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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 337 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice 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
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
Dr Benedict was very patient and understanding of the situation and offered a variety of treatments
August 7, 2024
4
Went well
August 3, 2024
5
Great doctor explained everything perfectly.
July 18, 2024
5
Overall great experience and very thorough.
July 17, 2024
5
I got answers to my condition with very clear understanding of how best to treat it without surgery.
July 17, 2024
5
Amazing experience. He listened and it was very clear he understood my issue as he had done review prior to our appointment. And he very much understood the role gender plays in my issues.
July 11, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was very professional, not a bunch of medical jargon, just the facts with data to back up his approach.
July 10, 2024
5
It was the best ever, thank you very much
July 10, 2024
5
Fantastic doctor and great staff.
July 6, 2024
5
He is the BEST!!!!
July 6, 2024
5
This is a surgeon that took the time out of his schedule to listen to me, provide me with my non surgical options. Thank you so much.
June 26, 2024
5
I didn't hear what I was hoping to hear but appreciate the doctor telling me straight up what he thought about me not being able to even handle the surgery. I need but not healthy enough. Thank you for your honesty instead of making more money ,he did right by me. I lost someone very dear to me because the doctor rushed it instead of getting my cousin well enough to have the surgery.
June 22, 2024
5
Dr Benedict has such good bedside manner. He is engaging and funny and puts his patients at ease.
June 7, 2024
2
Receptionist, nurse and Dr were indifferent to me as the patient. No good feelings from any of them. Felt they were not interested in my care
June 5, 2024
5
The Doctor was very nice and knowledgeable and was very honest with me with my expectations as well as his.
June 1, 2024
5
Great , a lot of information.
May 31, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best! My life was in the balance and through his capable hands the burr hole procedure was a success.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was awesome! He was patient and thorough and answered my questions. He was excellent! He gave me a good plan for my care! The front staff were great too!
May 16, 2024
5
Very good Dr
May 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is awesome! Greatest neurosurgeon in the world!!!
May 9, 2024
5
A great experience for me and my family. My operation was a complete success and I would recommend Dr Benedict for all surgeries. Thank you staff
May 9, 2024
5
The front office clerk was great.She was fast and was willing to go above duties to help another patientout A few hours with to see about their insurance.
May 3, 2024
5
Excellent service and positive experience.
May 2, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict was extremely thorough and made me feel completely completely comfortable with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Definitely one of the better experiences I've had at Wellstar.
May 2, 2024
5
Excellent! Love these people!
April 29, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best!
April 28, 2024
5
staff and doctor first time, very impressed
April 27, 2024
5
The staff was wonderful. The girl at the front office was helpful. Everybody was perfect. The doctor was friendly, enjoyed talking to him.
April 21, 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
Dr Benedict was very patient and understanding of the situation and offered a variety of treatments
August 7, 2024
5
Great doctor explained everything perfectly.
July 18, 2024
5
Overall great experience and very thorough.
July 17, 2024
5
I got answers to my condition with very clear understanding of how best to treat it without surgery.
July 17, 2024
5
Amazing experience. He listened and it was very clear he understood my issue as he had done review prior to our appointment. And he very much understood the role gender plays in my issues.
July 11, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was very professional, not a bunch of medical jargon, just the facts with data to back up his approach.
July 10, 2024
5
It was the best ever, thank you very much
July 10, 2024
5
Fantastic doctor and great staff.
July 6, 2024
5
He is the BEST!!!!
July 6, 2024
5
This is a surgeon that took the time out of his schedule to listen to me, provide me with my non surgical options. Thank you so much.
June 26, 2024
5
I didn't hear what I was hoping to hear but appreciate the doctor telling me straight up what he thought about me not being able to even handle the surgery. I need but not healthy enough. Thank you for your honesty instead of making more money ,he did right by me. I lost someone very dear to me because the doctor rushed it instead of getting my cousin well enough to have the surgery.
June 22, 2024
5
Dr Benedict has such good bedside manner. He is engaging and funny and puts his patients at ease.
June 7, 2024
5
The Doctor was very nice and knowledgeable and was very honest with me with my expectations as well as his.
June 1, 2024
5
Great , a lot of information.
May 31, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best! My life was in the balance and through his capable hands the burr hole procedure was a success.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was awesome! He was patient and thorough and answered my questions. He was excellent! He gave me a good plan for my care! The front staff were great too!
May 16, 2024
5
Very good Dr
May 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is awesome! Greatest neurosurgeon in the world!!!
May 9, 2024
5
A great experience for me and my family. My operation was a complete success and I would recommend Dr Benedict for all surgeries. Thank you staff
May 9, 2024
5
The front office clerk was great.She was fast and was willing to go above duties to help another patientout A few hours with to see about their insurance.
May 3, 2024
5
Excellent service and positive experience.
May 2, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict was extremely thorough and made me feel completely completely comfortable with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Definitely one of the better experiences I've had at Wellstar.
May 2, 2024
5
Excellent! Love these people!
April 29, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best!
April 28, 2024
5
staff and doctor first time, very impressed
April 27, 2024
5
The staff was wonderful. The girl at the front office was helpful. Everybody was perfect. The doctor was friendly, enjoyed talking to him.
April 21, 2024
4
Went well
August 3, 2024
2
Receptionist, nurse and Dr were indifferent to me as the patient. No good feelings from any of them. Felt they were not interested in my care
June 5, 2024
2
Receptionist, nurse and Dr were indifferent to me as the patient. No good feelings from any of them. Felt they were not interested in my care
June 5, 2024
4
Went well
August 3, 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
Dr Benedict was very patient and understanding of the situation and offered a variety of treatments
August 7, 2024
5
Great doctor explained everything perfectly.
July 18, 2024
5
Overall great experience and very thorough.
July 17, 2024
5
I got answers to my condition with very clear understanding of how best to treat it without surgery.
July 17, 2024
5
Amazing experience. He listened and it was very clear he understood my issue as he had done review prior to our appointment. And he very much understood the role gender plays in my issues.
July 11, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was very professional, not a bunch of medical jargon, just the facts with data to back up his approach.
July 10, 2024
5
It was the best ever, thank you very much
July 10, 2024
5
Fantastic doctor and great staff.
July 6, 2024
5
He is the BEST!!!!
July 6, 2024
5
This is a surgeon that took the time out of his schedule to listen to me, provide me with my non surgical options. Thank you so much.
June 26, 2024
5
I didn't hear what I was hoping to hear but appreciate the doctor telling me straight up what he thought about me not being able to even handle the surgery. I need but not healthy enough. Thank you for your honesty instead of making more money ,he did right by me. I lost someone very dear to me because the doctor rushed it instead of getting my cousin well enough to have the surgery.
June 22, 2024
5
Dr Benedict has such good bedside manner. He is engaging and funny and puts his patients at ease.
June 7, 2024
5
The Doctor was very nice and knowledgeable and was very honest with me with my expectations as well as his.
June 1, 2024
5
Great , a lot of information.
May 31, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best! My life was in the balance and through his capable hands the burr hole procedure was a success.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was awesome! He was patient and thorough and answered my questions. He was excellent! He gave me a good plan for my care! The front staff were great too!
May 16, 2024
5
Very good Dr
May 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is awesome! Greatest neurosurgeon in the world!!!
May 9, 2024
5
A great experience for me and my family. My operation was a complete success and I would recommend Dr Benedict for all surgeries. Thank you staff
May 9, 2024
5
The front office clerk was great.She was fast and was willing to go above duties to help another patientout A few hours with to see about their insurance.
May 3, 2024
5
Excellent service and positive experience.
May 2, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict was extremely thorough and made me feel completely completely comfortable with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Definitely one of the better experiences I've had at Wellstar.
May 2, 2024
5
Excellent! Love these people!
April 29, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best!
April 28, 2024
5
staff and doctor first time, very impressed
April 27, 2024
5
The staff was wonderful. The girl at the front office was helpful. Everybody was perfect. The doctor was friendly, enjoyed talking to him.
April 21, 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
Dr Benedict was very patient and understanding of the situation and offered a variety of treatments
August 7, 2024
4
Went well
August 3, 2024
5
Great doctor explained everything perfectly.
July 18, 2024
5
I got answers to my condition with very clear understanding of how best to treat it without surgery.
July 17, 2024
5
Overall great experience and very thorough.
July 17, 2024
5
Amazing experience. He listened and it was very clear he understood my issue as he had done review prior to our appointment. And he very much understood the role gender plays in my issues.
July 11, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was very professional, not a bunch of medical jargon, just the facts with data to back up his approach.
July 10, 2024
5
It was the best ever, thank you very much
July 10, 2024
5
Fantastic doctor and great staff.
July 6, 2024
5
He is the BEST!!!!
July 6, 2024
5
This is a surgeon that took the time out of his schedule to listen to me, provide me with my non surgical options. Thank you so much.
June 26, 2024
5
I didn't hear what I was hoping to hear but appreciate the doctor telling me straight up what he thought about me not being able to even handle the surgery. I need but not healthy enough. Thank you for your honesty instead of making more money ,he did right by me. I lost someone very dear to me because the doctor rushed it instead of getting my cousin well enough to have the surgery.
June 22, 2024
5
Dr Benedict has such good bedside manner. He is engaging and funny and puts his patients at ease.
June 7, 2024
2
Receptionist, nurse and Dr were indifferent to me as the patient. No good feelings from any of them. Felt they were not interested in my care
June 5, 2024
5
The Doctor was very nice and knowledgeable and was very honest with me with my expectations as well as his.
June 1, 2024
5
Great , a lot of information.
May 31, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best! My life was in the balance and through his capable hands the burr hole procedure was a success.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was awesome! He was patient and thorough and answered my questions. He was excellent! He gave me a good plan for my care! The front staff were great too!
May 16, 2024
5
Very good Dr
May 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is awesome! Greatest neurosurgeon in the world!!!
May 9, 2024
5
A great experience for me and my family. My operation was a complete success and I would recommend Dr Benedict for all surgeries. Thank you staff
May 9, 2024
5
The front office clerk was great.She was fast and was willing to go above duties to help another patientout A few hours with to see about their insurance.
May 3, 2024
5
Excellent service and positive experience.
May 2, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict was extremely thorough and made me feel completely completely comfortable with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Definitely one of the better experiences I've had at Wellstar.
May 2, 2024
5
Excellent! Love these people!
April 29, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best!
April 28, 2024
5
staff and doctor first time, very impressed
April 27, 2024
5
The staff was wonderful. The girl at the front office was helpful. Everybody was perfect. The doctor was friendly, enjoyed talking to him.
April 21, 2024
5
The staff was wonderful. The girl at the front office was helpful. Everybody was perfect. The doctor was friendly, enjoyed talking to him.
April 21, 2024
5
staff and doctor first time, very impressed
April 27, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best!
April 28, 2024
5
Excellent! Love these people!
April 29, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict was extremely thorough and made me feel completely completely comfortable with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Definitely one of the better experiences I've had at Wellstar.
May 2, 2024
5
Excellent service and positive experience.
May 2, 2024
5
The front office clerk was great.She was fast and was willing to go above duties to help another patientout A few hours with to see about their insurance.
May 3, 2024
5
A great experience for me and my family. My operation was a complete success and I would recommend Dr Benedict for all surgeries. Thank you staff
May 9, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is awesome! Greatest neurosurgeon in the world!!!
May 9, 2024
5
Very good Dr
May 12, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was awesome! He was patient and thorough and answered my questions. He was excellent! He gave me a good plan for my care! The front staff were great too!
May 16, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the best! My life was in the balance and through his capable hands the burr hole procedure was a success.
May 25, 2024
5
Great , a lot of information.
May 31, 2024
5
The Doctor was very nice and knowledgeable and was very honest with me with my expectations as well as his.
June 1, 2024
2
Receptionist, nurse and Dr were indifferent to me as the patient. No good feelings from any of them. Felt they were not interested in my care
June 5, 2024
5
Dr Benedict has such good bedside manner. He is engaging and funny and puts his patients at ease.
June 7, 2024
5
I didn't hear what I was hoping to hear but appreciate the doctor telling me straight up what he thought about me not being able to even handle the surgery. I need but not healthy enough. Thank you for your honesty instead of making more money ,he did right by me. I lost someone very dear to me because the doctor rushed it instead of getting my cousin well enough to have the surgery.
June 22, 2024
5
This is a surgeon that took the time out of his schedule to listen to me, provide me with my non surgical options. Thank you so much.
June 26, 2024
5
He is the BEST!!!!
July 6, 2024
5
Fantastic doctor and great staff.
July 6, 2024
5
Dr Benedict was very professional, not a bunch of medical jargon, just the facts with data to back up his approach.
July 10, 2024
5
It was the best ever, thank you very much
July 10, 2024
5
Amazing experience. He listened and it was very clear he understood my issue as he had done review prior to our appointment. And he very much understood the role gender plays in my issues.
July 11, 2024
5
Overall great experience and very thorough.
July 17, 2024
5
I got answers to my condition with very clear understanding of how best to treat it without surgery.
July 17, 2024
5
Great doctor explained everything perfectly.
July 18, 2024
4
Went well
August 3, 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
Dr Benedict was very patient and understanding of the situation and offered a variety of treatments
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
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.