Meet Our Surgeon

Maj. Melissa Meister, MD
U.S. Air Force

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?

When I was in high school, I was in a skiing accident and required several surgeries during my recovery.  I really admired my surgeon (who was a prior military surgeon) for the way he interacted with me and my family, for the care he provided, and for getting me back to playing volleyball.  I knew that he was someone I wanted to be like.
 

What is your area of expertise, and what do you enjoy most about your work?

I am a general Neurosurgeon and assist in treating surgical disorders of the brain and spine. Neurosurgery is immensely rewarding.   I often am taking care of patients during the most terrifying and devastating health event of their lives.  Helping people through these events and seeing them on the other side thriving is what I enjoy the most.
 

How do you ensure a positive patient experience in your care?

Something I find frustrating is how difficult as a patient it can be to navigate the health care system.  Even making one appointment, let alone coordinating imaging, surgery and appointments with other specialty care, can be difficult.  My team works to improve my patient’s experience by helping to navigate this system and helping to coordinate their care.  I like to lessen the anxiety around neurosurgical care by discussing in detail the treatment options and helping to guide my patients to what we both feel would be the best solution for them.  I want to make sure my patients know what the plan is and what they should expect from each step in the process.
 

Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your practice?

There are many memorable moments but for patients with radiculopathy one of my favorite things is asking them if they feel the pain the used to right when they wake up from surgery.  They usually look at and move the affected area. As the medications wears off you can see it dawn on them that the pain that was plaguing them before is gone.
 

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family (husband and 3 cats), running (I somehow always find myself training for something), and enjoying all the good food the DC area has to offer.