About  Dr. Timothy Vogel 

Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital

Dr. Timothy Vogel is a board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon who serves as the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and is the founder of Pediatric Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. He is known for his work in pediatric craniofacial surgery, minimally invasive craniosynostosis surgery, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and congenital malformations. His leadership was recognized worldwide when he performed the first successful surgery in the world for a baby born with exencephaly, an operation that required detailed planning and dedicated teamwork.

As a leading craniofacial surgeon in the Northeast, Dr. Vogel has focused much of his clinical practice on expanding craniofacial surgery in Northern New Jersey. He founded the comprehensive craniofacial center at Hackensack University Medical Center, which achieved national accreditation from the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. His multidisciplinary team evaluates and treats complex craniofacial cases, supporting patients and families through coordinated and thoughtful care.

Focus on Pediatric Brain Tumor Innovation

Dr. Timothy Vogel served as co-chair of the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation Gala and is recognized as a leading expert in pediatric brain tumors in New Jersey. He utilizes minimally invasive strategies to treat children with rare, severe, and life-threatening brain and spine tumors. His work draws families from across the Northeast, many of whom participate in clinical trials he helped establish. Dr. Vogel also contributed to the founding of New Jersey’s first pediatric neuro-oncology laboratory, which is dedicated to studying rare childhood brain tumors and improving treatment approaches.

He has authored multiple scientific publications and holds several patents, reflecting his long-standing commitment to clinical innovation. As a developmental neuroscientist, he worked extensively in CNS genetics and forebrain development. His peers across the New York and New Jersey region consistently recognize him as one of the top pediatric neurosurgeons, acknowledging both his clinical expertise and academic contributions.

Academic Experience and Early Training

Throughout his professional career, Timothy Vogel, MD, has held several critical academic roles. He began his academic career at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the #1 pediatric hospital in the United States. There, he was an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, and the Division of Developmental Biology. His work included patient care, research, and academic responsibilities.

During his time at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, he also served as training faculty and mentor for the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute and the Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. His early research included work on craniosynostosis, and families from more than 15 states continue to travel for his minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. His dedication to this field has had an impact on children throughout the country.

Expanding Research and Clinical Collaboration

While working in Cincinnati, Dr. Vogel joined the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School as a Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of Dermatology. His involvement in translational research broadened his scientific background and enabled him to work at the intersection of photomedicine and neuroscience.

He later became Director of Pediatric and Craniofacial Neurosurgery at the New Jersey Brain and Spine Center in Hackensack. There, he helped develop multidisciplinary approaches to pediatric neurosurgical and craniofacial care, establishing programs designed to meet the needs of children with complex medical conditions.

Timothy served as the Scientific Director and Principal Investigator of the Pediatric Neuro-oncology Lab at the Center for Discovery and Innovation CDI at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University. Before taking on this leadership role, he served as an Associate Member and Faculty at the CDI, contributing to research that supports ongoing improvements in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Continued Leadership and Clinical Guidance

He later became the Director of the Comprehensive Craniofacial Clinic at Hackensack in collaboration with Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center. In this role, he supported multidisciplinary treatment planning and expanded access to coordinated craniofacial care. Today, he continues his leadership as Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery, offering guidance to programs that serve children across the region.

Academic Background and Board Certification

Dr. Timothy Vogel began his academic education at Princeton University, earning his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Chemistry. He completed medical school at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York.

His residency was completed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he served as Chief Resident. He then completed an advanced fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital at Harvard University, followed by a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Vogel is double board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons ABNS and the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgeons ABPNS. He also holds fellowships, including FACS and FAAP.

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Timothy Vogel: Novel Pediatric Neurosurgical Care for Children With Brain Tumors
Timothy Vogel Discusses Advances in Minimally Invasive Craniofacial Surgery Techniques