George J. Kaptain
MD, FAANS

Board Certified by the American board of neurological surgery

Dr. Kaptain is a conscientious, thoughtful, kind and skilled board certified neurosurgeon with more than 25 years of experience managing a busy clinical practice in clinical research and teaching. He specializes in the surgical and radiosurgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the brain, pituitary, skull base and spine.

Meet The Expert

Doctor's Biography

Dr. Kaptain is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and serves as the Surgical Director of Neuro-Oncology, Skull-Base Surgery, and Radiosurgery at the John Theurer Cancer Center of Hackensack Meridian Health. He has served as site director for the neurosurgical residency and directs a fellowship in Surgical Neuro-Oncology. He has been an investigator in over 20 clinical trials for glioblastoma, placing him and his department at the forefront of brain tumor treatment.

Dedicated to enhancing patient care, Dr. Kaptain has built a multi-disciplinary team of specialists at the Hackensack University Medical Center, including neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, neuropathologists, and radiologists. His compassionate approach provides patients and their families with sound guidance for even the most complex cases.

 

Very kind. Great bedside manner. Explained everything in detail. Felt very comfortable with him. Highly recommend.
Dr. Kaptain is a good doctor. He is such a kind doctor to all his patients. His dedication to his patients well being is truly inspiring. He is kind and best doctor to all his patients. Not only that, he is very professional and knowledgeable and unwavering dedication to patient care. His genuine concern and support to his patient meant a lot.
Dr Kaptain was my surgeon for my hydrocephalus surgery. Even years after the successful surgery, he made time to answer my follow up questions. Not only is he a great physician but he stays with you through the whole recovery process. Very happy to have found him.
Went to see Dr Kaptain about about my pituitary. After seeing him and how he explained everything was very gratifying and made my wife and myself feel so at ease. Would recommend him highly.
Muy buena experiencia con el Dr y su equipo.
Very thorough reviewing the scans and MRI’s and caring. He explains everything and he doesn’t rush.
genuine, caring, and straightforward.
He is beyond wonderful! One of the most compassionate and caring doctors I have ever met. He did a wonderful job on the surgery and we trust him at 100%. Everyone in Hackensack and other Dr and Nurses in other hospitals, also know he has an amazing reputation. I wish there were more Drs like him. After removing a brain tumor, my mom went back to herself in no time. Minimal post op discomfort and no major side effect. Can’t Thank this amazing man and Dr enough!
Years ago, I had a t12 compression fracture on my upper back and was successfully treated by Doctor Kaptain. This January I had a terrible lower back pain which was a t12 compression fracture and of course I contacted the best doctor there is. He performed the same surgery and immediately I was pain free. If ever this happens again, Doctor Kaptain will be contacted. I recommend him 100 percent
I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Kaptain and his exceptional level of care, expertise, and professionalism. From my very first consultation Dr. Kaptain demonstrated an extraordinary depth of knowledge and a genuine commitment to patient care.

What stands out most is his ability to explain complex neurological issues in a way that was both understandable and reassuring. My husband and I felt informed, heard, and respected throughout the entire process. Dr. Kaptain takes the time to review all imaging thoroughly, discuss options with clarity, and answer every question I had with patience and honesty.

If you’re looking for a neurosurgeon who is compassionate and communicative, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Kaptain.
New Jersey Brain and Spine | George J. Kaptain

Education and Fellowship

Medical School

University of Virginia

Residency

University of Virginia Department of Neurosurgery

Fellowship

Neuropathology, University of Virginia Department of Neurosurgery; Spinal Surgery, University of Virginia Department of Orthopedics; Skull-base Surgery and Neuro-oncology, Oregon Health Sciences University Department of Neurosurgery

Awards and Recognition

  • Top Doctor, New Jersey Monthly: Perennial Recipient
  • Most Compassionate Doctor, Consumer Research Council: Perennial Recipient
  • Patient Choice Award, Consumer Research Council: Perennial Recipient
  • Resident Teaching Award, University of Virginia School of Medicine: 1999-2000

Hospital Affiliations

  • Clara Maass Medical Center
  • Englewood Health
  • Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
  • Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center
  • Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center
  • Hackensack University Medical Center
  • Holy Name Medical Center
  • Saint Barnabas Medical Center
  • The Valley Hospital

Professional Memberships

  • Alpha Omega Alpha Society
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  • American College of Surgeons
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons
  • Pituitary Society
  • Society of Neuro-Oncology

Posts by Dr. George J. Kaptain

Radiation Therapy for Meningioma: Exploring Targeted Treatment Approaches

A meningioma is often slow growing and may require Radiation Therapy for treatment; symptoms may […]

How serious is a brain tumor

When it Comes to Brain Tumors: Caution is Key

What Are Brain Tumors? A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells inside the […]

looking at MRI for meningioma treatment

Road to Recovery: Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches for Meningioma Treatment

What is a Meningioma? A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — […]

Doctor Sharing Scans

Top 3 Reasons NJBS’ Approach to Brain and Spinal Tumors Is So Effective

Among all of the diagnostic terms, “tumor” is perhaps the most difficult one to accept. […]

Brain-Cancer

John Theurer Cancer Center Treats First Patient in U.S. with Investigational New Treatment for Brain Cancer | BioSpace

This is an excerpt from an article in BioSpace on a new brain cancer treatment […]

brain-tumor-diagnosis

Neurosurgeon Offers Top Advice for Patients with a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

The shock and disbelief that patients experience upon first being told of a brain tumor […]

feb-2020-kaptain

Meet Neurosurgeon George J. Kaptain, MD, Expert in Brain, Spine and Skull-Base Tumors

When George J. Kaptain, MD, decided to become a physician, he had some big shoes […]

Dr. George Kaptain and the Society for NeuroOncology logo

Work with Toca 511 in glioblastoma presented at Society for Neuro-Oncology Meeting

Dr. Kaptain presented his work with Toca 511 in glioblastoma at the Annual Meeting of […]