
Daniel Lubelski, MD
Spine Surgery
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgical Oncology
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Daniel Lubelski
Professional Titles
- Director of Spine Tumor Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery
- Assistant Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Background
Daniel Lubelski is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in complex spine surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. He treats patients with spinal diseases and deformities, spine and nerve tumors, and brachial plexus injuries and other peripheral nerve injuries.
Dr. Lubelski’s training in complex and robotic spine surgery, spinal oncology and peripheral nerve injuries allows him to comprehensively evaluate patients and develop custom treatment plans to address symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. He prioritizes patient-centered care, effective communication and working in multidisciplinary collaboration to identify the best treatment.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York, Dr. Lubelski spent a year doing predoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health. He then obtained his medical degree from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and he performed stem cell tumor research as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellow. Dr. Lubelski went on to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for a neurosurgery residency and an enfolded fellowship in peripheral nerve surgery. His postdoctoral training also included a fellowship in complex spine surgery and spinal oncology at Johns Hopkins, as well as a traveling fellowship with advanced training at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Lubelski is a prolific researcher who focuses on patient quality of life and on using big data to develop individualized prediction models to determine optimal treatments tailored to each person. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and numerous textbook chapters, has lectured nationally and internationally, and serves as a reviewer for the top neurosurgical journals.
Centers and Institutes
X (Twitter)
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
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Performing a Minimally Invasive Approach for Spinal Tumor Resection - Johns Hopkins Medicine (Winter 2024)
Additional Academic Titles
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Research Interests
artificial intelligence, comparative effectiveness, data science, patient-reported quality of life outcomes in neurosurgery, prediction models
Lab Website
Spinal Oncology Lab - Lab Website
- The bony skeleton is one of the most common sites of metastatic spread of cancer and a significant source of morbidity in cancer patients, causing pain and pathological fracture, impaired ambulatory ability and poorer quality of life. In our continuous investigation of the mechanism of metastasis in spine tumors and of developing animal models and treatments, our team seeks to understand how cancer cells metastasize to the bony spine. Our laboratory develops novel techniques to evaluate our animal models of metastatic spine disease.
Selected Publications
Lubelski D, Alomari S, Pennington Z, Lo L, Witham T, Theodore N, Sciubba DM, Bydon A. Single-surgeon vs dual-surgeon strategy in spinal tumor surgery: a single institution experience. Clinical Spine Surgery. 2022 March
Lubelski D, Pennington Z, Kopparapu S, Sciubba DM, Bishop AT, Shin AY, Spinner R, Belzberg AJ. Nerve Transfers after Cervical Spine Surgery: Multi-Institutional Case series and review of the literature. World Neurosurgery. 2021
Lubelski D, Theodore N. Benefits of Robotic Spine Surgery: The Future is Bright. Journal of Neurosurgery: Focus. Jan 2022
Hersh AM, Antar A, Pennington Z, Aygun N, Patel J, Goldsborough E, Porras JL, Elsamadicy AA, Lubelski D, Wolinsky JP, Jallo GI, Gokaslan ZL, Lo SF, Sciubba DM. Predictors of Survival and Time to Progression following Operative Management of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Astrocytomas. Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 2022 May 11. PMID 35538385
Perdomo A, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Liu A, DeMordaunt T, Bydon A, Witham T, Theodore N. Implementation of an Automated Text Message-Based System for Tracking Patient Reported Outcomes in Spine Surgery: An Overview of the Concept and Our Early Experience. World Neurosurgery. Nov 2021
Honors
- Irving J Sherman Traveling Fellowship Award, Spinal Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1/1/22
- Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery Chairman's Award for Safety, 1/1/22
- Walter Dandy Award for Achievement in Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1/1/22
- AO/NREF Clinical Spine Fellowship, 1/1/21
- Kline Peripheral Nerve Award, Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, 1/1/21
- The Spine Journal 2020 Outstanding Paper Award, 1/1/20
Memberships
- AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- North American Spine Society
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-6406
- fax: 410-955-6402
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- 401 North Broadway Street, Weinberg Building, Floor-L2, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-502-8000
- fax: 410-502-1419
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II, Suite 115, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 410-955-6406
- fax: 410-616-7231
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Neurological Surgery, 2022Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Medical Education, Medicine, MD, 2015Board Certifications
Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2024Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
170 ratings, 63 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2025
Dr Lubelski and [staff] were both very friendly , patient, thorough, speaking in a very comforting manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2025
He gave me good answers to all the questions I needed to hear
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2025
Dr. Lubelski was very helpful, he provided me with good information, a referal for another practicioner, and an order for an MRI. I look forward to meeting with him again once the MRI is completed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
I traveled from another state because I have confidence in Dr. Lubelski and his advise. He recommended further testing to be done at Hopkins. Then he will make recommendations on potential surgeries.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2025
He asked questions to find out from me what I was going through and then took the time to explain my MRIs to me. He was straightforward in what he thought was needed and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2025
[staff], Dr Lubelski's PA, met with me first, and she was very comprehensive and listened well. More importantly she followed up with me at home with a phone call the very next morning. She and Dr Lubelski work well together to take good care of me. Other Drs are also part of my Chordoma cancer care team. I LOVE HOPKINS and feel very fortunate we have them here.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2025
All around good experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2025
Lubelski is wonderful: great bedside manner, informed, kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Outstanding first impression. Level-headed and compassionate. Can think on his feet.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Dr. Lubelski is a wonderful doctor. I trust him with my life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
He was very good. Took time toListen and provided advise
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Respectful, attentive, supportive. A true expert whose excellence g gives me confidence in his judgment and advice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Dr. Lubelski is very attentive, compassionate, and thorough. I feel fortunate to have had him as my Neurosurgeon as May case was complex and he quickly presented to the Board of Neurosurgeons and included the Hopkins MS Specialist, [staff], to have a comprehensive evaluation and next step.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/27/2024
He is very knowledgeable and confident. By uh
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
Provider was very helpful in answering all my questions. He was very pleasant and showed concern for my well being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Outstanding care. Most appreciative of the excellent outcome after 3+ months debilitating pain.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2024
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2024
MRI has not happened yet, so no follow up could be provided.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2024
Provider is sincere in his approach in discussing my Radiology reports in depth In which I can understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Very knowledgeable about procedures discussed. Had access to my files. Very good overall experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Excellent rapport. Great personality.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2024
He listened patiently He was very attentiveHe explained the MRI fullyHe gave us some options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2024
Dr Lubelski explained the problem and presented multiple solutions. He's a great listener
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2024
Dr. Lubelski is a very detailed and knowledgeable doctor who explained the process of treatment for what JH would do.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Good listener, very respectful and understanding. Explained things clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
I'm very pleased with the information and the education I received from their doctor. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
I wish that my other medical providers were like Dr. Lubelski!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2024
Seemed knowledgeable and understanding, friendly and flexible.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
I was very pleased with the provider listening to my medical issues and explaining the problems causing my pain. We discussed surgery and he explained in detail the proposed surgery to address my medical issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Excellent physician who unfortunately could not provide any treatment. Learned I have to live with a non functioning left arm.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2024
I was very concerned about the surgery before speaking with Dr. Lubelski. He put me at ease and explained exactly what to expect. He was excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
Dr. Lubelski is very understaanding and knowledgeable and throughly explained and showed me on the MRI exactly why I am having pain.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2024
Very thorough and made me feel at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2024
The corrective spinal surgery that Dr Lubelski performed was 100% successful. I have no pain and have resumed all activities. I am grateful to him for his skills and knowledge. He has excellent client relations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2024
The doctor was very knowledgeable and put me at ease about my prognosis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2024
Dr Lubelski is very thorough and takes the time to answer my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/23/2024
Dr Lubelski resolved my leg pain with back surgery. It was the best decision to have him do the surgery. I am very pleased and grateful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
I was very happy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Very attentive and gave me good information concerning my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Dr. Lubelski is extremely thorough and takes a lot of time explaining things. He is very proactive In my health care, detailed and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/9/2024
Dr. Lubelski was very attentive to what my concerns were and respected what I had to say.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
Very easy to talk to, answered questions clearly, showed understanding and concern for my well being, did not waste time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2024
Dr. Lubelski always has full knowledge of my medical situation. He listens to my concerns and answers all questions patiently and completely. He takes the time to be sure I understand my medical status, as well. His surgical skills are outstanding and he delivers the best, most current medical care In a very warm and compassionate way. He Is a fabulous doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2024
Very knowledgeable about diagnosis. Explain my condition so I could understand it step by step. I was very impressed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2024
Responsive, caring, and patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2024
Thanks for your care and professionalism
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2024
Very helpful, explained everything very clearly, had a plan of action , well thought out!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
Dr. Lubelski takes time to go over and explain everything to me and respond to my questions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
Dr Lubelski was very patient with all the questions asked - he explained the options available and was very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2024
Very nice. Showed care and concern for my issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2024
Dr explained everything perfectly to understand he listened well and was respectful understsnding and caring he explained the surgery and follow up care well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
I have great confidence in my provider's medical knowledge, professionalism and appropriate care for my health issues. I am fortunate that he was able to perform my surgery and supervise my recovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
I feel very good about working with Dr. Lubelski and Allison and appreciate the care they are giving me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Dr. Lubelski took extra time to explain the surgery to me because I had asked for the explanation. Very much appreciated.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Provider was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Dr. Lubelski is a patient listener. He is able to explain my spinal condition and the corrective procedure in a simplistic manner that I appreciate.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Seemed to treat my tests instead of the extremely poor quality of life I have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Dr Lubelski and his physician's assistant have terrific "bedside manner".
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
I Have been seeing Dr. Lubelski for almost 2 year now. I feel comfortable and safe with him and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
LOVED DR LUBELSKI !! Very kind, patient, personable, helpful, knowledgeable!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/2/2024
Professional and friendly