Training
Princeton University undergraduate education; medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College with honors; neurological surgery internship, residency, and chief residency at Columbia University Neurological Institute of New York.
Minimally invasive brain & spine tumor surgery
Minimally invasive surgery for tumors of the brain and spine
Marc Otten, MD completed subspecialty training in minimally invasive approaches to tumors in and around the brain and spine, with significant experience treating meningiomas and pituitary tumors. He sees patients across Fairfield and Westchester counties.
60+peer-reviewed publications
Columbiafaculty appointment
Board certifiedin neurological surgery
Operating privileges & affiliations
Where Dr. Otten operates and consults
Clinical approach
Measured care for high-stakes decisions
Dr. Otten's training and research center on high-risk decisions: when to observe, when to operate, and how to use mapping, endoscopy, laser ablation, awake craniotomy, or minimally invasive spine techniques to protect function.
Areas of focus
Brain, skull base, and spine
ONS materials describe work across brain tumors, skull base disorders, degenerative spinal conditions, intervertebral disc disease, hydrocephalus, and neuro-trauma for patients around Greenwich, Stamford, Harrison, and the surrounding region.
- Brain and skull base tumors
- Degenerative spine disease
- Herniated and bulging disc care
- Hydrocephalus and neuro-trauma
- Trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm
- Fusion-sparing and minimally invasive spine procedures
Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists
Specialty care across Fairfield and Westchester
Dr. Otten sees patients through ONS in Greenwich, Stamford, and Harrison, with continued academic and clinical ties to Columbia University Medical Center.
Background
Training, research, and Columbia background
Skull base fellowship
Fellowship training at Thomas Jefferson University's Minimally Invasive Cranial Base Surgery Center, with specialized work in endoscopic, microsurgical, and non-operative approaches to brain and spinal disorders.
Columbia brain tumor work
Served for eight years on Columbia's Brain Tumor Center team and as a member of the Pituitary Tumor Center; maintains a Columbia faculty appointment and privileges to operate there.
Certification and societies
Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery; fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and North American Skull Base Society.
Selected papers
Research that connects mapping, tumor care, and judgment
ONS lists more than 60 peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Otten. These selected papers reflect the same themes patients see in clinic: preserving function, clarifying risk, and matching treatment to the person and diagnosis.
Brain, 2012
Motor deficits correlate with resting state motor network connectivity in patients with brain tumours
Research on non-invasive functional mapping in brain tumor patients, connecting motor deficits with resting-state motor network connectivity.
View paperNature Medicine, 2020
Near real-time intraoperative brain tumor diagnosis using stimulated Raman histology and deep neural networks
A multi-institution paper on rapid intraoperative tumor diagnosis using stimulated Raman histology and deep learning.
View paperAllergy & Rhinology, 2020
Gross Total Versus Subtotal Surgical Resection in the Management of Craniopharyngiomas
A skull base tumor review emphasizing individualized risk-benefit decisions for craniopharyngioma surgery and adjuvant care.
View paperCare topics
What patients often seek help for
This site points to the official ONS profile and scheduling path for Marc Otten, MD. For appointment logistics, insurance, and records, use ONS directly.
- Brain tumors
- Skull base tumors
- Brain surgery
- Spine surgery
- Degenerative spine disease
- Herniated discs
- Hydrocephalus
- Neuro-trauma
- Minimally invasive spine procedures
Patient perspective
What patients emphasize
Public patient reviews and ONS patient stories repeatedly point to clear explanations, calm communication, and confidence during frightening neurologic diagnoses.
I have been with Dr. Otten for 6 years as he has diagnosed, done surgery on, and continued follow-up care for my significant pituitary tumor. I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about him. Excellent surgeon, doctor, and human.
Lee Squires, Google reviewDr. Marc Otten did my very successful spine fusion surgery in December. From the first time I met him, I knew I was in the hands of an excellent neurosurgeon who was also very compassionate and helpful — in every pre-op visit when I was in great pain, and at my totally pain-free post-op follow-ups.
Pat Grant, Google reviewDr. Marc Otten was exceptional. He listened carefully, rather than just looking at a computer screen. He answered all my questions and explained everything thoroughly. He calmly discussed my options, and we agreed on a course of action.
Veronica Reich, Google reviewArticle notes
Commentary on recent reading
Brief notes on articles in neurosurgery and related fields — context for colleagues and patients who follow the literature.
Example article note
ONS
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Appointments
Practice locations
For scheduling, insurance, and records, use the official ONS channels. This site is a focused professional profile and does not handle appointment logistics.