Natalie M. Guley, MD, PhD

Neurosurgery, Neuro-Trauma Surgery, Neurological Spine Surgery

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LVPG Cliniciani

Overview

Area of focus i

  • Traumatic Brain and Spine Injury
  • Degenerative Spine Conditions
  • CSF Flow and Pressure Disorders

Languages spoken

  • English

Affiliated with

About

Philosophy of care

I strive to treat every patient as a whole person – not just a diagnosis or imaging finding. I know facing a neurosurgical problem can be intimidating, and I aim to meet that with compassion, clear communication and respect. Listening closely and understanding what matters most to you is at the heart of how I care for people. I’m a logical thinker who values evidence-based medicine, but I also believe strongly in creativity and flexibility – especially when the path isn’t straightforward. Some of the best care comes from balancing solid science with open-minded problem-solving. As a surgeon, I know I’m being trusted in a deeply personal way, and that trust is something I take seriously. Building strong, honest relationships with my patients is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

Why I entered medicine

Medicine – and eventually neurosurgery – felt like a natural fit for my fascination with the brain, the spinal cord and the complexity of the human nervous system. It offered a rare blend of intellectual challenge, technical precision and the opportunity to help people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Problem-solving is at the core of how I think. I’m drawn to the logic of piecing together complex clinical puzzles and the hands-on focus that surgery requires. Just as meaningful to me is the human side of this work – being present for patients and their families, listening with compassion and building trust through thoughtful, personal care.

Community involvement

For me, being a physician means staying connected to the broader community and finding ways to serve beyond the hospital. As a neurosurgeon, that might look like education on brain and spine health, injury prevention, or simply being a resource when questions or concerns arise. To me, that’s what it means to be a good steward of the community I serve.

Personal interests

Outside of work I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading and being outdoors – whether it’s hiking, camping or simply spending quiet time in nature, which I find healing for everyone. At home I love spending time with my husband, daughter and our dogs and cats.

Education

Undergraduate
 Gwynedd Mercy University, null, 2004

Undergraduate
 University of Texas, null, 2005

Undergraduate
 St. Edwards University, Bachelor of Arts Psychology, 2010

Undergraduate
 Christian Brothers University, null, 2010

Medical School
 University of Tennessee, Doctor of Medicine (MD), 2018

Training

Residency 2025
 Neurological Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

Certifications

American Board of Neurological Surgery - General Neurology

Publications & Clinical Trials

View Scholarly Works