Marc S. Schwartz, MD
- Neurosurgeon
- Co-director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
- Chief of Skull Base Surgery
- Professor of Neurological Surgery
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Resources
Contact Us
Appointments and phone evaluations
Become a Patient
How to switch your care to UC San Diego Health
For Referring Physicians
Transfers, referrals and consultations
We make sure that everything is in place before your acoustic neuroma surgical procedure at UC San Diego Health.
This includes:
- An evaluation with our medical experts
- Communication with your local care providers about your care with us
- Advance coordination of your after-surgery care, including any follow-up services you will need, such as physical therapy, to ensure a smooth return home
- A surgery coordinator to take care of administrative matters, including insurance authorization, and help arrange the pretreatment evaluation with your primary care physician
Your Pretreatment Visit
On your first visit, you will meet members of the treatment team and consult with our specialists. You will be given hearing tests and, in some cases, balance tests.
A tour of the facilities is part of the visit to help you feel comfortable. At that time, you will also receive the information you'll need for treatment and after-treatment care.
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Stories
Hear From Our Patients
Read firsthand stories from people who overcame the challenges of acoustic neuroma through expert care at UC San Diego Health.
Acoustic Neuroma Support Groups
Many acoustic neuroma patients find it helpful to reach out and contact others who are going through the same experience. Free local support groups provide opportunities for networking and assistance with social and personal issues.
Get contact information on support groups listed by state at the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA) website. In California, support groups are in San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Sacramento and the San Francisco/Oakland area.
Patients can also request information from the ANA about support group leaders and meetings, as well as obtain a free information packet.
If there is no convenient local support group or an ANA member wants to network with patients in other areas, they can access the Willing to Talk list ─ a list of ANA members who have had an acoustic neuroma, have gone through treatment and recovery and are now willing to have their contact information shared as a source of information and support.
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Education Day
Join acoustic neuroma specialists Dr. Rick Friedman and Dr. Marc Schwartz for a free educational event designed for patients, families and caregivers. Learn about diagnosis, treatment options and recovery through expert presentations. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other patients and caregivers for support and shared experiences.
- Registration is required.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Goldberg Auditorium, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Learn More About Acoustic Neuroma Care
Acoustic Neuroma Specialists and Doctors
Rick A. Friedman, MD, PhD
- Neurotologist
- Vice Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, PhD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Quyen Nguyen, MD, PhD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Professor of Pharmacology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Jacqueline Greene, MD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Assistant Professor of Surgery
Location
Study Shows Acoustic Neuroma Surgery Improves Quality of Life
UC San Diego researchers published a study in Otology & Neurotology that found that using an innovative surgical approach to remove an acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing, benign brain tumor, improved hearing preservation and quality of life for patients while also presenting excellent facial nerve outcomes.
Advanced Brain and Ear Surgery Restores Hearing for Musician
Specialized acoustic neuroma care and leading-edge cochlear implantation technology helped one musician return to his craft.
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Story: Physician Reclaims His Marathon Dream
This patient story follows Dr. Sunny Sharma's acoustic neuroma diagnosis, surgery, gamma knife treatment and recovery to marathon running.
Teen's Hearing Preserved and Hope Restored
At just 13, Lexi Rains faced hearing loss from a rare brain tumor. Discover how expert surgeons at UC San Diego Health preserved her hearing and changed her life.