Dawn Tartaglione, DO, is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Growing up in Northwest Missouri farm country, Dr. Tartaglione’s fascination with living things and creating her own experiments carried her through school where she participated in science competitions and later earned an undergraduate biology degree. She’s an undeniable people person, having spent her youth surrounded by a large extended family, including younger siblings, numerous foster children and those enrolled in her mother’s in-home daycare.
Despite pursing a specialty heavily dominated by males, Dr. Tartaglione felt well-respected and right at home during her medical schooling and residency, gaining valuable hands-on surgical experience. She trained in the Chicago and Detroit areas where heavy exposure to gang-related activity and gun violence, although emotionally taxing, allowed her to hone her skills in trauma surgery and perform life-saving procedures.
Her vibrant and engaging personality puts patients at ease. Working in an “adjustment field” as she describes it, even when she can’t fix everything for a patient, she is there to support and educate them on how to live with their neurological problem.
Dr. Tartaglione is active in advancing the field of neurosurgery through the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. She’s a past president and was recognized as a fellow of the organization. In her spare time, she stays busy time with a variety of hobbies—ranging from history and research to swimming and sharing her love of music. She is a classically trained pianist who enjoys teaching instruments to others. When not working, you may find her at the beach or exploring New York City and other metropolitan areas.
