Kevin Showen Chen, MD
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About
Although he has lived in many places across the United States throughout childhood, Dr. Kevin Chen was born in the "old" Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan. Dr. Chen completed his undergraduate degree (Neuroscience and Anthropology) at Johns Hopkins University, and his medical training at Duke University. This was followed by residency (Neurosurgery) at the University of Michigan and fellowship (Stereotactic/Functional Neurosurgery) at Stanford University.
His clinical interests center on treating dysfunctional neural circuits, and using neuromodulation to help symptoms of movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, etc.). Similarly, he has interest in neuromodulation using spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of certain chronic pain syndromes (e.g., complex regional pain syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, etc.), or use of intrathecal drug delivery (e.g., spasticity). He also has expertise in the surgical treatments of epilepsy, including vagal nerve stimulators, stereoelectroencephalography, responsive neurostimulators, deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and temporal lobectomy. During fellowship training, he also received training in the use of MRI-guided focused ultrasound, an incision-less approach for the treatment of movement disorders.
Dr. Chen is an avid rock climber, and also enjoys swimming and snowboarding. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and daughter.
Areas of Practice
Expertise
Locations
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Neurosurgery Pain Clinic | Burlington Building 325 E Eisenhower Pkwy Ste 100
Floor 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-3364Get Directions -
Neurosurgery Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 2 Reception G
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5338Get Directions
Insurance Accepted
University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.
Education & Training
Medical School or Training
Residency
Fellowships
Board Certifications
Professional Organizations
Research Overview
Dr. Chen's research interest focuses on stem cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). He seeks to use iPSCs to understand the causes of neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, his research explores the potential for engineered or "corrected" iPSCs to also treat these diseases.
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Patient Ratings & Comments
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Patient Ratings
198 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
February 18, 2026 - "Dr Chen was patient, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. I felt confident in his abilities"
February 5, 2026 - "At no point did my sister, husband or I feel that Dr.Chen talked over our heads. He spent time explaining the steps in [...] process, risks/benefits, options, recovery, and what life will be like after the surgery. We three felt comfortable asking questions and offering suggestions to complications I may likely have."
January 29, 2026 - "We were so impressed with Dr. Chen. He gave me hope for [...]. I was expecting him to say that nothing more could be done for my condition. Dr. Chen answered all my questions, and was so thorough. [...]"
January 21, 2026 - "Dr Chen was amazing."
January 21, 2026 - "Dr Chen is an AWESOME doctor. He is a credit to his profession and to this hospital. Highly recommend him for any type of neurosurgery."
December 11, 2025 - "Dr. Chen is attentive to concerns and thorough in his exams."
November 26, 2025 - "Dr. Chen is very quiet and seems to allow the patient to direct the conversation. This is great as long as he shares what I need to know."
October 22, 2025 - "Dr Chen was excellent in all performance of his service."
August 13, 2025 - "Dr. Chen was very caring and listened to my concerns and symptoms."
May 20, 2025 - "Dr. Chen was very professional. Explained things thoroughly. Was kind and considerate. I felt complete confidence with him. [...]"
