Meet the Team

Sean Salehi

MD, FAANS

   Dr. Salehi is a board certified neurosurgeon who completed his neurosurgical residency at Northwestern University in Chicago in 2002. He also completed a spine fellowship program under the guidance of the renowned neurosurgeon, Steven Ondra, while at Northwestern.  He subsequently remained as a faculty member at Northwestern University department of neurological surgery for three years before moving on to the private practice.  He was one of the early adopters of the minimally invasive techniques in spinal surgery employing small incisions in performing the most complicated surgeries reducing the post-operative pain and shortening the recovery period. This has given him 20 years of experience in such operations.

   Dr. Salehi is a member of the Congress of Neurosurgeons.  He is the author of many peer-reviewed medical articles in neurosurgery and is the author of several book chapters in major neurosurgical texts.  Additionally, he holds close to ten patents for the design of different neurosurgical instruments, few of which have been commercialized successfully in the USA and the world.

   Dr. Salehi also served as the team neurosurgeon for the Chicago Rush arena football team from 2009 to 2012.

   Dr. Salehi has privileges at Elmhurst Hospital, Macneal hospital, Hinsdale hospital, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, North Suburban Pain and Spine Surgical Center and Illinois Back and Neck Institute.

Elizabeth A. Koch

Pa-c

   Liz graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She graduated from Midwestern University with a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is licensed by the state of Illinois and certified by the National Commission Certification of physician Assistants and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. She sees patients in the office independently and in conjunction with Dr. Salehi. She also assists in surgeries in the operating room.

Natalie Nehart

PA-C

   Natalie graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She graduated from Midwestern university with a Masters of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies. She is licensed by the state of Illinois and certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants. She sees patients in the office independently and in conjunction with Dr. Salehi. She also assists in surgeries in the operating room. 

Milly Castillo

Admin

    As the office manager at Chicago Neurospine Surgery, Milly is responsible for ensuring that our clinics and the surgical schedule run smoothly and efficiently.  She has more than 25 years of experience in different administrative roles such as scheduling appointments, surgical authorization, worker’s compensation, personal injury claims, interacting with doctors’ offices, attorneys’ offices and insurance companies.
    Milly can almost always find common grounds with our patients and make them feel comfortable as they visit our clinics.   She prides herself in being a great patient advocate and also believes that our patients should be thoroughly educated about their diagnosis and treatment options, particularly our Spanish speaking patients using her language expertise and cultural connection. 

"Teamwork strengthens the ability of healthcare providers to ensure the highest quality of care"