Locations of Richard Naftalis, MD, FAANS, FACS

Biography


Richard Naftalis, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, spine conditions and complex neurological diseases. He sees patients in Dallas, Texas, ... and provides comprehensive neurosurgical care utilizing advanced technologies and evidence-based treatment approaches.


Dr. Naftalis has extensive experience treating brain tumors, spinal disorders, epilepsy, Chiari malformations, neurotrauma and complex spinal conditions. His clinical interests include complex and reconstructive spine surgery, minimally invasive neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, radiosurgery and the treatment of cranial and spinal tumors. He incorporates advanced technologies such as intraoperative neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, Gamma Knife®, CyberKnife® and Novalis® radiosurgery to develop personalized treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient.

Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Naftalis believes that evidence-based medicine, patient education and compassionate care are essential to delivering an exceptional healthcare experience. He works closely with patients and their families to ensure they understand their diagnosis, treatment options and recovery plan, helping them make informed decisions throughout their care journey.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Naftalis serves as the Neurosurgical Director of the Baylor Neuroscience Center Epilepsy Center at Baylor University Medical Center, reflecting his leadership and expertise in the treatment of complex neurological conditions. He has also contributed to advancements in neurosurgery through research, including recent work focused on spinal cord injury intervention and recovery, helping advance treatment options for patients living with spinal cord injuries.

Dr. Naftalis has been repeatedly recognized for his commitment to clinical excellence and outstanding patient care. He has been consistently named a D Magazine Best Doctor, earning a place in the publication's Best Doctors Hall of Fame, and has also been recognized as a Texas Super Doctor, achieving Texas Monthly Hall of Fame status for his longstanding excellence in neurosurgery.



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Ages Seen
Adults
Geriatrics
Language(s) Spoken
English
Education
Education: University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center (1985)
Internship: General Surgery/Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham (1986)
Residency: General Surgery/Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham (1991)
Certifications
Neurological Surgery- American Board of Neurological Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Dallas
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Uptown
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton

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Patient Ratings (240)

The patient rating score is an average of all responses to physician-related questions on our nationally recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey .

4.8 overall patient satisfaction
averageRating metric
4.6
Wait Time at Clinic
4.9
Time Care Provider spent with Patient
4.9
Provider included you in decisions
4.8
Provider showed concern
4.8
Friendliness/Courtesy of Care Provider
4.8
Rate Care Provider

Patient Comments (114)

Overview of patient comments

Summary created using AI

Patients appreciate

The overwhelming majority of reviews praise Dr. Richard Naftalis for his thoroughness, clarity, and expertise. Patients consistently note that he takes time to explain MRI results and diagnoses in understandable terms, often showing patients their scans directly. Many reviewers highlight his directness and honesty, appreciating his straightforward, "no BS" approach to discussing conditions and treatment options. Numerous patients specifically valued that he presented conservative options and avoided recommending unnecessary surgery when appropriate, and several who did require surgery reported excellent outcomes. His bedside manner is frequently described as caring, compassionate, and attentive, with many noting he doesn't rush appointments and genuinely listens to patient concerns. The office staff and overall care experience also received frequent praise for being professional and helpful.

Patients also share

A smaller number of reviews pointed to areas for improvement. A few patients described Dr. Naftalis as "curt" or having a matter-of-fact demeanor that could come across as less warm, with one review explicitly noting his bedside manner "may not be satisfactory to some patients." One review mentioned he "didn't make an attempt to engage" as a patient, and another felt their concern about hip displacement wasn't fully addressed. Separately, one review noted that scheduling staff were not particularly helpful in securing an appointment, though this was distinct from feedback about the doctor himself.

Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey and are displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.