Mark D. Van Poppel, MD
Special Interests
- Adult and Pediatric Brain Tumors
- Adult and Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Adult and Pediatric Surgical Management of Epilepsy
- Adult and Pediatric Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)
- Adult and Pediatric Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
- Endoscopic Cranial Surgery
- Neurotrauma
Biography
Providing care as a neurosurgeon at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates for over 9 years, Dr. Van Poppel’s clinical interests include adult and pediatric epilepsy management, brain tumor treatment, and endoscopic cranial surgery. He is also the clinic expert in epilepsy for the practice, providing expertise in epileptic related care management and surgical intervention.
He is
the only physician in the Charlotte region to perform
Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG),
treating both adult and pediatric patients who are diagnosed with epilepsy.
Dr. Van Poppel’s
expertise and positive reputation has led him to hold many leadership
roles in and outside of the medical practice. He values working for
Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates because the
organization is strategically structured in a way to care for all
patients with any neurosurgical needs, no matter their age or
condition.
“Our
unique peer to peer collaboration within the field of neurosurgery
creates a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. I believe that
this is the best model for a practice to care for the patient and
achieve an optimal outcome. The collegial nature of our environment
ensures I always have a trusted colleague to consult with in order to
discuss each unique patient, no matter their diagnosis or complexity.
I
have trained and studied at other nationally recognized medical
centers and academic institutions and feel that working at Carolina
NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates affords me the ability to care
for patients to my fullest potential. Whether a patient shows up in a
hospital emergency room or in our office, we are ready and prepared
to act with a sense of urgency, creating a unique road map to meet
their immediate and long term care needs,” says Dr. Van Poppel.
From a young age, Dr. Van Poppel took
an interest in biology and human anatomy. Dr. Van Poppel started his
undergrad as a biology research major. During college, he did a work
study program in pathology. This was a pivotal educational experience
that led him to pursue medical school. Exploring various surgical
specialties, it became quite obvious to him that neurosurgery was the
right fit. The field of neurosurgery presents daily challenges that
when addressed, provide life-changing results.
“For me, I don’t
need coffee to start my day. It energizes me to wake up and solve new
and unique challenges. My innate drive and intrigue for the field of
neurosurgery is what propels me forward to give my all for my
patients and their families who look to us to help them achieve a
better quality of life. It is that same momentum that has kept me
finding each new day fulfilling as a neurosurgeon,” says Dr. Van
Poppel.
Starting out as a neurosurgeon over 9
years ago, Dr. Van Poppel initially preferred his operating room
days. As it was the complexity of neurosurgical intervention that
solidified his career path. But throughout his career, he has grown
to enjoy his clinic days and time spent with patients almost as much
as the operating room.
Dr. Van Poppel is originally from South
Bend, IN. He is married and together they parent two grade school
aged children, a son and daughter. An interesting fact about Dr. Van
Poppel is that he met his wife, who is also a physician, while they
were both attending medical school at Indiana University. She also
serves patients in the Carolina region and is board
certified in child neurology, neurodiagnostics and epilepsy.
“Being
married to someone who understands my passion for patient care means
that she can personally and professionally relate to my internal
drive to serve patients better today than the day before. We serve
patients in the same community, so it is truly a family effort,”
says Dr. Van Poppel.
While
Dr. Van Poppel treats both adult and pediatric patients, being a
parent himself enhances his ability to relate when interacting with
pediatric patients and their families. Dr. Van Poppel and his care
team understand that helping to navigate families throughout their
child’s unique and sensitive care needs is an honor.
Outside of work,
Dr. Van Poppel values spending time with his family doing things they
enjoy such as water sports. Dr. Van Poppel is a die-hard hockey fan
and says “hockey is my baseball,” meaning he could watch hockey
for hours as if time hasn't passed. If you are a patient of his, feel
free to ask him more about his favorite team!
Education
- Fellowship
Pediatric Neurosurgery, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - Residency
& Internship
University of Tennessee and Semmes-Murphey Clinic - Medical
School
Indiana University School of Medicine - Master of
Science in Anatomy and Cellular Physiology
Indiana University - Master of
Science in Biology
Purdue University
Affiliations & Memberships
- Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery (ABPNS)
- Member of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN)
- Member of the American Association
of Neurosurgery (AANS)
- Certified in Pediatric Neurosurgery Section (AANS/CNS)
- Medical Director of Neurotrauma, Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute
- Vice Chair, Carolinas Medical Center Department of Neurosurgery
- Assistant Program Director, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Neurosurgical Residency Program
Reviews
Media
A story of a mother's passion for improving her daughter's quality of life with Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES)
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In late 2021, Kate began experiencing intermittent loss of vision in her right eye. Initially, the loss of vision was only once or twice a day, but over time it escalated to over 10 times a day. Kate knew then it was time to call the doctor. After a thorough exam found nothing but healthy eyes, her ophthalmologist ordered an MRI to take a look at Kate’s brain. Kate and her family were shocked by what they found.
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(QUEEN CITY NEWS NOW) — Queen City News Now sat down with Kate Downing, a brain tumor survivor, to talk about her story and the goal of the race. Neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathon Parish also joined talking about the signs and how serious brain tumors can be.
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Meet Gavin, a 12-year-old brain tumor survivor who faced a brain tumor at a young age. After a challenging journey involving surgeries and rehabilitation at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, Gavin and his family found hope, support, and a caring community, inspiring Gavin to become a patient champion at a fundraising event for brain tumor research in September 2023.
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We are thrilled to announce 19 exceptional doctors who have been recognized as Charlotte Magazine "Top Doctors." Join us in celebrating the expertise and dedication of these exceptional physicians. They have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing the highest standard of care and have impacted the lives of countless patients.
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