Bennie W. Chiles III, MD, a neurosurgeon with Westchester Spine and Brain Surgery, PLLC in Hartsdale, New York, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This marks the seventh consecutive year Dr. Chiles has received this designation, placing him among the 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide selected annually for their regional specialty expertise. The recognition underscores his commitment to providing state-of-the-art surgical evaluation and treatment for a wide range of spine and brain conditions, with a particular emphasis on complex surgical spine problems.
Dr. Chiles approaches patient care with a fundamental philosophy of recommending surgery only when clear evidence suggests significant benefit and no reasonable nonsurgical alternatives exist. He states, "However, if surgery is needed, patients can be assured use of state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to maximize the possibility of the safest and best outcome." This patient-centered methodology is integral to his practice at Westchester Spine and Brain Surgery, PLLC, which integrates modern diagnostic capabilities and specialized surgical planning to ensure high-precision care.
His clinical focus includes managing degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal tumors, and traumatic spinal injuries of the nervous system. Key procedures performed by Dr. Chiles encompass microsurgical lumbar discectomy, cervical and lumbar spinal fusion, laminectomy for spinal stenosis, artificial disc replacement, and image-guided navigational surgery. With over 4,000 major operative procedures performed since beginning private practice in Westchester in 1998, his extensive experience contributes to his recognition.
Dr. Chiles earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in 1991 and completed his neurosurgery residency and a combined Orthopedic-Neurosurgical fellowship in Complex Spine Surgery at New York University Medical Center from 1991 to 1998. Beyond the Castle Connolly honor, he has been named a Top Neurosurgeon by Westchester Magazine for six consecutive years (2020–2025) and is slated for a seventh feature in the November 2026 issue. Castle Connolly has also recognized him as a Top Neurosurgeon in the New York Metro Area annually since 2021, leading to his inclusion in New York Magazine's 'Best Doctors' issue for five consecutive years (2021–2025).
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process involves nominations by peer physicians and evaluation by a physician-led research team based on criteria such as medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors cannot pay to be selected, ensuring the integrity of the recognition. More information about the Top Doctors list is available at https://castleconnolly.com.
This consistent peer recognition highlights Dr. Chiles's standing in the medical community and assures patients of his expertise in neurosurgical care. For individuals seeking treatment for complex spinal or neurological conditions, such accolades can provide confidence in selecting a surgeon with a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to advanced surgical techniques. The broader implication for the healthcare industry is the reinforcement of quality standards through independent peer review, which benefits patient decision-making and promotes high standards of medical practice.
