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I joined Wellstar in August 2010, after spending three years as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University. I attended medical school at Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. I completed my internship in general surgery at Loyola University Medical Center, where I was named Resident of the Year in 2001. I completed my six year neurosurgery residency at Loyola University Medical center. I have specialty training in complex spinal disease, adult spinal deformity, and spinal oncology. I have training In advanced neuro-oncology techniques for removing brain tumors safely, and In some patients, without making a large incision. I use high definition scopes and video to remove some tumors through small "key-hole" openings in the skull or sinuses. My approach to neurosurgery is best described as patient-centered. I spend time with my patients, and I talk to them, not at them.
Areas of Focus
Spinal Disease
Complex spinal disease
Degenerative spinal disease
Degenerative adult spinal deformity
Advanced spinal surgery using motion preservation technologies and dynamic spinal stabilization
Image-guided and minimally invasive spine surgery
Spinal tumors
Spinal trauma
Neuro-oncology
Brain tumors
Spinal tumors
Advanced image-guided (computerized) brain and spine surgery
Advanced endoscopic (minimally invasive) brain surgery
Endoscopic (minimally invasive) pituitary surgery
Awake craniotomy and advanced brain mapping (brain surgery) for tumor removal
Adult spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)
Stereotactic Radlo~surgery (Cyber-Knife)
Neuro-trauma
Neuro Care at Wellstar
Specialties
Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery
Education & Training
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Hospital
Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Alternative to Spinal Fusion
Disk Replacement Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Motion Preservation Surgery
Outpatient Spine Surgery
Revision Spine Surgery
Scoliosis Surgery
Spinal Deformity
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.7
Based on 339 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
The front office staff did not seem to be well trained and was not very helpful
November 14, 2024
5
Provider and staff very caring and responsive
November 8, 2024
5
Minimum wait time!
October 30, 2024
5
Successful surgery.
October 26, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a good doctor. Ask questions and informs you the reasons for your pain. Thanks doc
October 26, 2024
5
I have had the best experiences over the past 5 years with this practice and with Dr. Benedict. He is compassionate and concerned and the best doctor.
October 24, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict has a stellar reputation which is why I sought his advice. I now have a clear picture of options that will guide my future action.
October 23, 2024
2
Dr. Benedict informed me that I was not a surgery candidate and he was a little annoyed about the fact that I was there at his visit. He felt that the primary doctor should have written the referrals for me. Thank you.
October 17, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is very patient and well aware of your problem and he makes you very comfortable talking to him. He answers all the questions and he takes time to listen to all your complaints or what you have to say. Thank you very much. I would always keep him in my heart. Thanks. You're welcome.
October 5, 2024
5
Very comfortable experience.
October 3, 2024
2
Hi, I thought the doctor was very cold and uncaring, very dismissive, and I wondered why I drove an hour and a half to go out there and two hours to come back. He's just very rude to me and very dismissive.
September 29, 2024
5
The doctor listened to my questions and responded in language that was clear rather than medical jargon.
September 27, 2024
5
Great staff. I trust Dr.Benedict completely with my care.
September 26, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was thorough in his assessment of my condition, explained options and the benefits of each. He took the time to cover all aspects of the procedure. Left feeling good about the plan.
September 14, 2024
5
I came to Dr. Benedict after seeeing another practice (not affiliated with WellStar) for my three damaged spinal discs. Peers recommended Dr. Benedict and so I sought him out specifically. He is professional, kind and inspires confidence.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is a brilliant surgeon.
September 8, 2024
5
It makes me feel better to know that he was communicating with my other doctors
September 1, 2024
5
Was seen very quickly
September 1, 2024
5
Always a pleasure to see Dr. Benedict and his staff.
August 31, 2024
5
The provider and his team were very professional and caring. The nurses were very nice and welcoming and the provider took his time to listen to me and also explained my situation in a way that I could understand. I am very pleased with the service I received. Great team.
August 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict and the staff are consummate professionals who show empathy and caring while providing good care. Dr Benedict is an asset to Wellstar and the Georgia metro area.
August 25, 2024
5
I trust Dr. Benedict completely. He is very caring, compassionate and competent.
August 24, 2024
5
I went on the wrong day, but the doctor worked me in quickly which I greatly appreciate.
August 17, 2024
5
Very professional, very knowledgeable, very willing to answer all my questions and concerns.
August 15, 2024
5
Everyone is professional and friendly and I know they have my medical condition a top priority. They take the time to listen and respond accordingly.
August 15, 2024
4
I was worried and I wish the doctor had been more patient.
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a skilled and experienced surgeon and an empathic human being. Such a fabulous and rare combination.
August 11, 2024
5
I am grateful to Dr. Hernandez for recommending Dr. Benedict to me. It has been a great experience to be under the care of Dr. Benedict. He has helped me figure out ways to put off my back surgery for a while. He referred me to Dr. Ellner a pain specialist that has worked wonders in relieving my pain. Wellstar doctors are amazing! Thank you to each one!!
August 10, 2024
5
When I first came to see Dr Benedict I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand upright. I was using a Walker and wheel chair. I could not drive or shop by myself. After I was discharged by Dr Benedict today I walked out to my car and drove away. I am so glade I was referred to him for my operation. He is great.
August 7, 2024
5
I went to see Dr. Benedict for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure glad I did. After him reading my extras I may be on a path to recovery after two years of no improvement from another practice.
August 7, 2024
5
The front office staff did not seem to be well trained and was not very helpful
November 14, 2024
5
Provider and staff very caring and responsive
November 8, 2024
5
Minimum wait time!
October 30, 2024
5
Successful surgery.
October 26, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a good doctor. Ask questions and informs you the reasons for your pain. Thanks doc
October 26, 2024
5
I have had the best experiences over the past 5 years with this practice and with Dr. Benedict. He is compassionate and concerned and the best doctor.
October 24, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict has a stellar reputation which is why I sought his advice. I now have a clear picture of options that will guide my future action.
October 23, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is very patient and well aware of your problem and he makes you very comfortable talking to him. He answers all the questions and he takes time to listen to all your complaints or what you have to say. Thank you very much. I would always keep him in my heart. Thanks. You're welcome.
October 5, 2024
5
Very comfortable experience.
October 3, 2024
5
The doctor listened to my questions and responded in language that was clear rather than medical jargon.
September 27, 2024
5
Great staff. I trust Dr.Benedict completely with my care.
September 26, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was thorough in his assessment of my condition, explained options and the benefits of each. He took the time to cover all aspects of the procedure. Left feeling good about the plan.
September 14, 2024
5
I came to Dr. Benedict after seeeing another practice (not affiliated with WellStar) for my three damaged spinal discs. Peers recommended Dr. Benedict and so I sought him out specifically. He is professional, kind and inspires confidence.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is a brilliant surgeon.
September 8, 2024
5
It makes me feel better to know that he was communicating with my other doctors
September 1, 2024
5
Was seen very quickly
September 1, 2024
5
Always a pleasure to see Dr. Benedict and his staff.
August 31, 2024
5
The provider and his team were very professional and caring. The nurses were very nice and welcoming and the provider took his time to listen to me and also explained my situation in a way that I could understand. I am very pleased with the service I received. Great team.
August 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict and the staff are consummate professionals who show empathy and caring while providing good care. Dr Benedict is an asset to Wellstar and the Georgia metro area.
August 25, 2024
5
I trust Dr. Benedict completely. He is very caring, compassionate and competent.
August 24, 2024
5
I went on the wrong day, but the doctor worked me in quickly which I greatly appreciate.
August 17, 2024
5
Very professional, very knowledgeable, very willing to answer all my questions and concerns.
August 15, 2024
5
Everyone is professional and friendly and I know they have my medical condition a top priority. They take the time to listen and respond accordingly.
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a skilled and experienced surgeon and an empathic human being. Such a fabulous and rare combination.
August 11, 2024
5
I am grateful to Dr. Hernandez for recommending Dr. Benedict to me. It has been a great experience to be under the care of Dr. Benedict. He has helped me figure out ways to put off my back surgery for a while. He referred me to Dr. Ellner a pain specialist that has worked wonders in relieving my pain. Wellstar doctors are amazing! Thank you to each one!!
August 10, 2024
5
When I first came to see Dr Benedict I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand upright. I was using a Walker and wheel chair. I could not drive or shop by myself. After I was discharged by Dr Benedict today I walked out to my car and drove away. I am so glade I was referred to him for my operation. He is great.
August 7, 2024
5
I went to see Dr. Benedict for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure glad I did. After him reading my extras I may be on a path to recovery after two years of no improvement from another practice.
August 7, 2024
4
I was worried and I wish the doctor had been more patient.
August 15, 2024
2
Dr. Benedict informed me that I was not a surgery candidate and he was a little annoyed about the fact that I was there at his visit. He felt that the primary doctor should have written the referrals for me. Thank you.
October 17, 2024
2
Hi, I thought the doctor was very cold and uncaring, very dismissive, and I wondered why I drove an hour and a half to go out there and two hours to come back. He's just very rude to me and very dismissive.
September 29, 2024
2
Dr. Benedict informed me that I was not a surgery candidate and he was a little annoyed about the fact that I was there at his visit. He felt that the primary doctor should have written the referrals for me. Thank you.
October 17, 2024
2
Hi, I thought the doctor was very cold and uncaring, very dismissive, and I wondered why I drove an hour and a half to go out there and two hours to come back. He's just very rude to me and very dismissive.
September 29, 2024
4
I was worried and I wish the doctor had been more patient.
August 15, 2024
5
The front office staff did not seem to be well trained and was not very helpful
November 14, 2024
5
Provider and staff very caring and responsive
November 8, 2024
5
Minimum wait time!
October 30, 2024
5
Successful surgery.
October 26, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a good doctor. Ask questions and informs you the reasons for your pain. Thanks doc
October 26, 2024
5
I have had the best experiences over the past 5 years with this practice and with Dr. Benedict. He is compassionate and concerned and the best doctor.
October 24, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict has a stellar reputation which is why I sought his advice. I now have a clear picture of options that will guide my future action.
October 23, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is very patient and well aware of your problem and he makes you very comfortable talking to him. He answers all the questions and he takes time to listen to all your complaints or what you have to say. Thank you very much. I would always keep him in my heart. Thanks. You're welcome.
October 5, 2024
5
Very comfortable experience.
October 3, 2024
5
The doctor listened to my questions and responded in language that was clear rather than medical jargon.
September 27, 2024
5
Great staff. I trust Dr.Benedict completely with my care.
September 26, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was thorough in his assessment of my condition, explained options and the benefits of each. He took the time to cover all aspects of the procedure. Left feeling good about the plan.
September 14, 2024
5
I came to Dr. Benedict after seeeing another practice (not affiliated with WellStar) for my three damaged spinal discs. Peers recommended Dr. Benedict and so I sought him out specifically. He is professional, kind and inspires confidence.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is a brilliant surgeon.
September 8, 2024
5
It makes me feel better to know that he was communicating with my other doctors
September 1, 2024
5
Was seen very quickly
September 1, 2024
5
Always a pleasure to see Dr. Benedict and his staff.
August 31, 2024
5
The provider and his team were very professional and caring. The nurses were very nice and welcoming and the provider took his time to listen to me and also explained my situation in a way that I could understand. I am very pleased with the service I received. Great team.
August 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict and the staff are consummate professionals who show empathy and caring while providing good care. Dr Benedict is an asset to Wellstar and the Georgia metro area.
August 25, 2024
5
I trust Dr. Benedict completely. He is very caring, compassionate and competent.
August 24, 2024
5
I went on the wrong day, but the doctor worked me in quickly which I greatly appreciate.
August 17, 2024
5
Very professional, very knowledgeable, very willing to answer all my questions and concerns.
August 15, 2024
5
Everyone is professional and friendly and I know they have my medical condition a top priority. They take the time to listen and respond accordingly.
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a skilled and experienced surgeon and an empathic human being. Such a fabulous and rare combination.
August 11, 2024
5
I am grateful to Dr. Hernandez for recommending Dr. Benedict to me. It has been a great experience to be under the care of Dr. Benedict. He has helped me figure out ways to put off my back surgery for a while. He referred me to Dr. Ellner a pain specialist that has worked wonders in relieving my pain. Wellstar doctors are amazing! Thank you to each one!!
August 10, 2024
5
When I first came to see Dr Benedict I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand upright. I was using a Walker and wheel chair. I could not drive or shop by myself. After I was discharged by Dr Benedict today I walked out to my car and drove away. I am so glade I was referred to him for my operation. He is great.
August 7, 2024
5
I went to see Dr. Benedict for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure glad I did. After him reading my extras I may be on a path to recovery after two years of no improvement from another practice.
August 7, 2024
5
The front office staff did not seem to be well trained and was not very helpful
November 14, 2024
5
Provider and staff very caring and responsive
November 8, 2024
5
Minimum wait time!
October 30, 2024
5
Successful surgery.
October 26, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a good doctor. Ask questions and informs you the reasons for your pain. Thanks doc
October 26, 2024
5
I have had the best experiences over the past 5 years with this practice and with Dr. Benedict. He is compassionate and concerned and the best doctor.
October 24, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict has a stellar reputation which is why I sought his advice. I now have a clear picture of options that will guide my future action.
October 23, 2024
2
Dr. Benedict informed me that I was not a surgery candidate and he was a little annoyed about the fact that I was there at his visit. He felt that the primary doctor should have written the referrals for me. Thank you.
October 17, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is very patient and well aware of your problem and he makes you very comfortable talking to him. He answers all the questions and he takes time to listen to all your complaints or what you have to say. Thank you very much. I would always keep him in my heart. Thanks. You're welcome.
October 5, 2024
5
Very comfortable experience.
October 3, 2024
2
Hi, I thought the doctor was very cold and uncaring, very dismissive, and I wondered why I drove an hour and a half to go out there and two hours to come back. He's just very rude to me and very dismissive.
September 29, 2024
5
The doctor listened to my questions and responded in language that was clear rather than medical jargon.
September 27, 2024
5
Great staff. I trust Dr.Benedict completely with my care.
September 26, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was thorough in his assessment of my condition, explained options and the benefits of each. He took the time to cover all aspects of the procedure. Left feeling good about the plan.
September 14, 2024
5
I came to Dr. Benedict after seeeing another practice (not affiliated with WellStar) for my three damaged spinal discs. Peers recommended Dr. Benedict and so I sought him out specifically. He is professional, kind and inspires confidence.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is a brilliant surgeon.
September 8, 2024
5
Was seen very quickly
September 1, 2024
5
It makes me feel better to know that he was communicating with my other doctors
September 1, 2024
5
Always a pleasure to see Dr. Benedict and his staff.
August 31, 2024
5
The provider and his team were very professional and caring. The nurses were very nice and welcoming and the provider took his time to listen to me and also explained my situation in a way that I could understand. I am very pleased with the service I received. Great team.
August 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict and the staff are consummate professionals who show empathy and caring while providing good care. Dr Benedict is an asset to Wellstar and the Georgia metro area.
August 25, 2024
5
I trust Dr. Benedict completely. He is very caring, compassionate and competent.
August 24, 2024
5
I went on the wrong day, but the doctor worked me in quickly which I greatly appreciate.
August 17, 2024
5
Very professional, very knowledgeable, very willing to answer all my questions and concerns.
August 15, 2024
5
Everyone is professional and friendly and I know they have my medical condition a top priority. They take the time to listen and respond accordingly.
August 15, 2024
4
I was worried and I wish the doctor had been more patient.
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a skilled and experienced surgeon and an empathic human being. Such a fabulous and rare combination.
August 11, 2024
5
I am grateful to Dr. Hernandez for recommending Dr. Benedict to me. It has been a great experience to be under the care of Dr. Benedict. He has helped me figure out ways to put off my back surgery for a while. He referred me to Dr. Ellner a pain specialist that has worked wonders in relieving my pain. Wellstar doctors are amazing! Thank you to each one!!
August 10, 2024
5
When I first came to see Dr Benedict I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand upright. I was using a Walker and wheel chair. I could not drive or shop by myself. After I was discharged by Dr Benedict today I walked out to my car and drove away. I am so glade I was referred to him for my operation. He is great.
August 7, 2024
5
I went to see Dr. Benedict for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure glad I did. After him reading my extras I may be on a path to recovery after two years of no improvement from another practice.
August 7, 2024
5
I went to see Dr. Benedict for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure glad I did. After him reading my extras I may be on a path to recovery after two years of no improvement from another practice.
August 7, 2024
5
When I first came to see Dr Benedict I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand upright. I was using a Walker and wheel chair. I could not drive or shop by myself. After I was discharged by Dr Benedict today I walked out to my car and drove away. I am so glade I was referred to him for my operation. He is great.
August 7, 2024
5
I am grateful to Dr. Hernandez for recommending Dr. Benedict to me. It has been a great experience to be under the care of Dr. Benedict. He has helped me figure out ways to put off my back surgery for a while. He referred me to Dr. Ellner a pain specialist that has worked wonders in relieving my pain. Wellstar doctors are amazing! Thank you to each one!!
August 10, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a skilled and experienced surgeon and an empathic human being. Such a fabulous and rare combination.
August 11, 2024
4
I was worried and I wish the doctor had been more patient.
August 15, 2024
5
Everyone is professional and friendly and I know they have my medical condition a top priority. They take the time to listen and respond accordingly.
August 15, 2024
5
Very professional, very knowledgeable, very willing to answer all my questions and concerns.
August 15, 2024
5
I went on the wrong day, but the doctor worked me in quickly which I greatly appreciate.
August 17, 2024
5
I trust Dr. Benedict completely. He is very caring, compassionate and competent.
August 24, 2024
5
Dr Benedict and the staff are consummate professionals who show empathy and caring while providing good care. Dr Benedict is an asset to Wellstar and the Georgia metro area.
August 25, 2024
5
The provider and his team were very professional and caring. The nurses were very nice and welcoming and the provider took his time to listen to me and also explained my situation in a way that I could understand. I am very pleased with the service I received. Great team.
August 25, 2024
5
Always a pleasure to see Dr. Benedict and his staff.
August 31, 2024
5
It makes me feel better to know that he was communicating with my other doctors
September 1, 2024
5
Was seen very quickly
September 1, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is a brilliant surgeon.
September 8, 2024
5
I came to Dr. Benedict after seeeing another practice (not affiliated with WellStar) for my three damaged spinal discs. Peers recommended Dr. Benedict and so I sought him out specifically. He is professional, kind and inspires confidence.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was thorough in his assessment of my condition, explained options and the benefits of each. He took the time to cover all aspects of the procedure. Left feeling good about the plan.
September 14, 2024
5
Great staff. I trust Dr.Benedict completely with my care.
September 26, 2024
5
The doctor listened to my questions and responded in language that was clear rather than medical jargon.
September 27, 2024
2
Hi, I thought the doctor was very cold and uncaring, very dismissive, and I wondered why I drove an hour and a half to go out there and two hours to come back. He's just very rude to me and very dismissive.
September 29, 2024
5
Very comfortable experience.
October 3, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is very patient and well aware of your problem and he makes you very comfortable talking to him. He answers all the questions and he takes time to listen to all your complaints or what you have to say. Thank you very much. I would always keep him in my heart. Thanks. You're welcome.
October 5, 2024
2
Dr. Benedict informed me that I was not a surgery candidate and he was a little annoyed about the fact that I was there at his visit. He felt that the primary doctor should have written the referrals for me. Thank you.
October 17, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict has a stellar reputation which is why I sought his advice. I now have a clear picture of options that will guide my future action.
October 23, 2024
5
I have had the best experiences over the past 5 years with this practice and with Dr. Benedict. He is compassionate and concerned and the best doctor.
October 24, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is a good doctor. Ask questions and informs you the reasons for your pain. Thanks doc
October 26, 2024
5
Successful surgery.
October 26, 2024
5
Minimum wait time!
October 30, 2024
5
Provider and staff very caring and responsive
November 8, 2024
5
The front office staff did not seem to be well trained and was not very helpful
November 14, 2024
Publications and Articles
ZacCare
Looking at Zac DiGiorgio today, you wouldn't know he almost lost his life — twice.
Like any typical guy in his early 20’s, Zac was always on the move. He liked to keep himself busy and lead an active lifestyle.
So naturally, when his parents needed their shutters replaced, Zac was the first to volunteer. With a drill in hand, he climbed up the ladder to replace the old hardware and change out the shutters.
Moments later, everything changed in the blink of an eye.
A terrifying crash sounded from outside the home. Zac’s father, Chris DiGiorgio, rushed out the front door to see a parent’s worst nightmare: his 23-year-old son face down in the driveway, having a seizure.
After shouting to his wife to call 911, Chris was at his son’s side. He cradled Zac on the concrete driveway, trying to steady his body from the convulsions.
“I really didn't know what was happening,” Chris recalled. “I knew he was having a seizure, but I didn't know if he had any other injuries or anything else going on.”
But one thing was clear: Zac had plummeted to the ground from the top of the ladder, smacking the right side of his head hard on the concrete.
The severity of the fall triggered a seizure, often characterized by body spasms or unconsciousness. However, these episodes can also have cognitive and emotional effects, such as fear or anxiety.
In Zac’s case, he became extremely agitated. After waking from the initial seizure, he argued with his dad and fought against his hold. Even when the first responders arrived, he refused to get on the stretcher and instead walked himself to the ambulance.
With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the ambulance raced towards Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. On the way, Zac complained of pain in his shoulder from a broken collar bone. But after experiencing another seizure on the short eight-minute drive, it was clear much more was going on inside his body.
After being admitted, it would be weeks before Zac awoke again in the hospital — with no memory of the accident.
