Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Houston Methodist Houston, TX NANS member since 2017 NANS members can find me onX and Linkedin
Dr. Damiano G. Barone is an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Houston Methodist and Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. His clinical and research expertise spans functional neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery, with a focus on integrating advanced neuroprosthetics and neuromodulation technologies into patient care. Dr. Barone holds a PhD in Neuroscience and completed postdoctoral work in Electrical Engineering. He leads a multidisciplinary laboratory dedicated to neural interfaces and neurorestoration, translating innovative research into practical solutions for patient care. Areas of Expertise: Functional Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery, Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and Neuroprosthetics. Why I enjoy what I do: I have the unique privilege of restoring function to patients who have lost it, enabling them to reclaim their quality of life. Combining clinical practice with academic research allows me to not only solve problems for today’s patients but also push the boundaries of what’s possible for future generations. There’s no greater reward than changing lives with the work I do.
How I became interested in neuromodulation: My journey to neuromodulation wasn’t a single "aha" moment but an evolving fascination that started in my neurology internship, grew through neuroscience research, and came alive during neurosurgery training. The first time I saw a neurostimulator in action—restoring movement or silencing pain with the "flick of a switch"—it was nothing short of magical. The ability to blend cutting-edge technology with human care to create such immediate and profound change continues to inspire me every day.
The best thing about NANS: NANS creates a vibrant, multidisciplinary community where clinicians, researchers, and engineers collaborate to advance neuromodulation. As someone who works at the intersection of surgery and technology, NANS provides the perfect platform to share ideas, innovate, and feel at home among experts who share the same passion. My favorite book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – Insights into human decision-making. Advice to those new to the field: Commit to curiosity, perseverance, and innovation—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in this groundbreaking field.
Words to live by: "Excellence is not a skill; it’s an attitude." – Ralph Marston
