Dr. William H. McAllister IV, M.D. is a highly respected board-certified neurosurgeon based in Newport News, Virginia, whose clinical expertise, technological innovation, and patient-centered care have earned him national recognition among America’s Leading Doctors 2025.
With over three decades of experience in neurosurgery and complex spine surgery, Dr. McAllister stands at the forefront of his field, blending surgical skill with a deep commitment to advancing patient outcomes. He specializes in treating conditions that range from brain tumors and trigeminal neuralgia to complex spinal deformities, using both traditional surgical techniques and cutting-edge technologies to deliver care tailored to each individual.
Early Life & Education
Dr. McAllister’s journey into medicine began with strong academic foundations. He earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where his early interests in science and patient care first took shape. He then completed his residency training in neurosurgery at Loyola University Medical Center and Cook County Hospital in Chicago, institutions known for rigorous clinical training. Additional specialized training in spinal deformity surgery at Rush St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago further sharpened his technical expertise, while neurology training at the University of California, San Francisco allowed him to develop a broader neurological perspective.
Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery since 2001, Dr. McAllister has since devoted his career to helping patients in the southeastern United States, particularly in his home region of Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Clinical Practice & Leadership
Dr. McAllister is a key figure at Riverside Hampton Roads Neurosurgical & Spine Specialists, where he not only performs complex surgeries but also serves as co-medical director of Riverside’s Radiosurgery Center. This role reflects his leadership in integrating advanced, non-invasive treatments with traditional surgical approaches.
A signature area of his work involves Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a form of targeted radiation treatment that can precisely destroy tumors and other abnormal brain tissue without the need for open surgery. According to reports, Riverside’s radiosurgery services have treated thousands of patients, especially those with metastatic brain tumors — offering renewed hope where traditional options may be limited.
Beyond radiosurgery, Dr. McAllister has helped oversee Riverside’s adoption of advanced surgical technologies — such as the O-arm 2 intraoperative CT scanner — which enables real-time imaging during procedures. Real-time imaging greatly enhances accuracy in placing spinal hardware like screws and rods, reducing risk and improving outcomes for patients undergoing complex spine surgery.
National Recognition
In 2025, Dr. McAllister was honored as one of America’s Leading Doctors by Newsweek and Statista, a distinction that highlights exceptional physicians across the United States for clinical excellence, peer recognition, and contributions to patient care. This recognition places him in an elite cohort of specialists whose work is not only technically outstanding but also transformative for the communities they serve.
He was also named to Newsweek’s 2024 list of Top 150 Spine Surgeons in the U.S., underscoring his leadership among his peers and his sustained impact in the field of spine surgery.
Philosophy & Impact
Patients and colleagues alike describe Dr. McAllister as a surgeon who values honesty, clarity, and compassion — qualities that resonate deeply amid stressful and often life-altering medical situations. Outside the operating room, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with family, reflecting a balanced life grounded in community and care.
Dr. McAllister’s story is one of dedication to advancing neurosurgical care, embracing new technology while maintaining deep respect for the timeless values of patient-centered practice. In a world of rapid medical evolution, his work stands as a testament to how technical excellence and human connection can lift the standard of care for patients facing some of the toughest neurological challenges.
