Kelli Crabtree-Wilson, M.D. believes the field of neuroscience is one of the “last frontiers” of medicine and that there will be major advancements in the field over the next couple decades that will allow her to help future patients recover from neurologic diseases and injuries in ways we can only imagine.
Stormont Vail Health announced that Dr. Crabtree-Wilson has joined their medical team and will practice as a neurological surgeon. Her practice will be located at 823 S.W. Mulvane in Topeka.
Dr. Crabtree-Wilson first became fascinated with medicine and surgery at a young age when her grandmother underwent urgent open-heart surgery and then suffered a stroke in immediate post-operative care. Witnessing her grandmother’s physicians as examples of inspiration, something clicked within the young girl and she knew she wanted to spend her life helping other people.
“Practicing neurological surgery is truly a privilege,” said Dr. Crabtree-Wilson. “I get to work on the incredibly complex nervous system, which allows each of us to move, speak, think and feel, while also having the opportunity to help patients and their families during some of the toughest times of their lives.”
Dr. Crabtree-Wilson is dedicated and passionate in her specialty. She has comprehensive clinical training in all aspects of neurological surgery including brain and spine tumors (benign and malignant), pituitary tumors, degenerative spinal disease, and cranial and spinal trauma.
She received her medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, in 2010. She completed a residency in neurological surgery in 2016 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
“Many patients are nervous about seeing a neurosurgeon and can feel scared or overwhelmed by the symptoms that are bringing them in, so I strive to make each patient feel at ease,” said Dr. Crabtree-Wilson. “I try to carefully listen so that patients know their concerns are being heard and fully addressed. I think it is essential to explain their disease process and the possible treatment options in a way that is easy for them to understand so together we can determine the best plan for them.”
Dr. Crabtree-Wilson is a member of the Midwest Neurosurgical Society and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, as well as the American College of Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
As a competitive gymnast from early childhood through college, Dr. Crabtree-Wilson has always believed remaining physically fit is an important part of life. She currently enjoys running, tennis, water skiing and yoga. Having grown up in a suburb of Kansas City, Dr. Crabtree-Wilson has always enjoyed supporting the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs and University of Kansas basketball.
