
Daniel Lubelski, MD
Spine SurgeryNeurosurgeryNeurosurgical Oncology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Hebrew
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Daniel Lubelski
Professional Titles
- Director of Spine Tumor Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery
- Assistant Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
- Program Director, Neurosurgery Spine Fellowship Program
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Daniel Lubelski is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in complex spine surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. He treats patients with spinal diseases and deformities, spine and nerve tumors, and brachial plexus injuries and other peripheral nerve injuries.
Dr. Lubelski’s training in complex and robotic spine surgery, spinal oncology and peripheral nerve injuries allows him to comprehensively evaluate patients and develop custom treatment plans to address symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. He prioritizes patient-centered care, effective communication and working in multidisciplinary collaboration to identify the best treatment.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York, Dr. Lubelski spent a year doing predoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health. He then obtained his medical degree from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and he performed stem cell tumor research as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellow. Dr. Lubelski went on to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for a neurosurgery residency and an enfolded fellowship in peripheral nerve surgery. His postdoctoral training also included a fellowship in complex spine surgery and spinal oncology at Johns Hopkins, as well as a traveling fellowship with advanced training at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Lubelski is a prolific researcher who focuses on patient quality of life and on using big data to develop individualized prediction models to determine optimal treatments tailored to each person. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and numerous textbook chapters, has lectured nationally and internationally, and serves as a reviewer for the top neurosurgical journals.
Centers and Institutes
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Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
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What It’s Like to Face a One-in-a-Million Cancer, Wall Street Journal (9/19/2025)
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Performing a Minimally Invasive Approach for Spinal Tumor Resection - Johns Hopkins Medicine (Winter 2024)
Additional Academic Titles
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Research Interests
artificial intelligence, comparative effectiveness, data science, patient-reported quality of life outcomes in neurosurgery, prediction models
Lab Website
Spinal Oncology Lab - Lab Website
- The bony skeleton is one of the most common sites of metastatic spread of cancer and a significant source of morbidity in cancer patients, causing pain and pathological fracture, impaired ambulatory ability and poorer quality of life. In our continuous investigation of the mechanism of metastasis in spine tumors and of developing animal models and treatments, our team seeks to understand how cancer cells metastasize to the bony spine. Our laboratory develops novel techniques to evaluate our animal models of metastatic spine disease.
PubMed - Publications
Selected Publications
- Lubelski D, Alentado V, Nowacki AS, et al. Preoperative Nomograms Predict Patient-Specific Cervical Spine Surgery Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes. Neurosurgery. 2018
- Lubelski D, Pennington Z, Feghali J, et al. The F2RaD Score: A Novel Prediction Score and Calculator Tool to Identify Patients at Risk of Postoperative C5 Palsy. Operative Neurosurgery. 2020
- Al-Mistarehi AH, Zaitoun KJ, Javed S... Lubelski D. Survival and Functional Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: A Series of 253 Patients Over 22 Years. Cancers. 2025
- Xia Y, Papali P, Al-Mistarehi AH... Lubelski D. Outcomes after definitive surgery for spinal and sacral chordoma in 101 patients. Neurosurgery. 2024
- Al-Mistarehi H, Weber-Levine C, Jiang K... Lubelski D. The safety and effectiveness of surgical management of brachial plexus tumors. Neurosurgery. 2025
Honors
- Irving J Sherman Traveling Fellowship Award, Spinal Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1/1/22
- Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery Chairman's Award for Safety, 1/1/22
- Walter Dandy Award for Achievement in Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1/1/22
- AO/NREF Clinical Spine Fellowship, 1/1/21
- Kline Peripheral Nerve Award, Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, 1/1/21
- The Spine Journal 2020 Outstanding Paper Award, 1/1/20
Memberships
- AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- North American Spine Society
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
Expertise
Education
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurological Surgery, 2022
- Medical Education: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Medicine, MD, 2015
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2024
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
184 ratings, 74 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Dr. Lubelski is absolutely wonderful. His team is amazing as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
He is patient, empathetic and compassionate. He provides clear and detailed answers to questions and treats patients with the upmost respect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Fellow/resident very thorough & good at explaining things & using the images to clearly show back issues. Dr Lubelski kind & confident; explained surgery proposed & answered questions thoroughly. Positive experience with both MDs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
Great provider and very upfront and stern about your situation at hand. The DR. Stated real timelines and information for my injury.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
The visit was very helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr. Lubelski was friendly, very knowledgeable, provided clear guidance on moving forward. I felt I was in excellent hands. I would highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
This was my first time meeting this provider. I found him to be very knowledgeable, friendly and open to answering my questions and concerns. He bought peaceful vibes to the room.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Great physician!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Obviously a talented surgeon.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
I'm very pleased that he listened to me and heard what I was saying.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
I love Dr Lubelski; he us a very caring, compassionate Dr and person.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
The doctor was very knowledgeable and helpful in making a decision on how to approach my neck.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Dr. Lubelski and his PA were both terrific. Very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Excellent first meeting. Looking forward to reviewing the plan for surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr Lubelski was very thorough and responsive and answered all of our questions. We feel positive and confident about him as my neurosurgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Very pleased with Dr. Lubelski and the resident working with him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr Lubelski is a very good listener and communicator. He has great bedside manner and made me feel comfortable and confident of a good outcome with my surgical procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Excellent, professional service.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr Lubelski is excellent and prepared good for my video conference. He is a very good doctor to listen and answer all my concerns. Thankful to him .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Lubelski has been the best provider I have seen for my back issues, he listens well, gets back to me promptly, and has been wonderful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Very professional and thorough care. I appreciate the feedback on my condition and advice for continuing improvement.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
This was my first meeting with Dr Lubelski. The discussion and outcome exceeded my expectations
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Took time to talk about other things, vacation family etc
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Thank you. I am very grateful for Dr Lubelski's skill, expertise, and care of me thru this spinal surgery and followup care. His assistant PA [staff] remained available as well, both in person for early F/U appoint, and for guidance as I recovered.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr. Lubelski is the best doctor ever, very knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr.Lubelski is a caring, kind, confident, compassionate doctor. He explained things clearly, did not rush through the visit and made me feel I can totally trust him to do my back surgery. I cannot say enough good things about him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Friendly, professional and reassuring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
I appreciate his knowledge and skill. His specialty and training makes the difference. It is difficult to have cancer and needing surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Great bedside manner. Very patient and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Lubelski was top surgeon for me! Very understanding and legitimately cares about my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Love Dr. Lubelski
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Excellent !!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
I am pleased that he is my provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
The Medical student explained everything in a professional professional manner got me prepared to speak with the actual provider who then came in greeted me, explained my condition, and what needed to be done, which made me feel very comfortable and confident with him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr, Lubelski is a great surgeon. He explained everything in detail before my surgery and provided me the information I asked related to the surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Friendly and knowledgeable. Gave clear post-op expectations (even though they weren't what we wanted to hear.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Very pleasant visit with doctor. Extremely knowledgeable and able to explain issues in non technical language. Very good listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Wish all my doctors were this knowledgeable and and skilled in their field.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr. Lubelski is very kind, compassionate and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr. Lubelski was amazing. He was very thorough in describing the problem with my spine and the solution he offered. He took time to ask questiions to be sure I understood.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr. Lubelski made me feel very comfortable and explained my issue and the alternative treatments very clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
I like Dr Lubelski a lot. He actually shows me the MRI/Scan and explains exactly what he sees so that I can understand what's going on. He is always very pleasant and patient with my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr Lubelski was very knowledgeable about my condition and explained it to me to where I could understand it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Lubelski. He is kind, compassionate and an excellent physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
My Dr and his team are excellent professionals. I have every confidence in their expertise and recommendations for my health care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Dr. Lubelski is very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
The BEST!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Doctor Lubelski is an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner. He fully listens to you before suggesting a treatment or course of action. However I did run into some Issues with Dr Lubelski's PA In trying to get an MRI scheduled as I have a pacemaker and have to go out of state (Lancaster, PA) to have it done. The PA was not very helpful as she was always talking over me, she did not listen to me and was recommending corrective actions/solutions before she fully understood my problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Dr. Lubelski listened to me, heard me, and swiftly acted on my surgical, medical need.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
On time,caring pleasant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
Dr Lubelski was very helpful and direct as to what treatment is best for my needs
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2025
Provider was very helpful and concerned We planned on how we would proceed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2025
Dr. Lubelski was kind, caring, and clearly explained his diagnosis and recommendations. I feel confidence in him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Very satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Actual provide visit time and content relevant but the overall process faced several obstacles/setbacks
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
I cannot schedule a follow-up for test results until after they are completed even though they are scheduled. Seems like that is a delay that is unnecessary.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Very Nice showed a lot of care and concern at time of appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Very competent. Easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr. L was outstanding. He addressed all my concerns. We have also been communicating through Epic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/7/2025
During my first time visit everything was professional and I feel very satisfied.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Dr Lubelski allowed me to actively participate in my treatment plan. He was very clear with listening to my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Very attentive, listened to my concerns and answered questions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Highly skilled and very much a gentleman.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Very thorough and caring. So grateful to have him as my neurosurgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Great surgeon!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Dr. Lubelski is amazing. From my very 1st appointment for a 2nd opinion for an intramedullary spinal cord tumor, to the tumor removal surgery and my continued care. I wouldn't be where I am today both physically and mentally without the skilled hands of this surgeon who is not only skilled in the OR but is equipped with amazing bedside skills. I tell anyone seriously ANYONE who will listen to me about how amazing Dr. Lubelski is!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
He is attentive, takes time to listen to my concerns, answers questions and reviewed options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
I have only seen him one time so far. It was a video chat. And everything was fine.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Dr. Lubelski is top notch and I'm glad he is taking care of me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Very helpful and explanatory.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
Very informative and healthful.