. Cabbell’s professional interests aligned perfectly with the private practice: do the job and take care of patients first.
Dr. Cabbell recognizes the importance of representing the black community in neurosurgery - a field where he has often been the only black student, resident and doctor.
As the third black graduate from medical school at UCLA and the third black resident in the neurosurgery department at the University of Michigan, Dr. Cabbell says he is “...proud of accomplishing his goals, even when the odds and obstacles were stacked against me.”
Advice to the Next Generation
When considering what advice to give aspiring black physicians or neurosurgeons, Dr. Cabbell referred back to the importance of knowing the currency of your current challenge.
“If your challenge is academic, know that good grades are your currency. The importance of prioritizing that one test over attending that one party is more than one can ever realize once you get into later stages of competitive academia.”
And what about patient care? Dr. Cabbell said the same advice rings true. “Quality, compassionate, and comprehensive care for patients is my currency. I provide that to my patients and in turn, they notice that I care and make sure everyone around them knows it, too.”
Beyond currency, Dr. Cabbell urges the next generation of neurosurgeons to always raise their hands. “Be visible, available, eager, and genuinely interested in learning and growing.”
Advice for Supporting the Next Generation
When asked how colleagues, academic mentors and professors can support aspiring students, Dr. Cabbell emphasized the importance of encouragement and respect.
“Let the first year medical student talk to you in the elevator. Encourage curiosity. Never turn down the opportunity to inspire the next generation in your field. Respect students enough to take them seriously, and give them measurable goals they can work towards.”
Just as Dr. Black did for him, Dr. Cabbell has given students that same time and respect over the last 20 years.
“Students need a guide. They cannot navigate this hard journey alone. Stand with them and they will undoubtedly feel stronger against odds that they are facing—whether that be racially, financially, or academically.”
New Currency
Having accomplished his goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, Dr. Cabbell and his wife also tackled parenting and raising two beautiful, independent daughters who are now young adults. Similar in his role as a mentor, Dr. Cabbell prioritized preparing his daughters to face challenges - large and small, reminding them that they have him to stand beside in times they need guidance.
Because being a neurosurgeon, husband, and father wasn’t enough, Dr. Cabbell decided grilling meat and baking complex French pastries would be an appropriate challenge for his free time. Believe it or not, his patients ask about his culinary skills during their visits. Connecting with his patients on this human level enhances Dr. Cabbell’s “currency” of providing excellent patient care.
At Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, we eagerly pursue opportunities to celebrate physicians like Dr. Cabbell who embody our culture of inclusion, opportunity, and putting our patients first.
Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, is one of the largest private neurosurgical practices in the country. Our group includes 48 board-certified or board-eligible physicians in the specialty areas of neurosurgery, physical medicine & rehabilitation, orthopaedic spine surgery and neurology. We provide advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment for the entire spectrum of brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders, including brain tumors, spine injuries, stroke, epilepsy, birth defects, concussions, neck and lower back pain, and pituitary tumors.
If you are interested in booking an appointment or learning more about our organization, please visit CNSA.com or call:
336-272-4578 - Greensboro Area Offices
1-800-344-6716 - Charlotte Area Offices
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March 01, 2022