J. Scott Pannell, MD

J. Scott Pannell, MD, is a board-certified endovascular surgeon and interventional neuroradiologist, and director of neurointerventional surgery in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego Health.

Dr. Pannell specializes in the minimally invasive catheter-based treatment of blood vessel disorders that can lead to hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes, including cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid stenosis, intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and other cerebral as well as spinal vascular malformations. He also specializes in the treatment of pain disorders of the spine and cerebrospinal fluid leaks as well as diagnostic neuroradiology.

His research interests include endovascular-based treatments for aneurysms, hemorrhagic stroke, and large vessel ischemic stroke as well as endothelial repair mechanisms, stem cell therapy, robotic-assisted surgery, and simulator-based training. He is currently involved in multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) and industry-funded research projects involving cerebrovascular diseases and spinal pain disorders. He also serves on several industry advisory panels and product steering committees.

As an associate professor in both the Department of Neurological Surgery and Department of Radiology, he instructs medical students, residents, and fellows in both departments. As the director of the endovascular neurosurgery fellowship, Dr. Pannell oversees the training of residents and fellows subspecializing in endovascular neurosurgery. In addition, Dr. Pannell teaches review courses for established providers, advanced care practitioners, and trainees from institutions around the country.

Dr. Pannell has co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 30 book chapters. He has given over 40 lectures and presentations at national meetings. Dr. Pannell is also a reviewer for multiple journals, including World Neurosurgery and the Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery.

He is a senior member of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgeons and a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons as well as the American College of Radiology. He is board certified in endovascular neurosurgery, neuroradiology and diagnostic radiology.

Dr. Pannell completed his fellowships in endovascular neurosurgery and neuroradiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and his radiology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and his internship at Emory University. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Georgia along with an additional American Chemical Society Certification. He graduated in the top of his classes at both institutions earning the titles of Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, and an Apha Omega Alpha nomination.

Dr. Pannell's personal interests include college football, automotive sports, and music. He enjoys spending time with his wife, son, dog, and his extended family who live in Georgia, where he was born and raised.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information on neurosurgery at UC San Diego Health, see Neurological Care.