Announcement: New Leadership for the Open and Endovascular Fellowship

Semmes Murphey is pleased to announce that Dr. Nitin Goyal has been named Director of the Open and Endovascular Fellowship, succeeding Dr. Daniel Hoit, whose leadership and mentorship have been foundational to the program’s success. Dr. Christopher Nickele will serve as assistant director for the program.

This unique fellowship, one of the first CAST-accredited programs in its category, provides intensive training in Endovascular Neurosurgery, Interventional Neuroradiology, and Endovascular Neurology. The program prepares physicians to care for patients with complex vascular conditions using the full range of modern approaches. Under Dr. Goyal’s leadership, the program will continue to reflect Semmes Murphey’s commitment to compassionate, high-quality care and to advancing the field through research and innovation that improve patient outcomes.

Teaching and training have been central to Semmes Murphey’s mission for more than a century, and the clinic has invested in developing future leaders in neuroscience. The 33 physicians who successfully completed the Semmes Murphey endovascular fellowship carry that legacy forward, serving as leaders in hospitals, universities, and communities to shape neurological care across the country and around the world.  

Graduates include Drs. Nickele and Goyal, as well as Drs. Adam Arthur, Daniel Hoit, and Nickalus Khan, all of whom continue to serve as program faculty through Semmes Murphey and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

“It’s an honor to step into this role,” said Dr. Goyal. “This program represents the best of what we do at Semmes Murphey. We hope to not only train capable surgeons but cultivate physicians who are innovators, collaborators, and leaders committed to elevating care for all patients.”  

“Our goal is to preserve the fellowship’s tradition of clinical excellence while fostering an environment where fellows can ask bold questions and push the boundaries of what is possible in patient care,” Dr. Nickele added.

About Dr. Nitin Goyal

Dr. Goyal is a board-certified Endovascular Neurologist specializing in Interventional Neurology and Neurocritical Care.

He earned his medical degree from Ravindra Nath Tagore Medical College, followed by a Neurology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He went on to complete advanced training in Neurocritical care and a two-year Endovascular Neurology fellowship at Semmes Murphey.

Dr. Goyal has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and presented extensively at national and international conferences. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at UTHSC. He is also Program Director for Neurocritical Care Fellowship at UTHSC.  

About Dr. Christopher M. Nickele

Dr. Nickele is an open and endovascular neurosurgeon with expertise in treating aneurysms, vascular malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, carotid disease, stroke, and complex cerebrovascular conditions.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame (magna cum laude) and his Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Wisconsin and a fellowship in Endovascular and Open Vascular Neurosurgery at Semmes Murphey and UTHSC.

Dr. Nickele currently serves as an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Vision for the Fellowship

The Open and Endovascular Fellowship is designed to develop well-rounded physicians who combine technical mastery with the curiosity and leadership needed to advance neurological care. Fellows gain hands-on experience with a high volume of complex cases, guided by multidisciplinary experts and supported by research opportunities that strengthen the standard of care for patients.

For more information or to apply, visit Semmes-Murphey.com/fellowships.