Dr. Kretzer is a Neurosurgeon and Partner at Western Neuro. Dr. Kretzer serves as the Director of Spine Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurosciences at the Carondelet Neurological Institute. He is board certified in Neurosurgery by the ABNS. Dr. Kretzer completed a Residency in Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as a Research Fellowship in Spinal Biomechanics at the Orthopaedic Spinal Research Laboratory in Towson, MD under the direction of Bryan Cunningham, PhD. After graduation, Dr. Kretzer completed a Clinical Fellowship in Complex Spine Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Prior to joining Western Neuro, he served two years as the Neurosurgical Medical Officer at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Dr. Kretzer is a researcher and inventor, with several U.S. and international patents for spinal devices. He has authored more than 30 peer reviewed publications and seven chapters in medical textbooks. He currently serves as a peer reviewer for the prestigious journal, Spine.He has been awarded with several scholarships, grants and accolades for his research in the treatment of spinal disease.
He has two children and enjoys spending time with his family, cycling and skiing in his spare time.
Areas of Specialization
- minimally invasive and complex spine surgery
- degenerative disc disease,
- spinal stenosis,
- nerve root compression,
- adult degenerative deformity
- spinal oncology
Education & Training
Undergraduate: The Johns Hopkins University
Medical school: M.D. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Neurosurgery
Fellowships:
- Joseph Medical Center (Towson, MD); Spinal Biomechanics Research
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Silver Spring, MD); FDA Medical Officer, Medical Device Fellowship Program
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD); Complex Spine Fellowship, AO Spine North America
Professional Memberships
- Fellow, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Member, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Dr. Kretzer’s Physician Assistant: Chelsea McNally, PA-C
Patient Testimonial
"First and foremost, words cannot adequately describe the thoughtfulness and care that I received during my experience with the Western Neuro (Neurology & Neurosurgery in Tucson, Arizona).
The very first interaction is at the front appointment desk for Dr. Kretzer. The staff was extremely courteous and professional (on all of my visits). I was then met by my Dr.’s PA (physician assistant), who had gone over my documents (images, x-rays and CT scans with my doctor) and a cursory exam was done. She then got Dr. Ryan Kretzer. We discussed his findings (pro’s and con’s), and courses of action that best suited by issue. Surgery was scheduled.
Now for the person that keeps this train on the track. She is Dr. Kretzer’s MA (medical assistant: Brianna). At the point of scheduled surgery Brianna runs all your scheduling right up until you are admitted (MRI’s, CT scans and X-Rays. She will be your contact for all your needs, regardless of size. She will be with you until you are released from the doctor’s care.
Next, Doctor Ryan Kretzer performed an 8-hour surgery on my back. He listened to all my concerns and explained them on the level a lay person could understand without difficulty. Short story on that he did to me: He removed rods from S-1 to L-4 (installed in 2006) and replaced them from S-1 to T-10 to straighten my spine. I have no pain. I walk with a straight spine (actually a bit taller now).
If you are reading this in his suite, you or whom you are with can feel safe, confident and secure, knowing you are going to receive executive treatment from this point on. Your condition will be explained by Dr. Kretzer, whether it is treatable or not, and he will discuss you options. If you need surgery, follow instructions given to you at spine camp (mandatory). You will meet some of the staff who will be helping you until discharge. LISTEN to everyone from your first appointment until your discharge. I feel extremely fortunate to have found this clinic in my own area and definitely wish you the best regardless of the course you take.
PS: Should you go ahead with surgery, get in shape! You will definitely appreciate it during your convalescence and rehab."
- Fred