UCHealth Neurosciences Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct, 4th Floor Aurora, CO 80045Phone: 720-848-2080
John Berry-Candelario, MD
Neurological Surgery
Board Certified
Care Philosophy
As Director of Spine Oncology, my philosophy centers on delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary care that prioritizes both survival and quality of life. I believe in treating each patient as a whole person—balancing advanced surgical and oncologic interventions with preservation of function, pain relief, and dignity. Collaboration across specialties, clear communication, and individualized treatment planning guide my practice, ensuring that every patient receives care that is not only technically excellent but also deeply humane.
Clinical Interest for Patients
Neuro-Oncology - Primary Spine Tumors, Metastatic Spine Tumors / Novel Treatments for Spinal Tumors - Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, LIFU / Gut dysbiosis connection to spinal disorders / Biomechanics of the spine
Title(s)
Director, Spine Services, Neurosurgeon
Credentials
Doctor of Medicine
Specialty
Neurological Surgery
Scheduling Phone Number
720-848-1980
Gender
Male
Hospital Affiliation
University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
Phone: 720-848-1980 720-848-1980
Provider Information
Specialties
- Neurological Surgery
Conditions
-
Spine
Peripheral nerve compression syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) , Spinal Stenosis , Sacroiliac Joint , Sports-related neck and back injuries , Back Pain , Spinal tumors , Osteoporosis and compression fractures , Degenerative back conditions , Disc Protrusions , Neurogenic Claudication , Lumbago , Thoracic Pain , Sciatica , Degenerative Scoliosis , Spondylolysis (pars defects and fractures) , Lumbar spinal stenosis , Slipped Disc , Bulging Discs , Lumbar disc herniation , Cervical Myelopathy , Degenerative neck conditions , Disc Prolapse , Myelopathy , Radiculopathy , Low-back Pain , Scoliosis , Herniated Discs (HNP) , Ruptured Discs , Cervical disc herniation , Spondylolisthesis , Disc Extrusions , Degenerative Disc Disease , Cervical spinal stenosis , Spondylolysis , Cervicalgia (Neck Pain)
Treatments and Services
Interests and Activities
Personal Interests
I serve as a Commander in the United States Navy Reserves Medical Corps
Department
Visiting Associate Professor, Neurosurgery
Professional Memberships
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgeon Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgeon North American Spine Society, Neurosurgeon
Research and Grants
Research Interests for Patients
Dr. Berry-Candelario leads our spine oncology division. He directs the center of brain and spine metastasis. One of its pillars is leading in the development and application of research for neuro-oncology care, including platforms such as LITT for brain pathology and NOMS treatment algorithm for spine tumors. In addition, he has interest in understanding the role of immunotherapy treatment for distant metastasis. A second research interest includes understanding the underpinnings of spine degeneration through the lens of the gut dysbiosis of the microbiome. Finally, in the field of spine, there is still work to be done in understanding the biomechanical breakdown of the joints due to mechanical forces. Leveraging our broad campus expertise, we are investing in partnerships to bring this new knowledge to bear on the care of our spine patients.
Education and Training
Medical Schools
MD, Harvard Medical School
Residency Program
Duke University Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital Program
Fellowships
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Program
Information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
720-848-1980
Referral Contact Fax
720-848-2019
Referring Patients Link
Clinical Interests for Referring Providers
Our program is built on the principles of excellence, combining specialized expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team committed to comprehensive and personalized surgical care. We provide treatment for a wide range of spinal conditions, with a particular emphasis on precision neurosurgical care.
When you refer patients to our team, they benefit not only from high-quality neurosurgical treatment but also from seamless collaboration across multidisciplinary specialties. My goal is to ensure a smooth continuum of care and to make the referral process as straightforward as possible for you and your patients.
Research Interest for Referring Providers
Key areas of research: spine oncology, gut microbiome profiling in spine pathology, understanding the connection between biomechanical engineering and spine pathology