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
204 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
June 10, 2026 - "Dr. Chen was able to answer all my questions and let me know I was no longer under his surgery restrictions."
June 9, 2026 - "Dr. Chen listens very well and has a calm and caring demeanor."
May 27, 2026 - "We were very impressed with Dr Chen. He listened to my issue and then thought through the problem and solutions with us. He was understanding and compassionate. His demeaner is gentle and kind and both my husband and I felt good and like we had a plan of action when we left. Overall we are extremely satisfied."
May 26, 2026 - "Dr. Chen is very kind, considerate, and caring; not just about the physical well-being of a patient but their mental well-being also. I believe this played a role in his treatment decision."
May 11, 2026 - "Dr Chen was very thorough with explaining what could be the plan, risks, and next steps. He listened carefully to me and answered all of my questions."
April 29, 2026 - "Dr Chen is an amazing doctor. He showed me so much compassion [...]. He completely explained all of the treatment options that were available. I would highly recommend him. Great job! GO BLUE!"
April 27, 2026 - "Dr. Chen did a great job listening to my concerns, explained his concerns and we made a game plan."
April 16, 2026 - "Dr Chen is always compassionate, kind and understanding. He's endearing and empathetic and cares about the entire lives of his patients and their families."
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."
