We are excited to welcome the newest resident of the Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Neurological Surgery Residency Program team, Dr. Pratheek Makineni! Joining current residents, Drs. Geoff O’Malley and Anthony Dragun, he becomes the third resident in our growing program and will train alongside the physicians of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine.
As Dr. Makineni begins this next chapter, we asked him more about his journey to neurosurgery, what drew him to our program, and what excites him most about the future of the field.
A Passion for Neuroscience and Patient Care
For many physicians, the path to medicine begins with a single experience that sparks curiosity. For Dr. Makineni, that journey began in high school. Through volunteer work at a local hospital and a summer research position at the Oregon Primate Research Center, he was introduced to the world of medicine early on. While he always found the brain fascinating, it was his time volunteering in a Neuro ICU that solidified his future.
“Seeing firsthand how neurosurgeons care for and heal patients with serious neurological conditions was instrumental in my decision to pursue this career path.”
That experience helped transform an interest in neuroscience into a commitment to becoming a neurosurgeon.
Why Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine?
Choosing a residency program is one of the most important decisions in a physician’s training, and several factors made the Ascension St. Vincent program, led by Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, stand out.
He was particularly impressed by the program’s exceptional surgical volume and abundant opportunities for residents to gain meaningful operating room experience early in training. Just as important, however, was the culture he experienced during the interview process.
“During my interview, it was clear that the faculty and staff are deeply committed to resident education. The collaborative environment and strong relationships I witnessed are what truly sold me on the program.”
This close mentorship between residents and attending surgeons is a hallmark of the program and creates an environment where learning and professional growth thrive.
Looking Ahead: Innovation in Neurosurgery
When asked about the areas of neurosurgery that interest him most, two specialties immediately came to mind: spine deformity and functional neurosurgery. Dr. Makineni is eager to bring curiosity, innovation, and a passion for research to the program while contributing to advancements that improve patient outcomes. His excitement extends beyond current practice and into the future of the field itself.
“The future of neurosurgery is incredibly exciting, particularly with the growing integration of artificial intelligence.”
From optimizing patients before surgery to identifying new genetic targets for cancer treatment and advancing our understanding of brain function, he sees tremendous potential for technology to enhance patient care and expand what is possible in neurosurgery.
Beyond the Hospital
While medicine occupies much of his time, Dr. Makineni also values staying active and pursuing a variety of interests outside of work.
Whether he’s running, playing pickleball or basketball, or hitting the ski slopes during the winter, he enjoys finding ways to stay active year-round. He also considers himself a foodie and enjoys exploring new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Another passion? Fashion and design.
On weekends, you may find him searching for vintage clothing, discovering unique furniture pieces, or finding creative ways to personalize his living space.
Welcome to the Team
As our residency program continues to grow, we are thrilled to welcome another talented physician who shares our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care.
We look forward to supporting Dr. Makineni’s training, watching his growth as a neurosurgeon, and seeing the impact he will make on our patients, our program, and the future of neurological surgery.
Welcome to Indianapolis, we’re excited to have you here!
