Dr. Harold K. Smith, MD, FAANS

Media Releases

Get to know Neurosurgeon Dr. Harold K. Smith, who serves patients in Texas.

Based at University Medical Center of El Paso, Dr. Smith is an expert in a broad range of neurosurgical disciplines, with extensive experience in spinal and intracranial neurosurgery. He also pioneered the use of fluorescence guidance and awake techniques for the resection of complex brain tumors.

His considerable expertise includes the disciplines of image-guided brain and spinal surgery, skull base,vascular, functional and tumor neurosurgery, the treatment of facial pain, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery. Dr. Smith is a strong advocate for the use of minimally invasive spine and brain surgery, in particular the minimally invasive parafascicular (MIPPS) procedures.

“My number one goal is to bring the people of El Paso world class Neurosurgery expertise and technology without having to leave home to find it. I have dedicated my life to staying on the cutting edge in the field of neurosurgery while never losing sight of the importance of personalized, compassionate care” says Dr. Smith.

His acclaimed career in medicine began after he earned his medical degree from the UAMS College of Medicine in 1988. He then went on to perform his residency in neurological surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1988 until 1994.

An authority in his field, Dr. Smith is board certified in neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. The Board’s broad aim is to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards, and advance the science of neurological surgery and thereby serve the cause of public health.

Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Smith served as the Director of Neurosciences Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare (2021 - 2023), was Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Covenant Medical Center (2017 - 2019), and Section Chief of Neurosurgery at Covenant Medical Center (2014 - 2016).

Joining several professional affiliations, he is a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and a member of the American Medical Association.

Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system. Neurosurgeons are doctors who diagnose and treat problems with the nervous system, often by performing surgery on the brain or spine. They treat strokes, tumors, certain types of birth defects, infections, and head or spinal cord injuries.

Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys cycling. His favorite professional publication is the Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery.

Recommended Articles

• Reasons Why You Need a Laminectomy

  What is laminectomy?If you have back pain that is severe enough to interfere with your day-to-day activities and other medications fail to work, you might eventually need surgery to get it fixed. Laminectomy is the surgical procedure that will be performed on your back in this case. It involves the...

• Doctors and Specialists for Patients with Muscular Dystrophy

  Everyone is susceptible to Muscular Dystrophy, especially if it runs in your family. This disease involves the diminishing and weakening of muscles. It is also a progressive condition, meaning, it can get worse and worse if left untreated. Hence, health professionals highly recommend that you see...

• Different Types of Aneurysms

  What is an aneurysm?An aneurysm is the abnormal ballooning, widening, or bulging of a part of the artery usually caused by arterial wall weakness. When an aneurysm enlarges and ruptures, disastrous consequences, such as internal bleeding, usually happen.Aneurysms are usually found in the aorta (the...

• What to Expect in Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion

  Decompressive laminectomy is done to release pressure exerted on the roots of the nerves found on the lower back. The condition is mostly brought by old age. There are, however, other reasons your surgeon may suggest surgery. These include herniated discs, traumas, and tumors. In case you are going...

• What Is Oromandibular Dystonia?

  Oromandibular DystoniaOromandibular dystonia is a type of focal dystonia. This condition is also called cranial dystonia, in which the face, jaw, or tongue forcefully contracts and becomes difficult to open and close the mouth. Thus, a person's speech and ability to chew are affected. Cranial...

• What Are the Risks of Laminectomy?

  Your doctor will first attempt to give you other alternative treatments before recommending surgery. If your back pain still persists after treatment, your doctor may suggest for surgery as one of the solutions. Laminectomy is the most probable surgical procedure that you will have to undergo.Facts...