Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Ryan Urbonas, DO, to the Neurosurgery team.
Dr. Urbonas was born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in Flushing, Michigan, where his passion for practicing neurosurgery began at a young age. During his middle school years, Dr. Urbonas’ mother, an oncology nurse, introduced him to a general surgeon, whom he shadowed for over a decade.
After graduating from Michigan State University with his bachelor's degree, Dr. Urbonas went on to medical school at Midwestern University's Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he confirmed his childhood ambition of becoming a neurosurgeon. Dr. Urbonas completed his neurosurgery residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (now Cooperman Barnabas) in Livingston, New Jersey as well as a Complex Spine fellowship at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, Washington.
Patients come to see a neurosurgeon for a potential surgical solution to their problems. While surgery often is necessary, under most circumstances Dr. Urbonas does not jump to surgery as a first solution. His ultimate goal for patients is that they get better, whatever that means to them. If they can get better without surgery, he considers that in their best interest.
“I encourage open and honest communication with my patients, asking them to share what they’re experiencing, what they want to work on, and how I can be helpful in this process,” he says.
Understanding the serious and often-times uncomfortable nature of a typical doctor-patient interaction, Dr. Urbonas prefers a more-casual experience, often engaging with patients on a first-name basis or whatever makes them feel most comfortable.
Outside of work, Dr. Urbonas enjoys creating art – engaging in drawing, painting, and sculpting. Growing up in mid-Michigan with family in the automotive industry, he also has a passion for vintage and classic automobiles. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors – especially hiking, hunting, and fishing. A lifelong animal lover, he and his wife have both dogs and cats. He also enjoys traveling with his wife and taking in the local foods and customs.
Munson Healthcare Neurosurgery is located at 1221 Sixth Street, Suite 300 in Traverse City.
For additional information, visit munsonhealthcare.org/FindADoctor.