S. Harrison Farber, MD

Biography

As a neurosurgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, S. Harrison Farber, MD, provides expert neurosurgical care with sub-specialty expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery. He believes in leveraging the most advanced technology and operative techniques to achieve the greatest possible outcomes for his patients. His special interests include both open and minimally invasive approaches to treat adult degenerative spinal disorders, adult spinal deformity, spinal tumors, and spinal trauma.

According to Dr. Farber, “My goal as a minimally invasive spine surgeon is to achieve the highest quality patient outcomes while minimizing the amount of tissue disruption during the procedure. This means performing surgical approaches with smaller incisions and utilizing the most advanced technology whenever possible. This leads to less blood loss during surgery and shorter recovery times post-operatively.”

Pursuing a career in medicine with the goal of using his efforts and knowledge to directly improve the lives of others, Dr. Farber believes there is no greater reward than alleviating a patient’s pain or suffering. As a neurosurgeon he is able to intimately connect with patients during some of the most challenging times in their lives, and these connections drive him to provide the best care possible.

His philosophy of care centers on connecting with his patients to understand who they are as unique individuals and to recognize what is important to them. He seeks to comprehend how their health and symptoms impact all aspects of their lives, with the goal of helping them maintain their desired quality of life. Whether through surgical interventions or less invasive alternative therapies, Dr. Farber works with his patients to ensure they understand their options and can make informed decisions aligned with their personal goals.

“The minimally invasive approach to spine surgery means providing a maximal benefit to the patient while minimizing the necessary intervention,” he says. “For some patients and pathologies, the only way to achieve this benefit is through a more traditional open surgical approach. However, many patients will benefit from smaller or non-surgical approaches altogether. My job is to guide patients through these options and make shared decisions about the best treatments for them.”

Dr. Farber attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate study and received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship training at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Farber believes in using research and innovation to advance the field of neurosurgery. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed medical publications and has been invited to speak around the United States.

Dr. Farber chose Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates because it is one of the most well-respected neurosurgical practices in the country. He admired its large group of nationally recognized surgeons, unparalleled practice culture, and collegial work environment. He values the top-tier practice structure and support from partners, APPs, and staff, considering it one of the best in the country.

Dr. Farber was born and raised in Charlotte and is excited to return to the community that raised him. “Nothing brings me greater joy or excitement than knowing I can give back to the people of Charlotte and the Carolinas,” he says. “Charlotte is my home, which makes the opportunity to join CNSA and serve the people of this region extremely special and personal for me. I genuinely care for this community.”

Dr. Farber says the most important thing in his life is his family. His wife is also a physician practicing internal medicine and pediatrics in Charlotte. They are native Charlotteans and together have three young boys. Outside of work, Dr. Farber is an avid runner, hiker, and golfer. He enjoys live music in any venue and spends much of his time with his family. Dr. Farber is a devoted fan of the Carolina Panthers, North Carolina Tar Heels, Charlotte Hornets, and Atlanta Braves.

Education

• Fellowship, Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
• Fellowship, Complex Spinal Deformity, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
  
• Residency, Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
  
• Doctor of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
  
• B.S. Biology with Highest Distinction, minor in Chemistry, Spanish, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
  

Affiliations & Memberships

• Board eligible by American Board of Neurological Surgery
• North Carolina Medical Board certified
• American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons
• North American Spine Society
• Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery