Dear Colleagues, Patients, and Friends, 

I am honored to serve as the inaugural Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Chicago Medicine. The University of Chicago is one of the world’s leading universities, with over 100 Nobel Prize winners and landmark advancements in all fields of medicine and science. University of Chicago Medicine has been at the center of transformative discoveries: Nuclear Medicine; Chemotherapy; CAR-T therapy; Gene Therapy for cancer; Immunology; Functional Neuroscience; Sleep Medicine; Hormone treatments for prostate cancer; Bone Marrow Transplant and countless other medical and scientific innovations.  

The Department of Neurological Surgery boasts remarkable faculty, each a leader in their specialty, with one of the highest ratios of NIH funding nationally. Our faculty have internationally-recognized expertise in vascular and endovascular neurosurgery; functional and stereotactic neurosurgery; trauma and neuro-critical care; neurosurgical oncology in the areas of brain tumors, skull base tumors, spinal and peripheral nerve tumors; complex spinal surgery including minimally invasive and robotic techniques; and pediatric neurosurgery at Comer Children’s Hospital. The University of Chicago has a rich tradition of excellence in patient care, education, and research. As a department, we are honored to contribute to this remarkable legacy. 

As neurosurgeons, our mission is to improve the lives of patients through cutting-edge care, innovation, and compassionate service. Our department is committed to advancing the field of neurosurgery by accelerating scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, and the development of new, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Under my leadership and that of our faculty, residents and allied health colleagues, the Department of Neurological Surgery will continue leading the nation in surgical outcomes, and cultivating an environment where collaboration, education, and mentorship thrive. 

Research and innovation are at the core of our mission. Our department is dedicated to advancing the understanding of complex neurological conditions and translating this knowledge into real-world, effective treatments. Through collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams with other departments and centers, our faculty are advancing the frontiers of neurosurgical care; ensuring our patients have access to the most advanced and personalized care possible; and bringing together specialists from different fields to ensure the best possible care for every patient. 

As a department, we are committed to our community: Hyde Park and the City of Chicago; the greater Chicagoland area; Illinois, Indiana, and the surrounding five-state region; and patients who seek our expertise from national and international destinations. With our nation-leading Center for Care and Discovery, and the opening of our state-of-the-art Cancer Center, we are positioned to continue delivering world-class neurosurgical care to those in need, making a direct impact on the lives of patients locally and globally. 

As we embark on this exciting journey, there will be many opportunities ahead. Together, we will build on the department's strong foundation and  advance the field of neurological surgery, making bold advancements in patient care, education, and research. 

Sincerely,