About
Meet Dr. Omar Arnaout
Dr. Omar Arnaout is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of brain tumors and complex skull base conditions. He is the J.K. Irving Family Endowed Chair in Neurosurgical Oncology at Mass General Brigham, an Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at Harvard Medical School, and Director of Clinical Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
His subspecialized training focuses on brain tumors — including glioma, metastatic disease, and skull base tumors such as meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, glomus jugulare tumors, and pituitary disease — as well as microsurgery for cranial nerve conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. Trained in both traditional open skull base surgery (under Dr. Ossama Al-Mefty) and minimally invasive cranial surgery (under Dr. Charles Teo in Sydney), he helped introduce and refine keyhole techniques across New England — offering minimally invasive options for patients with complex cranial conditions.
To him, neurosurgery is not about the procedures but rather the long-term relationships he builds with his patients. Good outcomes are tied closely to strong therapeutic relationships, so he often sees patients more than once before discussing surgery, and then regularly through recovery. For patients who do not need surgery, it remains just as important to him to stay involved and help guide them toward the outcome they are hoping for.
What drives his work
Patient relationships. The connection with each patient is the driving force behind everything he does.
The craft of surgery. The technical demands of neurosurgery are unforgiving, but deeply rewarding — especially when a challenging operation gives a patient their life back.
Research and innovation. His work applying artificial intelligence to brain tumor care aims to anticipate problems earlier, understand patient outcomes, and raise the quality of care for everyone.
To him, the human brain is the most fascinating and complex organ on earth. Disorders of the brain are unique in their ability to affect the core attributes that make us who we are — our personalities, memories, and decisions. No other specialty in medicine is as demanding, or as gratifying.
Patient care philosophy
Patients can expect compassionate, personalized care that prioritizes their comfort and wellbeing at every step. Dr. Arnaout takes the time to fully understand each patient's unique needs and concerns, and works closely with them to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific situation.
His commitment to using the latest techniques and technologies in brain surgery means patients receive the most advanced and effective treatment available — whether that is minimally invasive keyhole surgery or a traditional open approach. Above all, his dedication to exceptional care and deep compassion for his patients is what makes him a trusted resource for the people and community he serves.
Research & Innovation
Bringing artificial intelligence to brain tumor care
Dr. Arnaout co-leads the Neurosurgery AI Lab (NSAIL) at Brigham and Women's Hospital — one of the field's most productive research programs at the intersection of artificial intelligence and neurosurgical oncology, with more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, including in Nature Communications, Nature Neuroscience, and Clinical Cancer Research.
In practical terms, that research is aimed at helping patients directly. His team has built AI tools that can:
- predict a brain tumor's genetic makeup from an MRI, before surgery;
- automatically measure and map tumors in three dimensions to guide treatment and track response;
- estimate likely outcomes to support clearer decision-making; and
- use language-based AI to make patient education and communication easier to understand.
Several of these tools are moving toward everyday clinical use, developed in collaboration with teams at MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard's AI in Medicine program.
Where he sees patients
Dr. Arnaout cares for patients and operates across Mass General Brigham and affiliated hospitals:
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, MA
In the media
Dr. Arnaout's work — from keyhole brain surgery to the use of AI in neuro-oncology — has been featured by CBS / WBZ Boston, the Brigham Health Hub, and other outlets.
Education & training
Professional societies & service
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons — Data Science & Technology Committee
- Society for Neuro-Oncology
- North American Skull Base Society — Track Chair (2025)
- New England Neurosurgical Society
- International Federation of Neuroendoscopy
- Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Peer reviewer for the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Neurosurgery, World Neurosurgery, and the Journal of Neurotrauma.
Honors & recognition
- J.K. Irving Family Endowed Chair in Neurosurgical Oncology, Mass General Brigham (2026)
- Distinguished Clinician Award, Brigham and Women's Hospital (2022 & 2025)
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024–2026) and Rising Star (2021–2022) — featured in Boston Magazine
- Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery