Keyne K. Johnson-Nowlin, MD, FAANS

Dr. Keyne K. Johnson-Nowlin, MD, FAANS, is a board certified pediatric neurosurgeon who also specializes in adult spine surgery. With more than two decades of experience, she is recognized for her expertise in diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, as well as spinal conditions affecting adults.

Her journey toward neurosurgery began at the age of 12 when she learned about the historic surgical separation of conjoined twins. Inspired by the complexity of the human brain and the extraordinary possibilities of medicine, she committed herself to becoming a neurosurgeon.

Dr. Johnson-Nowlin completed her undergraduate and medical education at the University of Pittsburgh. She then completed her neurosurgery residency at Duke University, where she became the institution's first Black female neurosurgery resident. Following residency, she completed advanced fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, becoming one of the first Black women in the United States to complete advanced fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery.

Her clinical expertise includes Chiari malformations, hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, tethered cord syndrome, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, pediatric brain tumors, epilepsy surgery, Moyamoya disease, pediatric head trauma, scoliosis, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, and other complex conditions involving the pediatric brain and spine. Her adult practice is focused specifically on spinal conditions.

Dr. Johnson-Nowlin has authored peer reviewed publications, presented her research nationally, and served as clinical faculty at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, contributing to the education and mentorship of future physicians. Her commitment to medical innovation includes serving as a co-developer of the SILC Bands scoliosis correction device and developing an infant cranial remodeling device for the treatment of plagiocephaly.

She has also been recognized as the first Black female neurosurgeon in Central Florida and was named a 2025 Orlando Magazine Woman of the Year in recognition of her professional excellence, leadership, perseverance, and impact on the community.

Dr. Johnson-Nowlin believes that exceptional medical care extends beyond treating a diagnosis. She is committed to listening carefully, communicating clearly, and supporting patients and their families throughout every stage of their medical journey. Her approach combines advanced surgical expertise with compassion, empathy, and respect for the unique needs of every patient and family she serves.

Beyond her extraordinary career in medicine, Dr. Johnson-Nowlin is a devoted wife to her husband, Malcolm E. Nowlin, and a loving mother of six children. Her family remains at the center of her life and continues to inspire her commitment to compassion, service, excellence, and purpose. She considers her roles as a wife and mother among her greatest honors and accomplishments.