Ballad Health expands surgical oncology services at Johnson City Medical Center

First awake brain tumor resection performed, bringing more treatment options for cancer patients

Ballad Health has expanded surgical oncology services at Johnson City Medical Center with the addition of awake brain tumor resection procedures.

Alessandra Cathel, DO, performed the first awake brain tumor resection in December. Before Dr. Cathel’s recruitment, patients had to travel outside the region to receive the surgery.

“By having Dr. Cathel on our team, we’re able to bring this landmark service to our region, which will help patients with cancer and other conditions find relief,” said Rebecca Beck, chief executive officer of Johnson City Medical Center. “This advancement allows patients to receive highly specialized, advanced neurosurgical care close to home, reducing the need to travel out of the area during an already challenging time in their lives.”

Awake craniotomies are brain surgeries that are performed while the patient is conscious and alert and have been performed for nearly 50 years in the United States. The scalp is numbed with anesthesia, so patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure. These procedures are used to treat seizures and brain tumors. Patients are awake so that surgeons can map brain function in real time, minimizing permanent neurological damage from the procedure.

“Awake craniotomies are a great tool for surgeons because they help us avoid damage to areas in the brain, like those that control language or motor skills,” said Dr. Cathel. “This is especially helpful for patients who have tumors close to those functional centers of the brain, which allows us to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, while preserving these critical functions. Awake craniotomy isn’t always necessary for patients who need brain surgery, but it can be a great option for patients with tumors close to important areas of the brain.”

Dr. Cathel began practicing at Johnson City Medical Center in late 2025. She is a neurosurgeon specializing in oncology and joined Ballad Health to specialize in tumor resection, biopsies, fluid diversion, and other treatments. She’s board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and completed her residency and fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, respectively.

“Dr. Cathel is an incredibly talented surgeon, and we’re grateful to welcome her to the region,” said Beth Jackson, MD, chief medical officer at Johnson City Medical Center. “Her expertise strengthens our neurosurgical program and reinforces our commitment to expanding access to advanced, high-quality care for the communities we serve.”

To learn more about neurosurgery, spine, and rehabilitation services at Ballad Health, visit www.balladhealth.org/locations/surgery/neurosurgery-spine-johnson-city.