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A Tremendous Honor for Atlantic Brain & Spine

Dr. J. Alex Thomas Named One of Newsweek’s Top Spine Surgeons of 2025

We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with our patients, colleagues, and community. Our very own Dr. J. Alex Thomas has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista as one of America’s Leading Doctors for 2025 in the field of spine surgery. Working alongside Dr. Thomas each day, it’s no surprise to us to hear he’s one of the country’s top spine surgeons — his outstanding skill and immense care for his patients speak for themselves. It’s wonderful to see this well-deserved recognition.

Every year, Newsweek publishes a comprehensive evaluation of the nation’s most outstanding medical specialists. Out of more than one million licensed physicians practicing throughout the United States, only 2,845 specialists are selected across 15 critical medical fields. The fact that Dr. Thomas has been included among this elite group of spine surgeons represents not just personal achievement, but a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion that defines our practice. We could not be more delighted to announce this honor.

It’s important to note that Newsweek looks at large bodies of data when deciding who is the cream of the crop. No popularity contest or self-nomination process here! Instead, the examiners looked at tens of thousands of comprehensive surveys, peer quality-of-care assessments, procedure performance data, and more.

“From mobility-enhancing joint surgeries to sight-restoring eye procedures and life-saving vascular operations, the doctors recognized in this year’s ranking represent the pinnacle of specialized medical care in the U.S.”

Newsweek

A Win for the Whole Team

Dr. Thomas’s dedication to his craft won him this prestigious recognition. Still, at Atlantic Brain and Spine, we know that no man is an island. From our skilled advanced practice providers, surgical technicians, and nurses to our administrative staff who ensure seamless patient experiences, every member of our practice contributes to the exceptional outcomes that caught Newsweek‘s attention.

Spine surgery is one of the most complex and delicate fields in medicine. Patients who come to us are often dealing with chronic pain, mobility issues, or life-altering conditions that significantly impact their quality of life. The trust they place in Dr. Thomas and our team is something we never take for granted, and this recognition validates our commitment to providing the highest standard of care.

Excellence, Every Day

The honor of Newsweek’s recognition only reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in spine care. Dr. Thomas, along with the whole team at Atlantic Brain and Spine, remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of surgical techniques, technology, and patient care approaches that can improve outcomes and enhance recovery experiences. As a leading physician in the field, Dr. Thomas is continuously striving to reduce time under anesthesia, post operative outcomes and quality of life.

Thank you to our remarkable patients who have trusted us with their care, our referring physicians who continue to place their confidence in our expertise, and our entire medical team whose dedication makes achievements like this possible.

Newsweek’s recognition as one of America’s Leading Doctors 2025 is not just an honor – it’s a responsibility we embrace as we continue serving our community with excellence. 

Neurosurgical Physician Assistant Opening

Atlantic Brain and Spine is seeking a Physician Assistant (or SFA-NP) motivated to learn new skills and take on the challenge of continuing to reinforce and build a solid practice platform with our experienced neurosurgeons. Our growing practice employs 6 neurosurgeons, 11 Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners. 

What sets our practice apart? The makeup of our surgical group includes the only endovascular neurosurgeon in our region, a world leader in lateral access exposures, and one of the top robotic lateral spine surgeons in the country also assisting with robotic improvement projects. Our surgeons have ongoing exposure to new ideas, equipment and technique advancements, and embrace the challenge to be on the cutting edge of neurosurgical technology. 

Who is a good fit? This job is fast paced and requires a candidate willing to take on the challenge of learning the specifics of Endovascular Neurosurgery both on and off the job during their introductory period. Call requires 48- or 72-hour rotation (M/T; W/R; F/S/S), with additional compensation per day. Candidates should be invested in patient satisfaction and providing a good customer service model. New graduates welcome to apply. The ideal candidate will work to maintain constant communication with their attending, being an integral piece in executing the patient’s plan of care. 

Work Schedule: Full-time. M-F and 1 weekend every 6 weeks /1:6 Call ratio

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program
  • Current Board Certification
  • Current North Carolina License Preferred
  • Critical Care training/experience
  • Desired knowledge/experience Neurosurgery/Neurology/Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Current prescribing privileges including a DEA license for controlled substances
  • Competent in viewing MRI, CT, radiology films used during the medical decision-making process

Practice Requirements:

  • Hospital arrival by 6:45 am M-F plus call days
  • Surgery Schedule 2-3 days per week
  • Clinic days 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 2-3 days per week; close early on Fridays. 
  • Primary Call: Responsible for taking first call, patient consults, and acting as surgical first assist. Must be within a 30-minute travel radius when on call to NHRMC

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance 
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) 
  • Voluntary benefits 
  • CME allowance
  • Dues & Memberships 
  • PTO

Full Time Front Desk

Role and Responsibilities

The medical office assistant will have a minimum of one-year experience and be an integral part of the patient care team. This is a full-time position, and will handle the use of confidential information. This position will cross cover between check-in and check-out. Primary duties are as follows:

  • Greet patients and visitors, in person or on the telephone
  • Registration of patient accounts
  • Process outgoing referrals
  • Scheduling of patient appointments
  • Payment collections and postings
  • Optimizes patient’s satisfaction, provider time and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments
  • Notifying providers and clinical staff of patient’s arrival
  • Scanning medical records in the EMR, including but not limited to paper documents and CD images
  • Protects patient’s rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the reception area
  • Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

High School Degree or GED required; and one year of customer service experience. Excellent customer service skills, strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Preferred Skills

One-year of medical front office experience a plus. Associates degree preferred.

Salary: $14.00 – $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

    Career Opportunities