Ruth E. Bristol, MD
Specialty: Neurosurgery
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Areas of Expertise
- Ped. Neurosurgery
- Office:
-
Phoenix Children's Medical Group - Neurosurgery
Website - Address:
- 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016-7710
- Phone:
- Fax:
- (602) 933-4257
- Board Certification:
- American Board of Neurological Surgery
Biography
Ruth Bristol, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon who made the transition to Phoenix Children's Hospital with the other pediatric specialty practitioners, and is proud to remain part of the Barrow Neurological Institute. She remains a member of the Barrow Children's Cleft and Craniofacial Center, which offers a team approach to children with craniosyonostosis and other skull anomalies.
Dr. Bristol treats all areas of pediatric neurosurgery, including brain and spine tumors, trauma, and developmental anomalies. Her research interests include brain tumors and craniosynostosis.
Dr. Bristol believes that a supportive and involved family is very important for healing in children. Many children do not have the ability to understand complex medical problems, so gaining their trust and making them feel safe are essential to providing good care.
Originally from New Hampshire, Dr. Bristol attended Medical School at Tulane University in New Orleans. She then completed a Neurological Surgery Residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Post-residency subspecialty training included a Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Dr. Bristol practices all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery, with a special interest in craniofacial disorders, hypothalamic hamartoma, hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and endoscopic neurosurgery.
Dr. Bristol treats all areas of pediatric neurosurgery, including brain and spine tumors, trauma, and developmental anomalies. Her research interests include brain tumors and craniosynostosis.
Dr. Bristol believes that a supportive and involved family is very important for healing in children. Many children do not have the ability to understand complex medical problems, so gaining their trust and making them feel safe are essential to providing good care.
Originally from New Hampshire, Dr. Bristol attended Medical School at Tulane University in New Orleans. She then completed a Neurological Surgery Residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Post-residency subspecialty training included a Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Dr. Bristol practices all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery, with a special interest in craniofacial disorders, hypothalamic hamartoma, hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and endoscopic neurosurgery.
Locations
Education & Training
Back to Top- Board Certification:
- American Board of Neurological Surgery
- Medical School / Education:
- Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans, LA
- Internship:
- General Surgery: Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency Program Phoenix, AZ
- Residency:
- Neurological Surgery: Barrow Neurological Institute Phoenix, AZ
- Fellowship:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery: Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
Questions & Answers
Back to Top
What led you to your career as a neurology doctor/surgeon?
The nervous system is so complex that it will remain an area of cutting edge research for my lifetime, and probably many after me.
What is the best thing about your job?
Seeing children recover
Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
I've received numerous drawings, all of which I've saved and peruse when I need a little pick-me-up.
What is your favorite children's book?
Petronella. It's about a princess who saves her prince.
How do you go about calming a child's fears? Aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
Talking to them the way I would my own children. Choosing a cartoon character they may identify with and trying to distract them with something fun.
How do you build trust with a parent?
Talking to them about their child the way I would want someone to talk to me, using my own children as an example.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Running, hiking, taking my children on adventures
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Barrio cafe
Can you tell us about your family?
I have a husband who is also a neurosurgeon. I have two children, boys ages 4 and 7. They are interested in swimming, piano, and tae kwon do.
Where are you originally from, and how did you get here?
I'm from New Hampshire and went to college in Maine. I wanted to see a new part of the country for medical school, so I went to New Orleans. From there I wanted to go to the best neurosurgery training program in the country, and that lead me to the Barrow Neurological Institute. After my fellowship in Los Angeles, I was excited to join the faculty here in Phoenix.
The nervous system is so complex that it will remain an area of cutting edge research for my lifetime, and probably many after me.
What is the best thing about your job?
Seeing children recover
Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
I've received numerous drawings, all of which I've saved and peruse when I need a little pick-me-up.
What is your favorite children's book?
Petronella. It's about a princess who saves her prince.
How do you go about calming a child's fears? Aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
Talking to them the way I would my own children. Choosing a cartoon character they may identify with and trying to distract them with something fun.
How do you build trust with a parent?
Talking to them about their child the way I would want someone to talk to me, using my own children as an example.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Running, hiking, taking my children on adventures
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Barrio cafe
Can you tell us about your family?
I have a husband who is also a neurosurgeon. I have two children, boys ages 4 and 7. They are interested in swimming, piano, and tae kwon do.
Where are you originally from, and how did you get here?
I'm from New Hampshire and went to college in Maine. I wanted to see a new part of the country for medical school, so I went to New Orleans. From there I wanted to go to the best neurosurgery training program in the country, and that lead me to the Barrow Neurological Institute. After my fellowship in Los Angeles, I was excited to join the faculty here in Phoenix.
Research
Back to Top- Research / Special Interests:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
