Our Team
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:I am a Board Certified, neurosurgeon practicing in Salem, Oregon since 1983. I am the medical director of the Salem Spine Center of Excellence, the proud father of 6 children, and the owner/president of Cubanisimo Vineyards winery in Salem, Oregon. Oh yes, and married to a wonderful lady who helps me with all of the above pursuits.
Education:
Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Internship: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency Training: Louisiana State University Medical Center
Fellowship Training:University of CA at San Francisco School of Med
Clinical Interests:
Special interest in CNS trauma, spine care management (surgical, and non surgical), central nervous system tumors, and population health management.
Certifications & Licensure:
- American Board of Neurological Surgery
- Oregon State Medical License (1983 - 2021)
Awards, Honors, & Recognition
- CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification NextGen Ambulatory EHR, NextGen Healthcare, 2013
- Fellow (FAANS) American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons - AANS Fellow
Other Languages
- Spanish
Industry Relationships
- Owner/President, Cubanisimo Vineyards winery dedicated to making the best possible Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Rosado de Pinot Noir, and presenting the wine with homage to the owner's Cuban culture. (2003 - Present)
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Oregon is home to our family. I am happy to relocate back to Oregon after finishing residency in Albuquerque, NM to provide high quality neurosurgery care. I believe in developing relationships with patients based on trust. This partnership helps me create personalized treatment plans. I enjoy fishing, table tennis, photography, travel, and spending time with my family.
Education:
Medical School: Azerbaijan State Medical University
Internship: Azerbaijan State Medical University
Residency Training: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Fellowship Training: Swedish Neuroscience Institute
Clinical Interests:
My clinical interests include surgical treatment of brain tumors, traumatic brain and spine injuries, and minimally invasive surgery for degenerative spine diseases.
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Dr. Hatchette enjoys gardening, fishing, reading 19th century Russian literature, and travel with his family.
Education:
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Residency Training: University of Texas at Southwestern
Clinical Interests:
In addition to neurosurgery, Dr. Hatchette has special interest and research involvement in degenerative spine disease and spine tumors, trauma, and brain tumors.
Certifications:
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Dr. Kafka grew up in rural South Dakota and completed his undergraduate and medical degree at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he met his wife, Melissa. He then completed his neurosurgical residency and spinal deformity fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. He also spent part of his fellowship at the San Diego Spine Foundation. Dr. Kafka is excited to be joining CNS in Salem. He and his wife have always wanted to move to the Pacific Northwest to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. In their spare time they also enjoy powerlifting, cooking, and spending time with their pets.
Education:
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency Training: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Fellowship Training: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Clinical Interests:
Adult degenerative spinal deformity
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Dr. Nanaszko completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University, where he graduated with a BA in biology, with distinction in cell and molecular biology, including receiving the Laubengeyer award for top chemistry student. He then received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. During his time at Cornell, he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Nanaszko completed his residency at the Barrow Neurological institute, including multiple infolded fellowships: six-week radiosurgery fellowship, a three-month complex spine fellowship with Dr. Nicholas Theodore, and a six-month deformity fellowship with Dr. Udaya Kakarla. Academically, Dr. Nanaszko has been both a lead and senior author for numerous publications and book chapters, and he has also presented at meetings such as the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Nanaszko enjoys participating in different endurance activities, including climbing, mountaineering, and trail running. He has completed numerous ultramarathons spanning up to nearly 100 miles, both locally and around the world.
Education:
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College
Residency Training: Barrow Neurological Institute
Fellowship Training: Barrow Neurological Institute
Clinical Interests:
Adult degenerative spinal deformity
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Christine is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, recently moving to Oregon to pursue her neurosurgical career. She developed an enthusiasm for spine during training in rural Tennessee and is thrilled to be a member of the CNS family.
Clinical Interests:
Alongside practicing neurosurgery, Christine finds pleasure in participating with medical volunteer work.
Certifications:
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Specialty / Area of Practice: Neurosurgery
Bio:
Megan has worked in neurosurgery for 8 years. She believes communication with and educating her patients provides better long term outcomes. She is very focused on preventive care and improving quality of life.
Clinical Interests:
Along with practicing neurosurgery, Megan has a special interest in perioperative pain management and improving outcomes for spine surgery.
Certifications:
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Practice Administrator
Bio:
A native Oregonian, Heather joined Capital Neurosurgery Specialists in the fall of 2020. With over 20 years of experience in Healthcare Practice Administration, ranging from Primary Care, Cardiology, Physical Therapy, and Dermatology, she is passionate about patient education and creating an exceptional patient experience.
In her free time, Heather enjoys watching movies, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband and son.
Interests:
Special interest in early prevention and community outreach.
Certifications:
- The American College of Medical Practice Executives (CMPE)
Professional Memberships:
- OMGMA
- MGMA
- NERVES Association
