Views from the Shore
By Brian Cahill
I’ve always been fascinated by how people end up in the careers they have. When I was growing up, I had no idea what marketing was. Forget pursuing a career in it! My goal as a young child was to be the person who worked the buzzer on a game show, and as I got older, it was to sell tickets in the Kingdome so I could watch Seattle Mariners games for free.
But for many others, career choices are not really choices. They are a calling. I’ve seen that with so many people who work in vocations such as teaching, first responders and health care workers. Their life’s work is a passion, and their overall goal is to help others.
Two weeks ago, I had a chance to meet one of these inspirational people, and it was Penn Medicine neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Spadola. He began treating patients in Shore Physicians Group’s Neurosurgery Division in Somers Point. I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Spadola when I was filling in for Scott Cronick on WOND. His expertise and compassionate care have already made a big difference in his patients’ lives.
“When I was younger, if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said professional athlete or orthopedic surgeon. I’ve always loved and been fascinated with science,” Dr. Spadola shared, reflecting on what led him to his career. This mix of a passion for science and a desire to make a real difference guided him to the challenging and rewarding field of neurosurgery.
Dr. Spadola’s journey through education is impressive, taking 15 years to complete. This amount of time and commitment is something few people, including myself, would ever think of doing. He started with four years for his bachelor’s degree, then another four years for his doctorate at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. After that, he did a seven-year residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He even specialized further with a Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Fellowship there.
Curious about the brain itself, I asked Dr. Spadola what it actually looks like. With a smile, he described it vividly: “The brain looks like a highway with spaghetti noodles as exits. It’s a network of pathways constantly transmitting signals and information.”
Dr. Spadola’s philosophy on patient care is worth noting. “I want surgery to be the last option. My job is to make sure we have done everything we can before going under the knife,” he explains. This patient-first approach ensures that every possible non-surgical treatment is explored before making the decision to operate.
“I want to be the type of doctor that I would want to go to and that I would send my family to. This means providing the highest standard of care with empathy, integrity, and respect,” he explains. “Every patient deserves to be treated uniquely and with compassion. I strive to offer the kind of care that I would expect for myself or my loved ones.”
Growing up in a small town in the Pocono area of Pennsylvania before moving to New York, Dr. Spadola knows firsthand what it’s like to feel like you have to travel far to receive quality care. “It shouldn’t be like that,” he says. “Everyone should have access to top-notch medical care close to home, and that’s what Shore is providing.”
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Spadola is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He loves spending time with his wife and two young children. He’s also an avid New York sports fan, which certainly adds a fun dynamic to his life in the Philly area.
Reflecting on my interview with Dr. Spadola, it’s clear that his dedication to the field of neurosurgery and his compassionate approach to patient care are truly inspiring. His work not only exemplifies the pinnacle of medical excellence but also offers hope and healing to those facing some of life’s most daunting challenges.
To learn more about Dr. Michael Spadola or make an appointment, visit shorephysiciansgroup.com or call (609) 365-6239.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
