 Yoshihiro Yamamoto, M.D.
Yoshihiro Yamamoto, M.D., is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Japan and the United States. He graduated from Okayama University Medical School in Japan in 1985 and completed neurosurgery training at the University Hospital. He passed the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) in 1991. He then completed his American residency at Mayo Clinic in 1998. He has been board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery since 2001.
Dr. Yamamoto practices general neurosurgery with particular interest in cerebrovascular surgery, minimally invasive cranial and spinal surgery, and microsurgery. He enjoys using state-of-the-art computer navigation systems for brain tumor surgery.
His goal is to make each patient and family member satisfied by his compassionate treatment and clinical skills he has learned over the years. He is very proud of gathering his excellent staff members who share his vision and goals for his patients.
 Sheila Smitherman, M.D.
Dr. Smitherman practices general neurosurgery with particular interest in degenerative spine disease and tumors. Her interest in spinal surgery includes management of primary and metastatic vertebral column tumors. She is skilled in performing surgery for spine and brain tumors, as well as complex spinal instrumentation and the correction of vascular malformations.
Dr. Smitherman believes in providing compassionate and skillful care for the benefit of the community, and is proud to address the neurosurgical needs of her patients as part of the whole person. As a mother of two children, she understands the demands of a busy family life. Dr. Smitherman believes addressing whole body health is the most important means of maintaining it for you and your family. She exhibits this through her own active interest in running, and plans to run the Capital City Marathon in 2009, to be her eighth marathon. Dr. Smitherman is fluent in both English and Spanish.
 Brian Iuliano, M.D.
Dr. Iuliano practices general neurosurgery with particular interest in neurosurgical management of tumors of the brain, pituitary gland and spinal cord. He is skilled in performing surgery for vascular malformations, NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus), Chiari malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and degenerative spinal conditions requiring instrumented fusion.
Dr. Iuliano is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He completed his medical training and neurosurgical residency at the Mayo Clinic, and a clinical and research fellowship at the National Institute of Health. Dr. Iuliano's care philosophy is the patient comes first. He believes it is essential for patients to have a clear understanding of their conditions and treatment options, so they can be a partner in the medical decision-making process. Dr. Iuliano feels it is important to treat people with empathy and respect.
 Sudesh Ebenezer, M.D.
Sudesh Ebenezer, M.D., joins us from British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Ebenezer completed his medical degree and neurosurgical training in Canada. He has a particular interest in medical education and completed a master’s of education at Harvard University in 2005. From 2006-2007, he completed a pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center in Seattle, where he also served as an attending physician. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Dr. Ebenezer practices general neurosurgery, using minimally invasive techniques. He also is skilled in the use of computerized navigation for brain surgery. Dr. Ebenezer believes strongly in communication. His goal is for each patient and family to fully understand the nature of their condition and available treatment options.
Gregory Raappana, P.A.-C.
Gregory Raappana is a board-certified physician assistant. He graduated from the University of Kentucky's physician assistant program in 1993 and practiced family medicine in Idaho until 1996. In 1997 he completed a physician assistant surgical residency program at Spectrum Health Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From 1997-2005 he worked in an orthopedic and spine practice in Centralia, Washington.
Gregory Raappana joined the Providence Neurosurgery Clinic in 2005. His goal is to collaborate with the entire clinic staff to bring compassionate and expert care to each patient and family member.
 Sara Crookshank, P.A.-C.
Sara Crookshank is a board-certified physician assistant. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in December 2006 with distinction and academic excellence. She received her B.S. in biology from Chadron State College in Nebraska, graduating cum laude.
Sara Crookshank joined the Providence Neurosurgery Clinic in March 2007. Her passion is to deliver high quality and competent care while making patients feel comfortable and at ease.
Stephen R. Fischer, P.A.-C.
 Stephen R. Fischer is a board-certified physician assistant. He graduated cum laude from Trevecca Nazarene University's Physican Assistant Program in 1978. He earned a B.S. from East Tennessee State University in 1974. He practiced at the Washington Orthopaedic Center in Centralia, Washington, from 1978-1997 and at the Steck Clinic from 1997-2008.
Stephen Fischer joined Providence Neurosugery in July 2008 and looks forward to providing superb, compassionate care to our neurological surgery patients.
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