Meet Steven L. Giannotta, MD

Dr. Giannotta is a renowned neurosurgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in cerebrovascular diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume.

He’s always had big plans for himself.

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be a cowboy, fighter pilot, automotive engineer, psychiatrist and neurosurgeon.”

He works on his passion outside the office.

“When I’m not working, I enjoy playing golf and working on my vintage car.”

He wouldn’t trade his career with anyone.

“I’ve always been passionate about vehicles. In fact, I wanted to be an automotive engineer and almost went down that route. The problem was I got a ‘B’ in calculus, and because of that, I made a decision to apply to medical school and become a psychiatrist instead. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

He still has one thing left on his bucket list.

“I have been quite blessed with opportunity in my life. I have a beautiful family, and I had the opportunity to follow my passions, by being able to race in the WeatherTech (formerly Mazda) Raceway Laguna Seca and play golf all across the world. In my career, I have been able to lead a world-famous neurosurgery department and national neurosurgical organizations — but what I am most looking forward to is teaching my granddaughter how to play golf.”

His acoustic neuroma patient has been by his side for more than 25 years.

“On Feb. 28, 1990, I performed an acoustic neuroma surgery on Dawn Fishback. At the time, she was in school learning to become a physician assistant. I asked her if she would join me as my neurosurgical physician assistant, because she could provide another level in acoustic neuroma care with her ability to relate to patients going through the exact same thing. She agreed. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her for the last quarter century.”

He is passionate about the USC Acoustic Neuroma Center.

“I love my work, because my residents and faculty colleagues are so good at what they do that it makes me want to up my game to keep up with them. I enjoy working with the USC Acoustic Neuroma Center, because I am able to witness how great the results are when the team is functioning at its highest level.”

View Dr. Giannotta’s full biography and schedule an appointment.

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