Roger Herman Frankel, MD

Roger H. Frankel M.D., FAANS is a board certified neurosurgeon and the President of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. Since 1999, Dr. Frankel has cared for neurosurgical patients from throughout the Southeast and beyond from his central practice in Atlanta. He is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative and injury-related spinal disorders. He has taken part in clinical research trials as well as published articles in peer reviewed journals. He sets a standard for advanced technical training to maintain cutting edge surgical skills. However, his academic and research accomplishments are only a part of what makes Dr. Frankel a renowned surgeon. His patients describe him as compassionate and no-nonsense. They depend on his consistent approach to developing the right action plan and achieving the best outcome based on their individual needs. As a result of this, they know that they will be led to the best treatment option for their specific situation. Dr. Frankel emphasizes patient education and a thorough explanation of all treatment options in a way that everybody can understand.
Dr. Frankel received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA graduating cum laude in Biology. He attended medical school at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. He received an M.D. with Honors in Pathology after completing novel research on brain tumor genetics and defending a research thesis. His neurosurgical training was completed at Emory University here in Atlanta from 1992 to 1999. He has researched and published findings on brain tumors, pituitary disorders, and surgical treatment of AVMs.
Dr. Frankel has been a pioneer in clinical research on spinal implants at Piedmont Hospital and has been involved at the Shepherd Center in clinical research for treatments for spinal cord injury. He has studied the use of dynamic stabilization devices within the spine and has been involved in utilization of disc replacement technologies and minimally invasive spinal techniques. He is a big believer in using minimal incisions and minimizing muscular trauma to offer better surgical solutions for his patients. He also offers surgery in an ambulatory surgical setting for those patients who are medically appropriate. As a result, the techniques and surgical options that he offers eliminate the need for patients to travel to other cities for minimally invasive or laser surgery.
Dr. Frankel offers his expertise in the treatment of the following disorders with either minimally invasive or standard procedures as appropriate:
- Disc herniations-cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine
- Spinal stenosis-cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine
- Spondylolisthesis-cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine
- Degenerative disc disease-cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine
- Tumors of the spine including of spinal cord, spinal nerve and bony origin
- Trauma of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine including reconstructive surgery for fractures
Dr. Frankel is highly respected by his peers in the medical community. This fact speaks for itself as he was elected President of the Georgia Neurosurgical Society from 2016-2017, and he currently serves as the Medical Director of the Piedmont Hospital Spine Center Quality Program. He has served as both Chairman of the Department of Neuroscience and President of the Section of Neurosurgery at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. From 2011 through 2015 he served as Medical Director of Neurosurgical Services at the Shepherd Center, a U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital for the rehabilitation of patients suffering from catastrophic spinal cord and brain injuries.
In addition, Dr. Frankel has held multiple other hospital leadership positions and has received many honors. He has been listed in America's Top Doctors and U.S. News & World Report Best Doctors since 2011. He has been named as an Atlanta Magazine Best Doctor every year since 2011.
Dr. Frankel is an active member of several distinguished societies and organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, North American Spine Society, Georgia Neurosurgical Society, the Medical Association of Georgia, and the Medical Association of Atlanta.
He lives in Atlanta with his wife and three daughters. He enjoys cooking, exercise, exploring the city for interesting culinary experiences, and spending time with his family.