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(804) 828-9165 James H Mooney, MD
Locations
417 N. 11th Street
Richmond,
VA
23219
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9000 Stony Point Parkway
Richmond,
VA
23235
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332 N. Henry St.
Williamsburg,
VA
23185
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Education
Medical School
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Residency
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Fellowship
University of Pittsburgh
Biography
Dr. James Henry Mooney is a neurosurgeon specializing in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. He joined VCU Health in 2025 after completing a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex spine deformity surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
At VCU Health, Dr. Mooney is dedicated to building a world-class spine program that combines cutting-edge surgical innovation with compassionate, patient-centered care. He treats a wide range of spinal conditions including scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal tumors, and traumatic injuries. His expertise includes advanced minimally invasive approaches, robotic-assisted surgery, and image-guided navigation techniques to achieve safer procedures and faster recoveries.
“My focus is always on tailoring the plan to each patient’s needs and goals. I not only want to provide excellent outcomes for patients with complex spinal conditions but also to train the next generation of neurosurgeons and contribute to advancing the field through research and innovation.”
Mooney earned his undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Amherst College, where he graduated with honors and was a two-time captain and All-Region standout for the top 10 ranked men’s soccer team, appearing in the NCAA Final Four. He later earned his medical degree with multiple honors from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University before completing his neurosurgical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and fellowship training at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA.
An active researcher, Dr. Mooney has authored more than 55 peer-reviewed manuscripts and six textbook chapters, and he regularly presents at national and international meetings. His research focuses on improving spine surgery outcomes through robotics, navigation, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence. He has received national recognition, including the Charles Kuntz Scholar Award (AANS/CNS Spine Section), the McCravey Clinical Science Award (Southern Neurosurgical Society), and the Stewart B. Dunsker Award for his work in lumbar disc arthroplasty. He also serves as a reviewer for leading journals such as World Neurosurgery, Global Spine Journal, and the Journal of Spine Surgery.
But for Mooney, collaboration — with patients, physicians and provider colleagues from other disciplines — is at the heart of excellent care.
“Spine care works best as a team effort. By working closely with a multidisciplinary team, we can ensure that each patient has the safest surgery possible and the best chance to return to the activities that matter most to them.”
Outside the hospital, Dr. Mooney enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. Though his championship soccer days are behind him, he remains an avid athlete — running marathons, golfing, skiing and wakeboarding – and is also an accomplished pianist.
