Dr. Steven Thomas Cobery, MD stands out as a seasoned neurosurgeon whose journey from humble beginnings to trusted clinical leader spans over two decades of patient care, complex surgeries, and community impact. This article is your definitive resource on who he is, what he does, and the measurable footprint he’s established in neurological and spinal surgery.
Drawing on procedural data, verified biographical records, patient insights, and clinical profiles, we present a unique, authoritative profile that goes beyond the usual résumé‑style narrative to offer hard data, practice patterns, and real‑world context.
Who Is Steven Cobery?
Dr. Steven Cobery is a board‑certified neurosurgeon known for treating both routine and highly complex neurological and spinal conditions. He operates primarily out of Southcoast Health facilities in Massachusetts and also maintains clinical ties in Norfolk, Virginia.
Early Life & Motivation Rooted in a modest upbringing in Fall River, Massachusetts, Cobery credits his parents for nurturing his aspirations and his pediatrician for inspiring his pursuit of medicine. He initially earned a B.S. in nuclear engineering before pivoting to medicine—an unusual but intellectually rigorous path that underscores his analytical approach to neurosurgical challenges.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Medical Degree: Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University (2000)
- Residency: Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health (completed ~2007)
- Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery
- Clinical Practice: 25+ years across Massachusetts and Virginia
What Dr. Cobery Treats: Clinical & Procedural Focus
Dr. Cobery’s work spans multiple neurological and spinal specialties, with an emphasis on conditions that demand surgical precision or nuanced decision‑making. These include:
Primary Surgical Domains
- Trauma and Critical Care Neurosurgery—treating injuries from accidents and emergency neurologic trauma.
- Degenerative Spine Diseases—addressing conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and complex reconstructions.
- Chronic & Acute Subdural Hematoma—an area where third‑party clinical aggregators identify him as having advanced expertise.
- Spinal Procedures—including laminectomy, decompression, and stabilization techniques.
- Cranial Operations—ranging from complex tumor resections to trauma repair.
Surgical Approach & Technology
To enhance precision and outcomes, Dr. Cobery employs advanced image‑guided and machine‑vision navigation systems. This approach reduces tissue trauma, improves accuracy, and often accelerates patient recovery.
A Decade of Patient Data: What the Numbers Reveal
Data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a quantitative view of Dr. Cobery’s procedural footprint over 10+ years. The chart below summarizes average procedural volumes and patient demographics from 2013 to 2023.
Dr. Cobery’s Medicare Practice: Real‑World Metrics
| Measure | Average 2013–2023 |
| Hospital Care Cases | ~131 |
| Inpatient Neurosurgery | ~131 |
| Cranial Surgery | ~12 |
| Spinal Procedures | ~10 |
| Clinic Visits (Medicare) | ~207 |
| Patient Gender (M/F) | ~62 / 62 |
| Most Common Conditions | Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Chronic Kidney Disease, Stroke |
Interpreting the Metrics
- Volume Stability: Dr. Cobery consistently handles high volumes of inpatient and hospital‑based care, signaling sustained demand and clinical trust.
- Patient Profile: Medicare patients are predominantly older adults (65+) with chronic comorbidities such as hypertension and high cholesterol—typical for neurosurgical practices.
- Diversified Procedure Mix: His work includes both cranial and spinal procedures rather than being narrowly focused, a testament to broad surgical capability.
Reputation & Patient Feedback
Online review platforms paint a multi‑faceted picture:
Positive Themes
- Numerous patients report that Dr. Cobery explains complex procedures clearly, listens attentively, and shows compassion throughout care.
- Southcoast Health ratings often place him near 4.7 out of 5 stars, underscoring consistent patient satisfaction.
Mixed Perspectives
- Some platforms reflect variability in specific patient‑reported experiences, especially in pre‑ and post‑operative follow‑up or administrative interactions.
This blend—overwhelmingly positive with occasional constructive criticism—aligns with the realities of high‑complexity surgical specialties.
Beyond the OR: Military Service & Community Impact
Dr. Cobery’s career also encompasses 28 years of U.S. Navy service, including trauma surgery near combat zones like Afghanistan. His military tenure contributed to acute surgical skills under pressure and shaped his patient‑centered approach.
Returning to his hometown area wasn’t just professional; it was personal. He chose to bring high‑level neurosurgical care back to the community where he grew up, giving local patients access to complex procedures without long-distance travel.
Hard Facts That Matter
Licensure & Multi‑State Practice
Dr. Cobery holds active neurosurgical licenses in multiple states, including Massachusetts, Virginia, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Minnesota, reflecting adaptability and broad regulatory compliance.
Board Certification
Board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery remains one of the most stringent professional milestones in his field.
Public Safety Profile
No major malpractice judgments or board actions are recorded in public professional databases, a meaningful factor in surgical risk assessment.
Conclusion: A Measured, Multi‑Dimensional Professional
When you put evidence to narrative, Steven Cobery emerges as a highly capable, data‑validated neurosurgeon whose career combines technical depth, patient rapport, and community commitment. He’s not just “another surgeon in a directory.” He’s a clinician whose
- Expertise spans trauma, degenerative, and complex surgical subspecialties;
- Procedural history reflects sustained contribution to hospital care.
- Practice includes respected technological adoption and multi‑state licensure;
- Patient feedback underscores both excellence and real‑world nuance.
For anyone seeking credible insight into Dr. Cobery’s profile, whether patients, peers, or healthcare researchers, the data and narrative together provide the most comprehensive portrait available.
FAQs
Q. Who is Steven Cobery?
Dr. Steven Thomas Cobery, MD, is a board‑certified neurosurgeon with over 25 years of experience in complex neurological and spinal surgery.
Q. What conditions does Dr. Cobery treat?
He specializes in spine disorders, cranial trauma, chronic subdural hematomas, and degenerative neurological conditions.
Q. Where does Dr. Cobery practice?
He primarily practices in Massachusetts (North Dartmouth/Fall River) and has clinical ties in Norfolk, Virginia.
Q. What is his patient reputation?
Patients rate him highly (~4.7/5), noting clear communication, surgical expertise, and compassionate care.
Q. Is Dr. Cobery board-certified and licensed?
Yes, he is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and holds multi-state medical licenses, including MA, VA, RI, IN, and MN.
