Dr. Harold K. Smith, MD, FAANS

Media Releases

Enhancing Patient Care Through Cutting-Edge Techniques and Compassionate Approach

Dr. Smith, a distinguished expert in various neurosurgical disciplines, works with patients at the University Medical Center of El Paso. With a wealth of experience in spinal and intracranial neurosurgery, he is recognized for his pioneering work in fluorescence guidance and awake techniques for complex brain tumor resections.

His extensive expertise encompasses image-guided brain and spinal surgery, skull base procedures, vascular interventions, functional neurosurgery, tumor treatments, and facial pain management. He is a vocal proponent of minimally invasive spine and brain surgery, particularly the innovative minimally invasive parafascicular (MIPPS) techniques. His primary objective is to provide the people of El Paso with top-tier neurosurgical care and advanced technologies within their community.

"I am committed to delivering world-class neurosurgical expertise and compassionate care to the residents of El Paso. Staying at the forefront of neurosurgery while prioritizing personalized patient care has always been my mission," remarked Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith embarked on his illustrious medical career after obtaining his medical degree from the UAMS College of Medicine in 1988. He completed his residency in neurological surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1988 to 1994. Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Smith upholds the highest standards in his practice.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Smith has held key leadership positions, including Director of Neurosciences at Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Covenant Medical Center, and Section Chief of Neurosurgery at Covenant Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and an active member of the American Medical Association.

In his leisure time, Dr. Smith enjoys cycling and keeps abreast of the latest advancements in neurosurgery through publications such as the Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery.

Recommended Articles

• Everything You Need to Know About a Laminectomy

  What Is a Laminectomy?The lamina is the back part of your vertebra covering the spinal canal. Your doctor could decide to eliminate your lamina or the bone spurs around it when either causes compression of your spinal cord or the roots of your nerves. Pressure on the roots of your nerves can cause:...

• What Are the Treatments for Stroke?

  Emergency treatment for stroke is dependent on the type of stroke you're suffering from. Whether it is an ischemic stroke that blocks an artery, or a hemorrhagic stroke that is caused by bleeding of blood vessels around the brain, acting fast is important since every minute counts.Ischemic Stroke:...

• What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

  Spinal surgery usually requires that the surgeon makes a relatively huge incision on the patient’s back in order to have complete access to the spinal vertebrae. This is the usual procedure in dealing with defects of the spine, and it has been so because of the delicate nature of the...

• What Is a Prefrontal Lobotomy?

  Lobotomy is a neurosurgical procedure invented in 1935 by a Portuguese neurologist named Moniz. Moniz won the Nobel Prize in 1949 for his achievement. It was believed that lobotomy was successful in the treatment of various psychological diseases like depression, bipolar disorders, mania,...

• What Is a Cervical Laminectomy?

  A cervical laminectomy is performed to relieve the compression of the spinal cord and nerves around your neck. This is achieved by making the spinal canal wider, creating more space for your nerves. A part of the protruding bone or the lamina is either removed or trimmed during this procedure. The...

• Recovery After a Laminectomy

  Laminectomy is a surgical procedure done for the removal of the lamina, bone spurs, and ligaments that may be putting pressure on your spinal nerves and causing lower back pain. The procedure is said to be one of the most commonly performed back surgeries. Below is a detailed information on what...