John E. Ziewacz, MD, MPH
Special Interests
- Complex Spinal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Peripheral Nerve Repair Surgery
- Degenerative Spinal Disorders
- Spinal Malformations
- Spinal Tumors
Biography
As a board-certified neurosurgeon at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, John E. Ziewacz, MD, MPH provides adult neurosurgical care. His clinical special interests include treating degenerative spinal disorders and malformations, disorders of the peripheral nerves, spinal tumors, and trauma. Dr. Ziewacz also is trained in complex spinal surgery and the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Dr. Ziewacz has a diverse educational background, which includes completing a Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgical fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco, attending residency at University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, MI, and graduating from medical school at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. He also completed a Masters of Public Health at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
Dr. Ziewacz saw himself going into medicine from a young age. He originally considered pursuing a career as a pilot, but ended up getting his pilot license as a hobby instead of a career. Growing up, he was no stranger to the field of medicine, as his mother worked as a nurse. Through her example and other personal family experiences, he witnessed firsthand how physicians and nurses could have a lasting positive impact for patients and their families, balancing professionalism and personability.
From a young age he knew he wanted to be a physician and gravitated towards neurosurgery as his specialty. “I like to challenge my mind and work or fix things with my hands,” Dr. Ziewacz said. Neurosurgery was complex, technical and involved a wide range of possible development and discovery that intrigues me. I really felt that choosing neurosurgery would give me a fulfilling, lifelong career.”
Dr. Ziewacz found the culture at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates refreshing. He commented, “in this practice, there is a camaraderie and mutual respect between physicians that not only helps us maintain a successful private practice in an ever-changing healthcare landscape, but also ensures that our patients collectively receive the best care we have to offer.”
He advises his patients, “follow your post-operative instructions to the letter, be patient with your outcomes and yourself, prioritize physical therapy, and keep a positive mindset throughout the journey!”
Originally from Michigan, he married his wife after they met at the University of Michigan. She was studying to be a nurse practitioner, and now works locally as a general NP. It is safe to say the Ziewacz family has a passion for medicine and taking care of patients. Together, they have four younger children who keep them busy and grateful!
Outside of caring for patients, Dr. Ziewacz and his wife enjoy playing tennis and keeping up with sports, including Michigan-based teams and the Charlotte Football Club. They also enjoy exploring the local food scene in Charlotte.
Education
- Fellowship
Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA - Residency & Internship
University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI - Medical School
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD - Masters of Public Health
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Affiliations & Memberships
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons - Active Fellow
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons Spine Section - Active Member
Dr. Ziewacz' Care Team
