Dismiss Modal

accepting new patients

Meritas Health

Locations

Meritas Health Neurosurgery

2750 Clay Edwards Dr
Ste 410
North Kansas City, MO 64116

View hours
Monday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Meritas Health Neurosurgery

About Me

Biography

Dr. Hawasli's interests outside of work include spending time with his wife and children, running, cooking, enjoying the outdoors, listening to music, and playing the guitar and piano.

Care Philosophy

My goal is to provide compassionate, effective, state-of-the-art care to all my patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Area of Interest

I provide all aspects of neurosurgical care, including surgery for brain and spinal diseases, injuries and tumors. I also have expertise in performing complex spine surgery, using a minimally invasive approach and providing enhanced recovery after surgery.

Teaching and Professional Positions

  • 2018-2020: Washington University-Barnes Jewish Hospital, Director of Enhanced Recovery After Spine Surgery Program and Neurosurgery Liaison for the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Trauma Performance Improvement Committee
  • 2017-2020: Washington University, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering, Orthopedic Surgery and Neuroscience

Professional Memberships

  • American Association of Neurological Surgery/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Spine Section
  • American Board of Neurological Surgeons
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons
  • Missouri State Medical Association

Honors, Awards etc.

  • Recognized with an 800 Award for 2025 by Reputation.com
  • 2019: Cervical Spine Research Society Seed Starter Award
  • 2019: Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation Spinal Cord Injury Fund Award
  • 2018: Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation Young Clinician Investigator Award
  • 2015: American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Disorders of the Spine Apfelbaum Award
  • 2015: Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation Resident Research Fellowship
  • 2014: Cervical Spine Research Society Resident Grant Award
  • 2014: Neurosurgery Research Symposium Best Presentation Award
  • 2013: Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology Fellowship
  • 2013: National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award
  • 2012: Robert L. Grubb Jr., MD, Neurosurgical Resident Clinical Excellence Award

Education

Medical School:
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2009)

Residency:
Washington University/ Barnes-Jewish Hospital Consortium (2010)

Residency:
Washington University School Of Medicine (2016)

Fellowship:
Washington University School Of Medicine (2017)

Board Certifications

Unknown, American Board of Neurological Surgery

Provider Ratings

4.6 out of 5

(118 ratings)

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

118 Reviews

06/05/2025

Friendly, caring staff. Highly knowledgeable physician. Highly recommended

04/18/2025

Dr Hawasli was wonderful! He was knowledgeable, answered all my questions, addressed my concerns and didn’t rush me. he made me feel comfortable and important. Highly recommend.

04/07/2025

Very friendly and helpful atmosphere. I just love Dr Hawasli

04/05/2025

He did surgery on my lower back and is now going to do surgery on my neck. I'm very happy with him. Would give him more then a five. Would recommend him to anyone who has spine problems.

03/27/2025

I recommend neurosurgeon, Dr Hawasli. I appreciate his thoroughness and professionalism.

03/10/2025

Very positive experience both with Dr. Hawasli and Nurse Practitioner.

02/25/2025

I was referred to Dr. Hawasli for a second opinion on an issue I have with my neck. My appointment with him was a great experience. He examined me thoroughly, answered all my questions, and discussed all my options with me. I never felt like he was rushing me to see his next patient, which happens sometimes with doctors. A great experience overall, and I highly recommend him.

02/20/2025

Was professional and informative. Leave having some recommendations and answers to questions.

02/20/2025

Very professional, listened carefully to my concerns,, provided clear explanations and options for my care. Very pleasant and personable, Highly Recommend

02/20/2025

Nationally recognized neurosurgeon right here in KC, great person too.

02/18/2025

Total pro. So glad he is my doctor

12/24/2024

Nurse and doctor both were very nice, and pleasant. We left with a game plan and a much better understanding of what the problem and cause were. Doctor took time for comments and questions and made certain we understood. Doctor was easy to understand and was agreeing with our decision to pursue a conservative treatment option.

12/05/2024

The office staff and Dr.Hawasli was always very nice and understanding and helpful of my needs. I would recommend anyone to this office.

11/18/2024

Great office experience on time and accommodating. Dr Hawasli was very informative and took time to examine and ask to me for my thoughts when all options were presented.

11/12/2024

Respectful, pleasant staff. The Dr was straightforward and pleasant. Would recommend.

10/31/2024

He was nice and listened to me. The staff was very polite as well. They did say the referral scheduler would call me to set up another Mri on my neck but that never happened. So I feel open ended.

10/30/2024

Dr. Hawasli is a wonderful doctor, very thorough and very compassionate. My surgery was in a very difficult place, the surgical team did a great job and now I'm in the recovery phase. I would give more stars if I could.

10/22/2024

They were all very nice and helpful. The doctor made me feel confident in what was going on in my treatment.

10/03/2024

I would definitely recommend Dr. Hawasli. He's an excellent surgeon. Thanks to him I am pain free. In six weeks I will have my life back. His staff is friendly and very caring. I can't wait to thank him when I see him. Thank you Dr. Hawasli.

09/19/2024

Dr. Hawasli was very friendly and took the time to explain everything. He showed me my MRI films which was very helpful. I felt completely comfortable with the Dr. and his nurse practitioner

09/13/2024

Depends on when or how I landed in his office? The Surgeon that told me on 7/20/3023 ? He would help? How into the grave ? Now I have tried to make an appointment here & nope ? So it’s over for me to sick & now almost completely bedridden because I fell about a month ago and have no clue what is on the CT scan but it’s not good? What would Waldo do ?

09/07/2024

Great Doctor

09/06/2024

Staff was very friendly. Dr. Hawasli was very thorough and respected my input. Besides the long wait time, it was a good experience.

09/05/2024

Everyone is so nice.

09/02/2024

Dr Hawasli was very attractive and professional! I was recommended to him by my niece. With upcoming surgery, I’m confident that I’ll be in good hands!

08/29/2024

I just had a consult. Dr. Hawasli was pleasant and knowledgeable.

08/27/2024

I have had a great experience with Dr Hawasli. He performed a full cervical fusion on me in March. I'm having an uneventful recovery and healing well. Over and above his technical expertise, he's a very kind reassuring doctor who explains everything in a way all of us can understand and ....he listens! I highly recommend him for your neurosurgical needs!

08/23/2024

Dr Hawasli and his entire staff were very professional. They were concerned about my condition and pain I was experiencing. They took the time to hear me out. I had received surgery on my back in 2017, they listened as I told how I was then before and after that procedure. That operation was a great success. I am having trouble with the area just above and after talking with staff and Dr. Hawasli they have given me peace of mind. Dr. Hawasli explained that there was 3 options I could be looking at after getting an x-ray. He went through telling how and what each procedure would consist of. I left the doctor visit with a good sense and understanding. Looking forward to next visit after the x-ray

08/22/2024

For the scariest surgery of my life, I did my research. I felt confident with him as my surgeon. I was impressed with the care he took with me the morning of and during surgery. He remembered I was concerned as to my daughter’s wedding coming up. The nurses stated the stitches were barely visible, blended into the hair perfectly. I was so impressed with his care and how he put my mind as easy, as much as he possibly could during this time. Thank you for you care

08/19/2024

Very pleasant experience, thank you,!

08/08/2024

I got in quickly but had to wait for the doctor. After my time with him, i had a long wait before getting my next appointment set up. My prescription was ready before i arrived home.

08/08/2024

Very nice staff. Dr was very informate and explained my options in detail. I would highly recommed Dr Hawasli

07/23/2024

All was very professional and caring

07/22/2024

He was very direct and willing to listen to the pain I am in. The first doctor in 7 years to offer multiple solutions to the issues I’m having and take my preference in treatment into account!

07/16/2024

Helped calm my concerns. Dr. Hawasli is the greatest.

07/10/2024

He was very pleasant and informative.

06/24/2024

This was a follow up on an existing problem. Several years ago I saw Dr Hawasli and at the time there wasn't anything he could do for me as the issue was not to the level of intervention, but directed me to another Dr who could help me. Now we are looking at the issue again and seeing if something has changed and can be done. Dr Hawasli not only remembered me but also took the time to recap my issue and address the new symptoms. Very nice and thorough in his assessment.

06/24/2024

Professional, knowledgeable, caring, EXCELLENT!!

06/20/2024

Took the time to explain results of all my tests.i didn’t feel like he was rushing me out the door so he could get to his next patient.he was very kind and patient with me and also very professional.

05/30/2024

He was great .. Told me the facts... !

05/16/2024

Very good at explaining a complicated surgery.

04/01/2024

The care & attention that he gave me before and after the surgery was outstanding.

03/04/2024

Attentive and caring. Answered all our questions and gave different surgical options for my condition. Felt comfortable with final decision..

02/05/2024

He is very nice I had X-rays done, he pointed out and explained to us what was wrong with my back.

02/05/2024

Great! Doctor Hawasli is such a great person, he listens to his patients. I know I can trust that he will not do a procedure unless it’s needed.

01/30/2024

Dr. Hawasli did spine surgery on me in 2018 and did a remarkable job. After my surgery he left St. Louis where he worked at Barnes Jewish Hospital and I had no idea where he moved too. So in Jan of 2020 I regret my back and broke all hardware ..can't hold my head up. Been trying 4 years to get fixed. By the grase of God I was watching Utube and seen him on it it and was able to get his address.in Kansas City. So I went to see him. He takes the time to listen to you and he is going to do my surgery and I couldn't be in better hands. I have faith he will do is best to fix me . I am very blessed to have found him. So stand by and I will give yous an update after the surgery

01/25/2024

Great doctor.

01/16/2024

Excellent excellent staff ,nurses and excellent Doctor very thoughtful Doctor explains everything perfectly 🙏

01/09/2024

Dr. Hawasli is the best surgeon I've ever met and I would recommend him to everyone. He helped me so much it's hard to believe, I feel better than I have in over 20 years, so Thank you!!!

01/09/2024

My appointment with Dr. Hawsli was a follow-up one that allowed us to review the test findings of my earlier NKCH ER visit. He saw me soon after I was taken into the exam room and then he reviewed the test results. We discussed them and then concluded that my affliction was an age-related one that often occurs in some people. And I happened to be one of them. Since there is no known medical cure for old-age, we agreed that I would have to deal with the consequences of my problem as a grew older. As an aside, I have mobility problems, and getting to his office was a bit difficult. The building's parking lot contained many vehicles so I had to park 150–200 feet from its entrance. Once I got inside it, I used an elevator to reach the floor that his office is on. It was down what I considered a long hallway. Once my appointment was over, I repeated the process—albeit in reverse order. I do not know if he has other patients with similar problems—and realize that large buildings contain long hallways and are located next to big parking lots—but NKCH's managerial staff might want to consider another access option for the facility's other/future patients that have similar problems. Once I entered his waiting room, I saw that his reception staff was behind plexiglas windows and outfitted in Covid masks. Since I am hard of hearing, and my hearing aids can only do so much, I found it hard to hear what they were saying. I realize that those items are intended to limit the spread of contagious diseases, but they also limit the staff-patient communication process. I do not know how the current arrangement could be improved. Other than those physical problems, I was satisfied with the rest my visit. I would recommend Dr. Hawasli to others who need his specialized skills.

01/09/2024

Other than the apathetic receptionist, Darinda, and feeling rushed through my appointment everything and everyone else was pleasant. I am hopeful that Dr.Hawasli will be able to help me.

01/04/2024

I had my first appointment with Dr Hawasli January 3rd, 2024. He went over my MRI with me and ordered more X-rays. He took the time to patiently explain what options I will have once he goes over the new x-rays. Dr Hawasli's pleasant demeanor helped calm me in a very stressful situation.

12/14/2023

Phenomenal Dr. and staff! Has given me a new lease on life!

11/30/2023

I felt that the Dr had not looked at my MRI results prior to talking with me. I think his opinion was biased based on other factors. I will follow his suggestion for further tests but will obtain a 2nd opinion.

11/21/2023

I found Dr to be very kind and caring. I feel I can trust his advice for me. He answered all my questions and I was very comfortable talking to him.

11/20/2023

First… if you are injured out of town and are referred to Dr Hawasli, you will be treated as a second class citizen as he was not the initial doctor. His office would not work me in at all and I waited 6 weeks (my bad) to be seen with a crushed vertebrae. The hospital in Branson put a temporary brace on me. When Dr Hawasli saw me, his first comment to me was “Why are you wearing that brace … it isn’t doing you any good. After three times of being treated poorly (not my opinion but that also of friends accompanying me) I found another doctor recommended and found out that a procedure that could have helped had to be done in the first 6 weeks. I now go to the KU Spine Center who has worked with me for 1 1/2 years and am now diagnosed with living with chronic pain. If you are injured, don’t wait for help!

11/16/2023

Dr Hawasli was very informative and explained very thoroughly my condition, and the seriousness of the condition, and the options I have to correct my medical condition. I felt very comfortable with the information he provided, and confident in making my next choice. Ty Dr Hawasli.

11/09/2023

Was impressed with how much he treated me with respect for my problems

10/31/2023

Appreciate the professional staff

10/24/2023

I had an overall good experience. Dr. Hawasli is very thorough, explained everything to my satisfaction and was able to alleviate my problem.

10/19/2023

Dr Hawasli has been handling my back care for almost 2 years. I am always pleased with care from the whole team. They genuinely care about their patients and take time to make sure needs are met! Highly recommend Dr Hawasli.

10/05/2023

I am positive that he is an outstanding surgeon. He told me there was nothing that he would do for my condition.

09/26/2023

Authentically kind, efficient, friendly staff from the receptionist to nurses to Dr. Hawsali to the scheduler which makes every visit comforting emotionally & physically.

09/21/2023

I didn't have to wait no longer than 10 minutes in the waiting room and the check in was fast on arrival. Dr Hawasli was very professional in doing all the assessments for my upcoming surgery. His NP came in after a minute of being in the room and performed all the computer info. I found my visit was great!

09/21/2023

Was easy to talk to. Listen to my concerns and explained in detail what was my prognosis and immediately began a plan for me. Would highly recommend.

08/31/2023

No answers. Ortho thinks its the back, neuro thinks hip so getting shuffled back and forth through system.

08/29/2023

All staff was friendly and respectful. Dr. Hawasli was thorough in his explanation and engaged me in decision making.

08/29/2023

Very positive experience from Office staff up to my meeting with Dr Hawasli. I'm confident in moving forward with my future surgery. Best, RB

08/24/2023

Dr. Hawasli was thorough, professional, and knowledgeable. He has a great bedside manner. I feel like I am on the road to recovery.

08/17/2023

Dr. Hawasli was very informative with my wife and I. He has put together a plan for me, that I understand and should help in the end.

08/15/2023

I don't agree with what I was told about my issue. I don't think any of the options I were given was good. I will never return to this practice.

08/08/2023

He listened to me, gave me the options, and understood why I was choosing the route I felt I needed.

07/27/2023

Felt that he trivialized my experience. Ignored the symptoms that I am having because they didn't correlate to the symptoms he was asking about. Never once did he measure the cyst size on any of the images, just said it didn't look like it had changed in size in the last year. Even though I have been having symptoms for almost 3 years or so. Definitely in need of a second opinion that hopefully won't waste my time or money like Dr. Hawasli did. This kind of visit is why I don't trust doctors, they don't care about their patients and it shows.

07/25/2023

Everyone is so nice.

07/13/2023

Front office clerks did their jobs well,and I appreciate that. I spend more time waiting for the doctor than discussing my specified health problems. I felt he could have spent more time with me explaining my specified problems and what he thinks about it as a specialist.

07/03/2023

Dr Hawasli cares. He is easy to talk with and he informed me on a level I could understand.

06/29/2023

Very down to earth no beating around the bush I recommend him

06/23/2023

Very detailed and kind.

06/19/2023

I am Lois Lanio, his patient!! So right off to name my husband as the patient Is disappointing! But the office experience was very good as was visiting with Dr. Hawasli. The nurse quickly put in a new prescription with my mail in pharmacy. All was very polite and very professional.

05/30/2023

Dr. Hawasli and staff did all they could to figure out why I am having trouble walking. The office staff had to first efficiently battle the insurance company for pre-authorization of a test. Although, the source of my trouble was not discovered, Dr. Hawasli did refer me to pain management and other suggestions for further treatment. I am grateful for that. I trust Dr. Hawasli and his staff since he had previously performed a successful surgery on my neck for cervical myelopathy.

05/18/2023

Fast service

05/16/2023

I only had to wait 10 min to see nurse and then 5 min later Dr came in. Explained everything very well. He was very personable and patient with me.

05/16/2023

Superior doctor in all ways

04/20/2023

If we could give more stars we would. You have to be impressed with a surgeon who looks at all aspects of your care and all solutions that don’t necessarily involve surgery. He practices conservatively but with the patient and the diagnosis at the forefront of his advice. He is genuine and authentic and speaks to us as if we were his peer. We are impressed that he is also a PhD. As if brain surgery isn’t challenging in and of itself, he continued his education. He has been the physician for two of our family members and we trust him with our lives, literally. We are incredibly lucky to have this man in the Northland - keep him here. If he moves, we’ll follow. Simply an amazing physician.

04/13/2023

I found Dr hawasli a very nice man ...very thorough asked a lot of questions and seemed very concerned about my condition ...I would recommend him to other people

04/11/2023

Very positive office visit Peggy Matthys

04/10/2023

Wonderful

04/06/2023

I arrived early was treated well and was able to see the DR early.

04/03/2023

Amazing experience, Dr. Hawasli has a great bedside manner and explained everything in great detail. I highly recommend him and his staff. His P.A. is incredible as well! Very professional and friendly.

03/03/2023

Very professional experience. Willing to answer any questions. Left no doubt as to the best solution to my issue. He was honest and forthright without seeking personal gain from my case. I highly recommend Dr. Hawasli.

02/11/2023

He showed me the results of my mri and explained everything.

02/06/2023

everything good

02/04/2023

Dr. Hawasli has exceptional bedside manner. I came to him with a diagnosis of spinal stenosis from my orthopedic doctor. Dr. Hawasli walked me through my MRI images and said I don’t need surgery at this time. He gave me physical therapy instructions and did heroic efforts to prescribe medications. I travel frequently and he quickly sent my prescription to a pharmacy out of town. His nurse and physician assistant, Danielle and Rachel, are equally exceptional and speedy to return calls.

01/25/2023

My husband has had multiple surgeries with Dr. Hawasli. He is professional, kind, informative and transparent. He took the time to explain my husband’s condition, answer any questions we had and go over all of our options. His staff is also wonderful and efficient. I would highly recommend Dr. Hawasli as a knowledgeable and trustworthy neurosurgeon.

01/13/2023

Friendly, not too long of a wait, Dr. was thorough and pleasant.

01/11/2023

Very professional and friendly

01/06/2023

I went to a few doctors about the problem I am having. Dr. Hawasli explained everything in detail with me. I finally feel like I know and what's going on and why. Thank you Dr. Hawasli

01/02/2023

Everything explained preoperative and what to expect was point on. My recovery progressed exactly as explained. Excellent Neurosurgeon.

12/30/2022

Dr. Ammar was very informative and very pleasant. I was very please.

12/23/2022

Staff was very friendly. Doctor gave me options on my problem

12/16/2022

Overall experience was very good. Visit with doctor was informative and all questions were answered.

12/09/2022

Was very understanding and informative

08/18/2022

Dr. Hawasli fixed my neck. That's all there is to it

07/28/2022

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Hawasli and the entire staff. His nurse practitioner was amazing. I feel great after surgery and could not be more grateful!!

07/12/2022

First, the doctor was terribly late to every appointment I had then blamed other patients for it. Whatever…. They ALL say that. I was treated very poorly, I suffer with widespread severe chronic pain and I expect my “healthcare professionals” to behave likewise, he and his team did not. They actually yelled at me over the phone because I complained about them over-scheduling people then they hung up on me?! Not very professional. I definitely don’t trust that. I refuse to sit and wait in a tiny closet for an hour for anyone.

07/01/2022

Dr. Hawasli did my spine surgery. He was very professional, very personal, and very caring. He took time to explain all the MRIs and X-rays. He answered all the questions my husband and I had. He explained the pre op, the surgery, and what aftercare would need to be done for the best recovery. His team was also excellent.

06/29/2022

One year and one month after surgery.All I can say is PAIN. After 3 surgeries one would think one would get it right. I am still having to use a walker to get anywhere. Not sure what Dr. Hawasli did in my back, I just know its not better. I hope there might be a chance in the future to get better. I found u don't need to be dead to be in hell. Good luck to anyone having spinal decompression surgery. Rough road

04/03/2022

My primary doctor asked me to see Dr. Hawasli after I got an MRI of my neck. Dr. Hawasli explained to me why I was falling and why my hands were numb. I had surgery with him this past winter and am now back to normal. I couldn't recommend a better doctor and would send family or friends to him in a heart beat.

01/27/2022

Dr. Hawasli guided us through non-surgical treatments and then surgical options. I ultimately needed a neck operation and recovery went smoothly. Dr. Hawasli was very thorough, careful and compassionate. My care and outcome were perfect

12/14/2021

Very knowledgeable and caring. Listens to you and takes ALL your history in consideration to find the best treatment options to treat your problems.

06/23/2021

I saw Dr. Hawasli about another herniated disc. I was having problems with severe pain, and walking. the location was L2L3. He showed me the picture of the MRI and said "Physical Therapy and drugs will not help you, when do you want to fix it?" I said I'm open tomorrow! We went to talk to the scheduler and made the appointment for surgery. I am now 6 weeks after surgery and have no pain, I can walk, no numbness or tingling and other than needing to not lift anything heavy, I have my life back. The care I received at the North KC Hospital was also outstanding, every nurse and every one I came in contact with were over the top in taking care of me after surgery. I needed to stay one night there.

04/01/2021

I was very pleased with Dr Hawasli. He did a disc decompression and cervical fusion on me last November and now I am doing great.

01/11/2021

Disappointed that I have pain I need explained and dr cancelled Sunday night when my appointment was Monday morning. This is not a place you can just call and get an appointment the same day!! Why was I not referred to another dr in the office. My exrays were done 12/28 and no follow up information has been given to me yet. No note they have even read the exrays. WTH??You did not have Covid-That’s not the reason you gave me for canceling. A family needed tending to is what you said.

08/04/2020

Dr. Hawasli outlined all my options, from most conservative to most aggressive. He reviewed all the possible outcomes and complications, making sure we understood that fixing a damaged spine is not as straightforward as fixing a support in a building. I opted for the most invasive option knowing that this gave me the greatest opportunity for the best result. I did have a complication during surgery, but Dr. Hawasli personally saw me and updated me on my progress daily, always keeping me apprised of all my options. I had to have a second procedure a week later because of a spinal fluid leak. Dr H was always fully engaged when we spoke, never forgetting details, and always making me feel empowered in my treatment options. A year ago I was using a walker or a wheelchair and felt hopeless with chronic back pain. Today I am hiking miles in the mountains with no difficulty or pain. I especially like how Dr. Hawasli explained things and made me an active partner in my own treatment.

05/13/2020

He disappeared from his practice. I was 8 months post op. I was told he was no longer with BJC. I was told I could not see another surgeon and had to get my primary involved.

02/09/2020

He is amazing. Saved my man's life. Goods communication with family. Good surgical technique. Would recommend him to everyone💕

04/13/2019

Dr. Hawasli is a good docctor

04/13/2019

Great Doctor
Show more