A Q&A with Top Docs winner Dr. Lisa S. Apfel (Top Neurosurgeon) + What kind of conditions do you treat and/or surgeries do you perform? Trauma, tumors, spontaneous hemorrhages and degenerative problems that affect the brain and spine, in both children and adults. + When do you recommend a patient to consider surgery? Elective procedures can be considered when symptoms correlate with imaging findings and the symptoms are not tolerable. In trauma, tumor and spontaneous hemorrhage cases, things may become more urgent and even emergent. + What do you love most about your job? I love that Carilion is a Level I Trauma Center serving both pediatrics and adults. I appreciate the opportunity to treat patients with a wide range of neurosurgical issues. + What is your advice to aspiring neurosurgeons? Perseverance, perseverance, perseverance. + What do you love about Roanoke? I love the small-town feel of Roanoke, the sense of community and the mountains. AMY PEARMAN (BOYD PEARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) TheRoanoker.com JULY/AUGUST 2019 29http://www.TheRoanoker.com