M. Hytham Rifai, MD, FAANS Dr. Rifai is the founder of Neurological & Spinal Surgery (NSS). Under his stewardship, NSS has grown while serving the residents of Northwest Indiana for more than three decades. Dr. Rifai is constantly researching new technologies and treatments for patients suffering from neurological, brain and spinal disorders. He was one of the first neurosurgeons in the region to offer minimally-invasive microscopic spinal surgery, vascular neurosurgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery using Gamma Knife ® modality. Dr. Rifai completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. His specializations include minimally invasive microscopic spine surgery, brain tumor and neurosurgical conditions. Dr. Rifai also serves as a Diplomate for the American Board of Neurological Surgery and as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago while maintaining an academic affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine. Professional memberships include the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS), and American Back Society.